Antique 1882 Kyser & Rex Cast Iron Sport Safe Bank Elephant Giraffe Dog Patented

Details

Description

Up for sale is a rare and highly collectible Antique Cast Iron "Sport" Safe Deposit Still Bank, manufactured in Frankford, … Read more Up for sale is a rare and highly collectible Antique Cast Iron "Sport" Safe Deposit Still Bank, manufactured in Frankford, PA by Kyser & Rex Co. and patented January 8, 1882.

Measuring approximately 3" H x 2.25" W x 2.25" D and weighing 9.7 oz, this miniature safe bank features stunning Victorian relief castings on all six surfaces:

Front: Marked "SPORT" above a boy training his dog near a tree, complete with keyhole.

Sides: One side depicts an elephant with a rider under palm trees; the opposite side depicts a mother and baby giraffe.

Back: Features a coin slot over a boy jumping a dog through a hoop by a doghouse.

Top & Bottom: Relief animal motifs on top; lattice fretwork with patent date "PAT. JANY 8 1882" on the underside.

Construction & Assembly: Constructed using interlocking slotted tongue-and-groove side plates stabilized by a single vertical center tension rod pinned/bolted at the top and bottom. Turning or loosening the bottom screw releases pressure on the plates, allowing the front door to open and close, but unlocking the bolt unless done carefully will cause the walls to collapse as designed.

Item Specifics
Origin: Frankford (Philadelphia), Pennsylvania, USA (Kyser & Rex Co.)

Age: Circa 1882–1890s (Patented January 8, 1882)

Material: Cast Iron (Japanned finish with original cold-painted bronze highlights)

Authenticity Assessment
This piece appears to be original Kyser & Rex manufacture from 1882. Physical examination confirms all major period-authentic markers:

Casting Quality & Seams: Fine, thin-wall American casting with tight, hand-fitted tongue-and-groove side seams typical of late 19th-century Philadelphia foundries. Modern recasts exhibit thick metal walls, grainy sand pits, and sloppy panel gaps.

Text & Lettering: Underside lettering "PAT. JANY 8 1882" and front lettering "SPORT" are sharply raised with clean edges. Re-casts feature soft, washed-out typography due to mold shrinkage.

Assembly Hardware: Correct vertical internal tension post with authentic period slotted screw head/peened rivet.

Patina & Finish: Authentic dark oxidized japanning with genuine surface iron oxidation and micro-faking of original bronze highlights in deep recesses. No synthetic black spray paint or artificial aging compounds present. See less