1065. FREEDMAN'S MECHANICAL BANK | Mfg. Jerome B. Secor, Bridgeport, CT, circa 1880, less than ten known examples still exist in what has come to be considered one of the best known historically important banks ever made. The front panel of this exceptional museum quality piece reads, Freedman's Bank," which gains its inspiration from the Freedman's Bank for newly freed slaves as established by U.S. Congress. The added detail of the seated black man able to thumb his nose and give a jeering look to all depositors when clockwork is activated is so amazing in concept, it must be seen to be fully appreciated. The provenance of this bank is just as amazing. It was discovered in a market in Mexico and sold to an antiquities dealer who was diligent enough to find distinguished collector, Andrew Emerine's wanted ad and, the rest is history and here documented with the actual letters of this banks incredible journey. Provenance: Andrew Emerine to Edwin H. Mosler Jr. to Stanley Sax to Max Berry Collections.

Minor repair to head, and redressed using original cloth material, (Exc Condition)