How can I tell if a cast iron bank is real or a reproduction?

To tell if a cast iron bank is real or a reproduction, examine the hardware used to hold it together. Original banks usually feature flathead screws, while modern reproductions tend to have Phillips-head hardware. Shop a range of expertly vetted original cast iron banks on 1stDibs.

How can you tell if wrought iron is an antique?

To tell if wrought iron is an antique, first check to see if there are any maker's marks on the piece. By researching these marks using trusted online resources, you can typically determine who produced a piece of furniture and when they were active and producing furnishings similar to yours. If the company was in business and crafting similar pieces 100 years ago or more, then the wrought iron table, chair or other item may be an antique. However, if the business opened recently or the style was offered more recently than a century ago, your item is likely not antique. If you cannot locate a maker's mark, inspect your furniture closely. Antique pieces often show signs of handcrafting, such as slight imperfections or irregularities. Also, antique wrought iron often has signs of wear, such as pitting in the metal or scratches due to age. If you're still uncertain whether your item is antique, you can ask a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer to date it. Shop an assortment of antique wrought iron furniture on 1stDibs.

Antique Iron Banks

Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Iron Banks

Materials

Iron

Double-Sided French Bank Table

$5,800

Early 20th Century Patinaed Wood Bank Desk

Located in Chicago, IL

• 96"W x 29.25"D x 57"H • Salvaged from a bank in upstate New York • Patinaed and worn wood

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Antique Iron Banks

Materials

Iron

Early 20th Century Patinaed Wood Bank Desk

$3,495

Large Bank of English Oak Drapers Drawers, c1910

Located in Downham Market, GB

A beautiful bank of early 20th century draper's drawers. A superb & highly original bank of

Category

1910s British Industrial Antique Iron Banks

Materials

Iron

Large Bank of English Oak Drapers Drawers, c1910

$5,834 / item

Bronze Cat Fireplace Set

By Harry Banks BWS

Located in Chicago, IL

This bronze cat with glass eyes was made in England with the signature of Harry Banks BWS. Numbered

Category

Early 1900s English Antique Iron Banks

Materials

Bronze, Copper, Iron

Bronze Cat Fireplace Set

$1,200

1930s Donkey Bank for Your Favorite Democrat

Located in Essex, MA

A beautifully patinated and well modeled cast iron coin bank in the form of a donkey, in all

Category

1920s American Antique Iron Banks

1930s Donkey Bank for Your Favorite Democrat

$475

Monumental Oscar B Bach Gates from Bank of NY Trust Co.

By Oscar Bruno Bach

Located in New York, NY

Monumental Oscar B Bach Gates from Bank of New York & Trust Company 48 Wall Street crafted of iron

Category

1920s American Art Deco Antique Iron Banks

Materials

Brass, Iron

Monumental Oscar B Bach Gates from Bank of NY Trust Co.

$75,000

Teddy and the Bear Cast Iron Bank, 1898

Located in Alhambra, CA

Mechanical bank featuring Teddy Roosevelt hunting bear. Fully functional cast iron collectible

Category

1890s American American Craftsman Antique Iron Banks

Materials

Iron

Teddy and the Bear Cast Iron Bank, 1898

$300

Early Cast Iron Black American Mammy Coin Bank

Located in Southampton, NY

Vintage cast iron bank in original condition and original paint. Aunt Jemima "Mammy" iconic hands

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Iron Banks

Materials

Iron

Early Cast Iron Black American Mammy Coin Bank

$525

William Tell Cast Iron Mechanical Bank, 1890s

Located in Alhambra, CA

Cast iron William Tell mechanical bank, circa 1896. Coin is shot by pressing the figure's right

Category

1890s American Victorian Antique Iron Banks

Materials

Iron

William Tell Cast Iron Mechanical Bank, 1890s

$300

Small Boston Terrier Painted Cast Iron Coin Bank

By Hubley Manufacturing Company 2

Located in Essex, MA

A small painted cast iron Boston Terrier form coin bank, in an alert stance with ears pointed up

Category

1920s American Antique Iron Banks

Materials

Iron

Small Boston Terrier Painted Cast Iron Coin Bank

$375

Painted Mechanical Cast Iron Donkey Bank

Located in North Hollywood, CA

This wonderful mechanical bank was patented in 1880 and retains beautiful original paint. One

Category

19th Century American Antique Iron Banks

Painted Mechanical Cast Iron Donkey Bank

$900

Monkey Mechanical Painted Cast Iron "Organ Bank"

By Kyser Rex Co.

Located in Chicago, IL

This is a Mechanical Bank made by Kayser & Rex. When you turn the handle bells go off, the monkey

Category

19th Century American Antique Iron Banks

Monkey Mechanical Painted Cast Iron "Organ Bank"

$550

19th Century Mechanical "Football" Bank

Located in Alhambra, CA

Late 19th century mechanical bank. Soccer player kicks the coin into the net by releasing the right

Category

1890s American Victorian Antique Iron Banks

Materials

Iron

19th Century Mechanical "Football" Bank

$300

Antique American Bull Dog Bank, Signed and Dated

Located in Bridport, CT

A very rare and fine condition bull dog bank in all original working condition. Always showcased

Category

1880s American American Classical Antique Iron Banks

Materials

Iron

Antique American Bull Dog Bank, Signed and Dated

$3,500

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Antique Iron Banks For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of antique iron banks available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, iron and paint, all antique iron banks available were constructed with great care. There are all kinds of antique iron banks available, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. There are many kinds of antique iron banks to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Folk Art, Industrial and Victorian antique iron banks are of considerable interest. There have been many well-made antique iron banks over the years, but those made by J. E. Steven's Company, J. E. Stevens Co. and Kyser Rex Co. are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Antique Iron Banks?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $950, while they’re typically $90 on the low end and $14,500 highest priced.

Questions About Antique Iron Banks

How can I tell if a cast iron bank is real or a reproduction?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To tell if a cast iron bank is real or a reproduction, examine the hardware used to hold it together. Original banks usually feature flathead screws, while modern reproductions tend to have Phillips-head hardware. Shop a range of expertly vetted original cast iron banks on 1stDibs.
How can you tell if wrought iron is an antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024
To tell if wrought iron is an antique, first check to see if there are any maker's marks on the piece. By researching these marks using trusted online resources, you can typically determine who produced a piece of furniture and when they were active and producing furnishings similar to yours. If the company was in business and crafting similar pieces 100 years ago or more, then the wrought iron table, chair or other item may be an antique. However, if the business opened recently or the style was offered more recently than a century ago, your item is likely not antique. If you cannot locate a maker's mark, inspect your furniture closely. Antique pieces often show signs of handcrafting, such as slight imperfections or irregularities. Also, antique wrought iron often has signs of wear, such as pitting in the metal or scratches due to age. If you're still uncertain whether your item is antique, you can ask a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer to date it. Shop an assortment of antique wrought iron furniture on 1stDibs.