Coins, Vintage Toys, Fine Art & More Multi Platform
Lot 464:
Description
This lot features two distinct examples of mid-century American savings banks. The first is a die-cast metal mechanical rocket bank manufactured by Astro Mfg. Inc. in East Detroit, Michigan. Known as the Strato or Guided Missile bank, this piece was designed by John Berzac and is marked as a Berzac Creation. It features a gold-toned finish, a tripod fin base with red plastic engine details, and a side-mounted spring-loaded coin launcher mechanism operated by a red push-button. Verifiable markings on the fins include Astro Mfg. Inc. U.S.A., E. Detroit – U.S. Pat. Pend. 45961, Can. Pat. 150-24482, and Rd. 1957-A Berzac Creation. The fuselage is further detailed with a small applied red and gold emblem. The second item is a square chrome-plated metal perpetual calendar bank produced for Citizens Commercial & Savings Bank. The front panel features a graphic of the bank’s historic building and manual yellow plastic dials for the month and date. The reverse is embossed with Top and Conscience Slot and includes a central keyhole.
Calendar Bank: 4 inches H x 4 inches W x 1.75 inches D
Rocket Bank: 11.75 inches H.
Both items exhibit wear consistent with age and typical use. The rocket bank displays moderate to heavy surface wear, including pitting, scratches, and loss of the gold finish. The nose cone features a circular opening at the tip. The calendar bank shows oxidation and pitting on the metal housing, and the plastic calendar dials have yellowed over time. Keys are not present for either bank. The mechanical launching action of the rocket is present and funtional.
Condition report:
Both items exhibit wear consistent with age and typical use. The rocket bank displays moderate to heavy surface wear, including pitting, scratches, and loss of the gold finish. The nose cone features a circular opening at the tip. The calendar bank shows oxidation and pitting on the metal housing, and the plastic calendar dials have yellowed over time. Keys are not present for either bank. The mechanical launching action of the rocket is present and funtional.
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