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Cast-Iron Piggy Bank Worth 4,000 Pennies

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By JAY MOORE, Tribune correspondent

Published: February 23, 2008

Please tell me about my bank, which was found in an old farmhouse about 20 years ago. It is in the shape of a building and is about 6 inches tall. It looks like some kind of cast metal, but not cast iron.

D.S.

Brooksville

This cast-iron toy still-bank was manufactured by A.C. Williams of Ravenna, Ohio, in the 1920s. Patented in 1900, it is known as the Skyscraper. It was made in three sizes; this one is midsize.

Founded in 1844, A.C. Williams made cast-iron stoves, irons, trivets and other items. It launched a toy business after its miniature salesman's samples became popular. It closed in the late 1970s.

The banks are relatively common. This one would retail for $40. To learn more, read "The Penny Bank Book: Collecting Still Banks," by Andy and Susan Moore (Schiffer Publishing, 1984, out of print).

This bank suffers from surface corrosion. I suggest that you wash it in warm soap and water using a soft sponge. After drying, apply a coat of Pledge.

I inherited my china cabinet from my grandmother and believe that it is about 80 years old. It has curved glass on three sides and painted panels. It is marked on the back "Paine Furniture Company, Boston, Mass."

D.B.

Richmond
Paine Furniture Co. of Boston is credited for being the first large-scale furniture manufacturer in the United States.

Founded in 1835 by Leonard Shearer, it catered to the emerging middle class. Paine closed about 1935.

It is a French-style vitrine, or display cabinet, manufactured during the 1920s. It was based on 18th century French furniture. Paine may have manufactured it or imported it from Europe. It would retail for $1,200.

Have a question about antiques? E-mail a complete description with a clear digital image (.jpg file) to athome@tampatrib.com. Include a name, address and daytime phone number. Regular mail can be sent with clear photographs (plain-paper prints or Polaroid

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