-Pump and Bucket- (registering) c. 1892

This whimsical cast iron mechanical bank, titled "-Pump and Bucket-" (registering), was created by an anonymous artist around 1892. The bank depicts a hand pump and bucket, with a slot on the bucket for inserting coins. The pump has a working handle, and when it is pumped, a coin falls from the bucket into the base. The bank is a charming example of the popular 19th-century genre of mechanical banks, which were often used to teach children about the importance of saving money. This particular piece, with its detailed painted finish and working mechanism, showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of the period.