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The category of mechanical banks is unique. They are one of the most outstanding products of the Industrial Revolution and are recognized as some of the most successful of the mass-produced products of the 19^th century. The earliest mechanicals were made of wood or lead; however when John Hall introduced Hall's Excelsior, a cast-iron mechanical bank; it was an immediate success. J & E. Stevens produced the bank for Hall and soon began to make their own designs. Several companies followed, most of which were already in the hardware business. They used newly developed ironmolding techniques to produce these novelty savings devices for the emerging toy market. Mechanical banks reflect the social and political attitudes of the times, racial prejudices, the excitement of the circus, and humorous every day events. Their designers made the most of simple mechanics to produce banks with captivating actions that served not only to amuse but also to promote the concept of thrift to the children.

Book of Knowledge Banks were produced by John Wright (Pennsylvania) circa 1950 until 1975. Of the thirty models they made during those years, a few continued to be made in very limited numbers until the late 1980; these they referred to as the "Medallion" series. (Today the Medallion banks command the same prices as the earlier Book of Knowledge series.) Each bank was a handcrafted, hand-painted duplicate of the original as was found in the collection of The Book of Knowledge, the first children's encyclopedia in this country. Because antique banks are often priced out of the range of many of today's collectors, these banks are being sought out as affordable substitutes for very expensive counterparts.

"The Negro In The Civil War"
A collection of woodblock engravings showing "The Negro in the Civil War". These engravings were created from sketches & drawings made by leading artists during the Civil War. This important collection chronicles the life, role & contributions the African-American played during this troubled time in American history. Most of these scenes are the only record that shows the role the Negro played in the Civil War.