MECHANICAL "JOLLY NEGRO"BANK ORIGINAL ANTIQUE Start Price USD 201.00 Current Price USD 201.00 Time Left - Bid Count 1 Buy It Now Price USD 899.00 Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, November 19, 2008 End Time Thursday, November 20, 2008 Location Christmas,Florida See more about 'MECHANICAL "JOLLY NEGRO"BANK ORIGINAL ANTIQUE ' Description Ok I  have another Vintage item on auction for ya'll to take advantage of. This is a collectible Negro mechanical bank. Original, Antique, and Vintage. FYI- I got so many emails asking about the green pait, if it was shiny or not, unfortuantely, due to great 'enhancing' techology (took pics with the sun wide open! The sun shined on the darker colors when I enhanced it, that is one the features, no, it does not have that luster, but it is still in great condition seeing that it was the original paint.  Please note this is an -ORIGINAL John Harper Cast-Iron Mechanical Negro Jolly Mechanical bank.  This was inherited through  a generation line that goes 'way back when', from Pennsylvannia all the way to Georgia, and now it made its way here. You are bidding on an ORIGINAL JOHN HARPER CAST-IRON MECHANICAL BANK. This is from the 1800's as I am sure you collector's out there know. The bottom has wear but you can still identify at least some of the inscriptions. I am not sure about all but I will give you what I can read- inscripted ' Pat no ' and then 'digits',  I cannot make out all, a month, I believe it is 'Mar.'  a 'date' too faint. Also a Year, I  know it  says 18 and then I think  17, 37 or 39 but not too sure. Please note that this is an Original and in Great condition, especially considering how old it is. There are alot of Repro ones surfacing the market. If you want an ORIGINAL collectible then you have reached your destination. I really do want this to go to a good home, someone who appreciates this rare piece, and cherishes it. I tried to clean just a little and looks totally different then before it was clean! This old mechanical bank is still  intact with no breakage and No repairs!. The mechanism works perfect. I love this black man! He has a big ol' Jolly top hat on. The color of the top hat is a burgandy(vintage)-red tone color... He has some white, green, red, and gold colors.  I cannot believe he still has his rubber stopper! ...It does have some paint knicks and regular wear,  but otherwise in major excellent condition, especially for its age. The mouth has the opening,  Ya gotta place the coin in his hand, then press the lever down on his arm, the arm goes to his mouth, then his mouth opens, the coin falls into his mouth and his eyes roll. It makes me laugh every time I do it! There is an imprint 'Jolly' on the backside. I tried to do my best with the pictures so you could get a good idea of its rarer qualities that an original has, as opposed to repros out there...You will be able to see the difference in person.      Measures 8 -1/2" Tall. The bottom measures 4-1/2" span, from one end to the other. All Cast-Iron, Very Heavy! it weighs like over 5 lbs.!   Even the buy it now price is still off.        Please see my other auctions for some rare vintage items, lots of new items, and some other wonderful finds here. I would love to combine s/h. We do lots of 1 day, 3 day, and 5 day auctions --great for the Holidays!  Super-Fast Ship!--- This is a 3 day auction with no reserve! This auction is only offered within the US.   I try my very best to describe everything as accurate as I can. I am also working hard to establish a part time or full time job by using ebay as a means of living. So again, please feel free to ask me any and all questions. I will do my very best with all honesty and effort. Thank You PLEASE READ ALL TERMS OF MY AUCTION} The terms of my auction-Paypal is the only payment that I can accept right now. Payment is due Immediately when auction ends through paypal. If your payment is not sent within 3 hours then I have to relist the item . So please do not bid if you are not a serious buyer and do not intend to buy. I depend on these auctions because they are my only financial means right now. I will hold my end up so please hold yours. I ship out within 24 hours. Most packages are sent by priority mail, if not they will be stated. I also add insurance to all packages because it just makes it easier for you and I, especially during the holiday season. I have to stress the point that I cannot mail to any unconfirmed,non-verified mailing addresses. Nor can I mail to any po,apo,fpo, no mailboxes at all. It is easy to get verified and confirmed through paypal. I strive for 5 . Customer Satisfaction is my main concern. Place a Bid!