Details
Description
This is a 19th-century cast iron "The Roller Safe" coin still bank manufactured by Kyser & Rex of Frankford (Philadelphia), …
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This is a 19th-century cast iron "The Roller Safe" coin still bank manufactured by Kyser & Rex of Frankford (Philadelphia), Pennsylvania. The bank features detailed, high-relief Victorian thematic scenes molded into each of its four side panels, celebrating the late 19th-century roller skating craze:
Front Panel: Inscribed "THE ROLLER SAFE" at the top, depicting three figures on roller skates under a hanging chandelier fixture. Features a keyhole opening and keyway.
Back Panel: Depicts a Victorian interior scene with figures in formal period attire and a central hanging gas chandelier. Features a coin slot integrated along the top roof edge seam.
Left & Right Side Panels: Intricately detailed exterior scenes showing figures roller skating along a fenced walkway lined with trees, street lamps, and architectural buildings in the background.
Top & Bottom: The top cap showcases a classic relief geometric clover/quatrefoil mesh motif. The base plate is cast with four integral corner feet, a bottom locking mechanism, and raised cast-in lettering that reads "PAT. JAN'Y. 8. 82" (referencing the January 8, 1882 patent date).
This piece exhibits exceptional, crisp casting detail with sharp relief lines and superior cold-painted/japanned gold finish retention highlights across all four relief panels.
Historical Provenance & Design Significance: Manufactured during the height of the Gilded Age by Kyser & Rex in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, "The Roller Safe" captures a distinct moment in American pop culture history: the 1880s roller skating craze. Unlike standard architectural or geometric safe banks of the period, this model features narrative relief panels showing men, women, and children enjoying the pastime under ornate gaslight chandeliers and outdoor park settings.
Curator’s Note: With its crisp narrative relief, dark iron ground, and warm gilt highlights, this piece serves as a striking sculptural accent on a library desk, mantelpiece, or shelf arrangement. Its balance of Victorian industrial design and whimsical social history makes it a compelling crossover object for collectors of folk art, Americana, and high-end antique decor.
Origin
Manufacturer: Kyser & Rex Co.
Location: Frankford (Philadelphia), Pennsylvania, USA
Age
Patent Date: January 8, 1882
Era: Circa 1882–1890s (Victorian / Gilded Age)
Material
Heavy Cast Iron
Dimensions & Weight
Dimensions: Approx. 3.75″ H × 2.8″ W × 2.8″ D
Weight: 15.5 oz (approx. 0.97 lbs)
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- Dimensions
- 2.8ʺW × 2.8ʺD × 3.75ʺH
- Styles
- Early American
- Folk Art
- Period
- Late 19th Century
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Cast Iron
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Brown
- Condition Notes
- Condition Report Overall: Very Good to Fine Antique Condition. Paint/Finish: Outstanding original gold wash / gilt paint retention over dark … moreCondition Report Overall: Very Good to Fine Antique Condition. Paint/Finish: Outstanding original gold wash / gilt paint retention over dark iron ground, far superior to typical surviving specimens. Light, age-appropriate micro-flaking, mild oxidation, and surface handling wear consistent with age and gentle handling. Structure: Sound cast iron panels, sharp relief, no cracks, breaks, or repairs. Original bottom key-lock turnplate intact (key not included). less
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