Lot # 2 - Antique Cast Iron William Tell Mechanical Bank from 1896

Opening Bid : $ 10.00
Pickup Instructions:
Start Date/Time: 19-May-2025 7:00:00 AM
End Date/Time: 28-May-2025 7:01:00 PM
Current bid:

$53.00

Highest bidder:

PeachyKeen

This sale will end in:
Bid for this item !

Description :

The William Tell cast iron mechanical bank was  patented on June 23, 1896 by Russel Frisbie and manufactured by J & E Stevens in Cromwell, CT.  It depicts the legendary Swiss hero William Tell shooting an apple off his son's head. 

The bank operates by placing a coin on the rifle barrel, and when pressing the right foot the rifle shoots the coin into the castle and knocks the apple off the boy's head. 

  • The bank is made of cast iron and portrays William Tell with a rifle instead of a crossbow, a deviation from the traditional legend. 
  • Original, working models are highly sought after by collectors. This bank appears to be an original (not reproduction).
  • The design patent was assigned to J. and E. Stevens. Bottom of bank is marked with "Patented June 23 1896"
  • The spring on the crossbow is working and does retract and fire.
  • The boy with the apple on his head does function and when a coin hits the apple the apple does retract and the boys hand rises.



Dimensions : 10 in L x 3.5 in W x 6.5 in H

Auction History

Highest bidder is PeachyKeen

Date Bid User
28-May-2025 3:08:51 PM $53.00 PeachyKeen
28-May-2025 3:08:51 PM $52.00 magnolia
28-May-2025 3:08:23 PM $50.00 PeachyKeen
28-May-2025 3:08:23 PM $49.00 magnolia
28-May-2025 2:54:41 PM $27.00 PeachyKeen
28-May-2025 2:54:28 PM $26.00 magnolia
28-May-2025 2:54:28 PM $25.00 PeachyKeen
28-May-2025 2:52:43 PM $21.00 magnolia
28-May-2025 2:50:01 PM $16.00 PeachyKeen
28-May-2025 2:49:54 PM $15.00 magnolia
28-May-2025 2:49:54 PM $15.00 PeachyKeen
28-May-2025 2:49:48 PM $13.00 magnolia
28-May-2025 2:49:48 PM $12.00 PeachyKeen
28-May-2025 2:48:00 PM $11.00 magnolia
28-May-2025 11:54:40 AM $10.00 PeachyKeen

PAYMENT DETAILS

Placing a bid is an agreement to purchase. If you win, you must pick up your item(s). If you default on your purchase, your bidding privileges will be revoked permanently. Do not bid if you do not plan to purchase. If you bid, you MUST be available/arrange for pick-up of purchases on the pick-up date unless you have made prior shipping arrangements. Bring necessary tools and help for picking up large items. Loading assistance is NOT available. Some items may be located on a 2nd floor or in an out building.

Invoices are emailed to winning bidders once the sale has completely closed.Full payment must be made by 8:00 p.m. the day after auction closes. If total payment is not received before the pick-up date & time, items will be forfeited, and bidding privileges revoked.

Pick-up information will be on the invoice e-mailed after the auction closes.All items not picked up during the designated times will be considered abandoned and may be donated or resold. When possible, and at our sole discretion, an alternate pick-up time may be arranged. If this is possible, an appropriate fee will be charged. 

A Buyer's Premium and Sales Tax are added to the winning bid amount when invoiced. Sales tax is waived for licensed re-sellers.

We make every effort to describe lot items as accurately as possible. Expect normal signs of wear associated with antiques, vintage, and used items. We do not list every flaw. All items are sold AS IS WHERE IS. No refunds or returns. Rainier New Era does not guarantee the working order of any clock, watch, electronic or mechanical device. Dimensions given may be approximate.

© 2025 Soundview Software Inc. All rights reserved