A. C. Williams Bison Bank #1 from the collection of Kimray Visual Arts Collection

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A. C. Williams Bison Bank #1, Circa 1920-1938

Cast Iron

This cast iron buffalo bank was manufactured by the A.C. Williams Company of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, one of America's premier producers of cast iron toys and banks during the early 20th century. Founded in 1886 by Adam Clark Williams, the company originally produced industrial cast iron parts before becoming renowned for their high-quality toy castings from the 1890s through the 1930s. A.C. Williams ceased toy production in 1938.

The buffalo was among A.C. Williams' popular animal bank designs, primarily produced during the 1920s-1930s when such penny banks were sold for just a few cents as children's savings toys. This example features the characteristic textured fur detailing that distinguished A.C. Williams' craftsmanship. The bank measures approximately 3-4 inches in length and was cast in two halves joined by a screw, allowing coin retrieval without a separate trap door. The coin slot is located on the back.

Particularly notable is this bank's original bright red paint finish, a far less common color variant than the typical natural iron, bronze, or gold finishes of the period. The red coloring may represent a special retailer order or regional variant.

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Additional Details

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