Still Banks come in many shapes and sizes. The subject, form, manufacturer, and material are some of the many categories people may use to organize their collection. Cast Iron, Ceramic, Glass or Celluloid are the main material types. The style, subject and type of still banks that people collect is endless. Below are some of the more popular bank type categories that collectors may specialize in.
Animal Banks
In addition to being found on the shelves of bank collectors, Animal Banks are coveted by those who may focus their entire collection on a particular animal, regardless of whether it is a paperweight, figurine or bank. Cats, Dogs, Elephants and Pigs are some of the more populator sub-categories.
Building Banks
Banks modeled after actual buildings are very popular and are usually found in metal. Manufacturers include A.C Rehberger, Banthrico and most of the cast iron toy manufacturers. This category of still banks overlaps with Souvenir Building Collectors Society (SBCS).
Safe Banks
Cast iron safe banks are found in a variety of sizes, colors, and finishes, and were produced from 1865 until World War II. Due to their numerous parts, coupled with the locking mechanism, they have not been reproduced. While the most common material is cast iron they are also found in ceramic, glass and lithographed tin.
Figure Banks
Made as full figures in the round, busts, or heads they are found in metal, ceramic and plastic. These include historical figures, comic characters, and sports figures.
Registering Banks
As you insert specific coins an internal dial advances the day or a mechanical counter tracks and displays the total amount. While some people may consider these “mechanical” banks, but they have never really been embraced by Mechanical Bank collectors. Be it a small square Popeye dime registering bank, or a cast iron registering trunk, many Still Bank collectors have at least one example of this style bank on their shelves.
Pocket Banks
Dating to the 1920s and 30s the majority of these small “pocket sized” banks were provided by savings institutions to potential customers to save change for starting an account. Other institutions include churches and charitable organizations. Those made to advertise a particular product or with a political theme are very desirable.
Book Banks
Similar to Pocket Banks, banks shaped like books were popular starting in the 1920s up to World War II. They were provided by savings institutions and manufacturers for potential customers to save change for starting an account or to purchase a specific product. They were also made as souvenirs for the 1933 &1939 World Fairs and expositions .
