Custom Search

Monday, January 02, 2012

JOLLY NIGGER BANK

Wondering if you might be able to help me identify a bank I found in Mumbai India? It's cast aluminum and I've looked at tons of images but can't find another exactly like it- a few similar ones but this has been a real mystery to me.

It is of my opinion that this is a recast of the original Jolly Nigger Bank by John Harper & Co, possibly made in India, which has been known for making copies of old artifacts. There are several indications. Old cast banks are smooth to the touch. This particular bank has a rough looking appearance. The coloring is wrong. To my knowledge, all Jolly Nigger Banks of this variety were red. Seams on old banks are very tight where the 2 castings join together. The pictures appear to show some gaps in the seams. The bottom plate is wrong. If there are any markings on the inside, let me know.

0 comments: