-William Tell- mechanical bank c. 1896

This cast iron mechanical bank, created by Russell A. Frisbie around 1896, depicts the legendary Swiss folk hero William Tell. The bank features Tell aiming his crossbow at an apple perched on the head of his son, a scene from the popular legend. As a coin is inserted into the bank, Tell releases the arrow, making the apple fall down, and the coin disappears inside the bank. This whimsical toy, now part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art collection, was popular with children and served as a charming way to encourage saving. The bank's intricate details and colorful paint scheme add to its appeal, making it a delightful example of American folk art and mechanical bank design.