Mechanical Bank “Fishing Bears” Battery Operated with Original Box, circa 1950s

It operates as follows:
Place a penny in the slot in front of bank; it stays there until the action is over; the “poppa” bear raises his fishing pole with a fish attached to the end of the line and rotates it over to the baby bear’s pail. The “Momma” bear raises her pail up and down while the baby bear claps his hand. This goes on for four times. At the conclusion of the action, the penny automatically drops into the bank (Please see the 40 second video of the action which accompanies the listing).

Nicely lithographed all around with bright and crisp colors (see images), this amazing bank was made in Japan in the early 1950’s by the “Wonderful Toy Company” (see image for logo “mark” on rear panel). It measures 71/8″ square x 7″ high. The box measures 7 1/2″ x 7 1/2″ x 7″.

The condition of this bank/toy is near mint and completely original with absolutely no repairs, no restoration, and no repaint or touch-up of any kind!
There is an ever so slight “separation” at the front left corner (see images), but it is hardly noticeable, and was probably like that from the manufacturer.

Provenance: This bank is from my own collection and I have owned it for over 40 years having acquired it from the estate of the renowned 1930’s to 1960’s toy and mechanical bank collection of Ferdinand Weider.

I am a leading specialist in the field of mechanical coin banks, having been buying, selling, and examining these fine objects for 40 years. This experience makes me well qualified to analyze, evaluate, and guarantee the authenticity of original examples.

*Note: Please see and inquire about other mechanical banks I have listed for sale.

it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin toys that I have listed for sale; it would create an immediate quality collection, as most of these toys came, either from a long time premium California collection or from my own shelves. It would take quite some time and effort to accumulate toys this clean, authentic, original, operable and in excellent condition.

See my other listings of vintage toys.