Original Squirrel and Tree Stump Mechanical Bank

Circa 1881: Designed by Robert E. Turnbull and manufactured by Mechanical Novelty Works in New Britain, Connecticut, the elusive Squirrel and Tree Stump mechanical bank features the bucolic scene of a squirrel sitting on a tree stump's root and feeding on an acorn. To operate the bank, one sets a coin on the acorn and presses the button. The squirrel tips forward and drops the penny on the stump, where it slides into the coin slot to be saved for a rainy day. This interesting and unusual mechanical bank survives in terrific condition, retaining over 90% percent of its original paint with no touch ups and having no chips, cracks, or repairs.