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Wonderful and rare, original 1880’s Cast Iron Mechanical Bank by Kyser & Rex titled the \"Lion and Two Monkeys\" with original surface paint. This is the tall tree version of this popular mechanical bank. This original Cast Iron Mechanical Bank measures approx. 9\" tall (to the top of the monkey\'s head) and 9\" by 3 1/2\" at the base. Known to collectors as the \"Lion and Two Monkeys, Tall Tree Version\" it was patented in 1883 by L. Kyser & A.C. Rex and manufactured by Kyser & Rex for a number of years thereafter.
The Lion And Two Monkeys was designed and patented by Louis Kyser and Alfred C. Rex of Philadelphia, Pa., July 17, 1883, and made by their company, Kyser & Rex, of the same city. The bank as produced closely follows the patent drawings, both as to configuration and operation. The patent text well covers the actual production bank. The double-peanut shaped section on the tree identifies it as the \"tall tree\" version. To operate the bank, a coin was placed in the right hand of the front monkey. On depressing the operating lever, the hand and arm of the monkey lowers, dropping the coin toward the lion whose mouth opens to receive it. As this action takes place, the baby monkey moves upward and forward on the other monkey’s back and looks down at the lion. Very clever action, and on releasing the lever all parts return automatically to position as shown in the photo. Griffith states \"And, by the way, watch that rear monkey — the bottom is missing the lock and trap cover.
The Bank is very finely cast and retains a significant amount of its original surface paint.
This wonderful, original \"Lion and Two Monkeys” Mechanical Bank is in good to very good condition with no cracks, chips, breaks, repairs or damage of any kind. The Bank retains approx 75% of its original surface The mechanism is in very good working condition.
A wonderful and highly collectible, 1880’s Kyser & Rex \"Lion and Two Monkeys” Tall Tree, Cast Iron Mechanical Bank and a fantastic addition to any collection!!!
