Pristine William Tell Cast Iron Mechanical Bank

Circa 1896: Designed by Russell Frisbie and manufactured by Cromwell, Connecticut's J. & E. Stevens Company, the William Tell is one of the most popular mechanical banks ever produced. Althouh one can find The William Tell bank fairly often, it is incredibly difficult to find examples, like this one, that retain 90-95 of their original paint. This bright and pristine bank features the figure of William Tell pointing his rifle at an apple on the head of his young son who stands in front of a castle tower. To operate, cock the launcher and place a coin in front of it. This "loading" of the mechanism also causes William Tell's head to lower into a position that makes it appear he is taking aim at the apple. The boy’s right arm is pulled down, bringing the apple to the top of his head. When the operator presses William Tell's right foot, the gun fires, and the coin shoots forward, knocking the apple from the boy’s head as he raises his right arm. The coin is deposited inside the castle tower, ringing a bell, and William Tell's head falls backwards in relief. This is a complex and emotive bank in superb condition with great action and no chips, cracks, or repairs.