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Boss Tweed: Tammany Still Bank....
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Sold on Nov 8, 2014 for:
$8,750.00
Bid Source: Live: Phone bidder
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Description
Boss Tweed: Tammany Still Bank. Circa 1873 cast iron still bank. It depicts the most corrupt politician in American history, William "Boss" Tweed, king of New York City's Tammany Hall. Titled "Savings Bank", the rotund politician appears on the front while the head of a tiger (the Tammany Hall symbol) appears on the back side. It retains perhaps 80% of its original silver finish. Tweed's dealings were exposed through the efforts of America's greatest cartoonist, Thomas Nast. Despite efforts to bribe his way out of trouble, those "damned cartoons" brought about his arrest and conviction in 1873. He spent a year in jail, faced a civil suit by New York to recover the millions he plundered, but escaped to Spain, only to be recognized and extradited to the U.S. where he returned to jail and died in 1878. It is estimated that only five of these banks exist. An example lacking any of its original finish recently auctioned for a substantial amount. Whether you are a bank collector or a political collector, this is a great piece. We attribute its rarity to the fact that banks were generally made for children, in an effort to encourage hard work, honesty and thrift. Using Boss Tweed as a role model somehow worked against this. Adults no doubt saw the irony and may have kept the bank for personal use figuring, "If you have to steal, steal big!"Auction Info
2014 November 8 Americana & Political Signature Auction - Dallas #6126 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
November, 2014
8th
Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 3
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,947
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