Reproduction Bank

Q How do you tell a reproduction from the original when it comes to a bank? I have a Jonah and the Whale cast iron bank. It says ”Shepard Hardware Co., 1890” on the bottom.

A The Jonah and the Whale mechanical bank was made by Shepard Hardware Co. of Buffalo, New York. The patent for the design was issued in 1890. Reproduction banks are usually slightly smaller than the originals. Check any iron that has lost its paint. Old cast iron is darker than new cast iron. If you see any rust, it’s new cast iron. Paint on an older bank should show some wear. If the paint on your bank is too bright to be old it probably is a reproduction. An old, authentic Jonah and the Whale bank sold at auction for $1,650 in 2016. Reproductions sell for $50 to $75.