Toy Wagon Bank Appraisal

Cast Iron Horse-Drawn U.S. Mail Wagon Still Bank

This is a vintage multi-piece cast iron still bank featuring a horse-drawn United States Mail wagon. The item is constructed from heavy-duty cast iron with various components joined by metal pins and screws. The wagon body is painted in a vibrant forest green with the embossed lettering 'U.S. MAIL' and decorative scrollwork highlighted in gold paint. The roof of the wagon includes a narrow coin slot for use as a thrift bank. The attached horse is cast in a reddish-brown color, depicted in a walking pose with molded harness details. The wagon features four black-painted spoked wheels—two larger rear wheels and two smaller front wheels—all of which are functional. Regarding condition, the piece shows significant evidence of age-related wear including numerous chips to the paint, surface oxidation, and areas of lost finish on the wheels and undercarriage. There is a notable patina consistent with mid-20th-century toy manufacturing. While it lacks a visible manufacturer's mark in the photo, it is reflective of styles produced by companies like Kenton Hardware or Hubley during the early to mid-1900s, though it may also be a later high-quality reproduction. The craftsmanship is characterized by rough-beaded seams and heavy casting typical of sand-mold production methods.