Antique 'Royal Bank' Cast Iron Still Bank

This is an antique cast iron still bank, designed to resemble a miniature building or vault. The primary material is cast iron, exhibiting a dark, almost bronze-like brown color with lighter, possibly aged, brassy or coppery tones on raised edges and decorative elements, indicating a distressed or aged finish. The front face of the bank features the prominent embossed text 'ROYAL' at the top and 'BANK' at the bottom, separated by a large, five-pointed star in the center. Below the word 'BANK', there's a keyhole, suggesting it is a lockable bank, and indeed a small, old-fashioned metal key is visible tied to the bank with a piece of light-colored string. To the right of the keyhole, there are three small, circular embossed elements. The overall construction appears sturdy, typical of cast iron banks from the late 19th to early 20th century. The sides of the bank are textured to mimic brickwork, adding to its architectural aesthetic. The bottom edges feature a decorative, scalloped or beaded border. The condition shows visible signs of age and wear, including surface rust, chips, or abrasions to the paint/finish, and a general patina consistent with an item of its age. There are no obvious repairs visible, and the key appears to be original or at least period-appropriate. This type of bank was popular children's toy and household item, encouraging saving. Its design reflects the industrial aesthetics and common motifs of its era, likely dating from the turn of the 20th century.