Pair Cast Iron Mechanical Banks

This lot features two mechanical coin banks constructed from painted cast iron. The first bank depicts Uncle Sam in traditional attire, standing upon a rectangular pedestal base decorated with a raised eagle and banner. The figure is shown wearing a grey top hat with a gold star, a black frock coat, and red and white striped trousers. The mechanical action is triggered by a lever located behind the figure's umbrella, which moves the beard and arm to deposit a coin into the satchel. The base features raised lettering on the front reading UNCLE SAM and on the side reading BANK. The underside is secured with a Phillips head screw and contains a black rubber stopper. The second bank, known as Paddy and the Pig, features a seated figure in a dark coat, orange breeches, and a grey hat adorned with a green shamrock. The figure holds a white pig between his knees. The mechanical action involves the pig and the figure's mouth. A cast-in mark on the underside of the base plate reads CLASSIC IRON in raised block letters. The base plate is secured with screws and includes a black plastic coin stopper. Both pieces are modern mechanical reproductions of nineteenth-century designs.