-Mason Bank- mechanical bank c. 1887

"Mason Bank" is a cast iron mechanical bank created by Charles G. Shepard in 1887. It depicts a mason laying bricks and a man in a bank teller's uniform accepting a coin. When a coin is placed in the mason's hand, he swings his hammer and the coin drops into the bank teller's hand. The bank is an example of American folk art, showcasing the ingenuity of early American toy makers and capturing the everyday lives of working people. This charming and intricate bank is a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of the time.