Antique Ac Williams Cast Iron Tank Bank Usa 1918 Wwi Still Penny Bank Gold Paint

Details

Description

Up for sale is an authentic, original WWI-era cast iron "Tank Bank U.S.A. 1918" still penny bank made by the … Read more Up for sale is an authentic, original WWI-era cast iron "Tank Bank U.S.A. 1918" still penny bank made by the A.C. Williams Company of Ravenna, Ohio. Designed by Nelson T. Hasenplug around 1918, this iconic military collectible features detailed tread relief, side sponsons with gun barrels, embossed rivets, and the raised lettering "TANK BANK U.S.A. 1918" on the turret sides.

Manufacturer: A.C. Williams Co., Ravenna, Ohio

Origin: USA

Age / Circa: 1918–1920

Material: Heavy Cast Iron (Grey Iron)

Finish: Original Cold-Painted Gold/Gilt Finish

Dimensions: Approx. 4" L x 2.375" W x 2.5" H

Weight: 11.8 oz (334 g)

Authenticity Assessment: This piece exhibits all classic hallmarks of original A.C. Williams iron casting: tight, hand-finished seam lines with internal alignment lugs, crisp rivet detailing, correct 2-piece split mold construction secured by a period single slot-head iron machine screw, and smooth interior cavity walls free of modern resin flux or oversized flashings. The cold-applied gold paint shows authentic micro-crazing and edge wear down to the bare dark grey iron substrate rather than modern spray coat layering.

Reference
Book Title: The Penny Bank Book: Collecting Still Banks
Authors: Andy and Susan Moore
Page / Reference No.: Page 129, Catalog Item #1437

Historical & Design Significance: Designed during the height of World War I home-front patriotism, this 1918 cast iron still bank by A.C. Williams captures the early industrial aesthetic of armored warfare. Its riveted texture, heavy sculptural presence, and historic gilt patina make it an exceptional decorative crossover object between early American Folk Americana and classic industrial military design.

Curator’s Note: An outstanding piece of early 20th-century Americana. Display this WWI-era cast iron tank bank on a library desk, bookshelf, or curated cabinet of curiosities to add textural warmth and historic gravitas to masculine or traditional interior schemes. See less