Rare Original Reclining Chinaman Mechanical Bank 1882 J&E Stevens.The bank is damaged and is missing part of it. The bank was found in Deadwood South Dakota in 1982 during construction on Main St. There are many copies of this bank but this one is an original 1800's example.Rare “Reclining Chinaman” mechanical cast iron bank, manufactured by J&E Stevens.The bank was designed by James H. Bowen — whose designs are called “ingeniously animated” by Norman’s Bank Book — and covered under an 1882 patent (he designed four banks in the 1880s covered under the same patent).Part of the bank is missing but if it were complete it would function so....To operate this bank, you place a coin next to the man’s right leg (it stays in place). When you press the lever at the end of the log (behind the man), he simultaneously flips his cards over to reveal four aces in one hand, and draws his other hand to his chin. The coin unceremoniously drops into the slot. Measurements: 8-1/4in long, 4-1/2in. Some of these mechanical banks in good condition sell for $4000 and higher.

Rare Mechanical Bank but Poor condition missing part of the figure