Made as toy savings banks, souvenirs, or advertising premiums, cast-iron
safe banks are found in a variety of sizes, colors, and finishes and
were produced from approximately 1870 until World War II. Due to their
numerous parts, coupled with the locking mechanism, they have not been
reproduced. This book is the most complete listing of iron safe banks
known to date and includes a broad range of additional information,
taken directly from primary reference resources, to engage both the
casual reader and serious collector. There are nearly 500 unique casting
variations identified with multiple colors and finishes represented.
This catalog is augmented with chapters that include more than 20
company profiles, 175 pages reproduced from original manufacturer
catalogs, over 60 ads from period mail order catalogs, and nearly 40
related US patents, as well as trade cards, postcards, calendars,
posters, and other ephemera related to safe banks and the companies that
made them.