Seated Child with Oversized Hat on a Treasure Chest Bank
Decorative art; functional metalwork (Still bank/Coin bank) • Likely American or European manufacture (possible makers include J. & E. Stevens, Hubley, or A.C. Williams, though often produced by unbranded commercial foundries)
Style & Movement
Antiquarian / Genre Figurine; typical of turn-of-the-century Americana or European novelty decorative arts
Medium & Technique
Cast metal, likely spelter (zinc alloy) or cast iron, with a copper or bronze-toned cold-painted wash/plating. The technique involves sand casting or die-casting with a secondary chemical patination process.
Creation Period
Circa 1900–1930 (Late Victorian to Early Art Deco period)
Dimensions & Format
Small-scale figurine; estimated 5 to 7 inches in height. Vertical (portrait) orientation.
Subject Description
A whimsical figure of a child wearing a large, possibly nautical or swashbuckler-style hat and a hooded garment, seated atop a treasure chest. The chest serves as the reservoir for coins, featuring a prominent mechanical or coin-insertion slot behind the figure.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. Shows authentic signs of age and wear consistent with its use as a household object.
Estimated Market Value
$45 - $125 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely a mass-produced consumer object purchased as a souvenir, gift, or household bank. Visible wear suggests it was handled frequently over several decades.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the 'Golden Age' of mechanical and still banks. These objects reflect the socio-cultural emphasis on thrift and savings taught to children during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'coin slot' integrated into the lid of the chest; stylized 'hoodie' or capelet on the figure; recessed paneling on the treasure chest base indicating a mold for mass production.
Condition Issues
Significant wear to the copper/bronze plating on high-relief areas (shoulders, hat edges); slight oxidation and pitting on the base (chest); buildup of dust and potentially minor corrosion in the coin slot.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid abrasive metal polishes which would strip the remaining original tinted wash. Maintain in a low-humidity environment to prevent further oxidation.