For your consideration is an exquisite “Indian and Bear” mechanical bank by J.&E. Stevens which was patented on Feb. 2, 1875, by J. & E. Stevens. This piece depicts a Western Indian Shooting a Bear and is often referred to as the "Bear Hunt” Bank. All the mechanical functions and pieces are operating and accounted for which is truly enjoyable due to the ability to launch coins into the bears chest which also causes the mouth to open. This piece has original coloring and originates from The Book of Knowledge which was an early encyclopedia founded by a scholastic corporation. The first tales from this company were renditions of stories from the wild west which started 1888. This cast iron piece measures 10” long by 2 ¾” wide by 7 ½” tall.