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Identification

Cast Iron Scottish Terrier Still Bank

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

Visual evidence confirms this is a still bank via the top coin slot and two-piece hollow cast iron construction, despite the seller's primary description as a doorstop (though heavy banks were often repurposed as such).

Story

Scottish Terriers experienced a massive surge in cultural popularity during the 1930s, famously associated with figures like FDR and his dog, Fala. Major American foundries such as Hubley and A. C. Williams capitalized on this trend by producing thousands of cast iron banks and doorstops. Without a specific foundry mark, this piece is attributed generally to American foundries of the mid-20th century.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

The piece displays genuine age with expected oxidation and wear, particularly visible around the paw bases and edges. The two-piece hollow construction remains intact and is secured by what appears to be an original flathead screw.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

Cast iron still banks maintain a dedicated collector base, with figural dogs—especially Scottish Terriers from the 1930s—benefiting from crossover appeal among both bank collectors and dog breed enthusiasts. The market is currently stable, though highly stratified based on condition; collectors place a significant premium on untouched original paint and crisp casting details, while repainted or heavily rusted examples move slowly at lower price points.

Value Drivers

▲ Classic 1930s Scottish Terrier form appeals to multiple collector demographics (banks, dog breeds, cast iron).

▲ Intact two-piece hollow construction with original screw confirms period manufacturing techniques.

▲ Visible wear and oxidation on the base provide strong visual evidence of authentic age.

Concerns

▼ Unverified dimensions — smaller variants or non-standard sizes can indicate later reproductions or less desirable models.

▼ Unverified maker's mark — absence of a confirmed Hubley or A. C. Williams attribution limits the premium collector upside.

▼ Paint originality unknown — if the black finish is a later repaint rather than original, the value drops toward the auction floor.

Best Venue

List on a specialized antique marketplace like Ruby Lane or eBay's vintage toys category. Price at $150 with offers accepted to target the mid-to-high retail range.

Upside Potential

If the bank can be safely opened to reveal a specific foundry mark (such as Hubley) and the paint is verified as 100% original under blacklight, the range shifts upward toward the $200-$275 tier seen in high-end antique retail settings.

Authenticity Risk

medium

Cast iron banks and doorstops are heavily reproduced, often using original pieces as molds (resulting in slightly smaller, less detailed copies with rougher seams). While the wear and oxidation on this piece look genuinely aged and consistent with mid-20th-century production, the lack of exact measurements or a view of the interior casting quality leaves a moderate risk of it being a well-aged later cast.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 1 comp

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • eBay
    Vintage Hubley Black Cast Iron Scottish Terrier Dog Still Bank 1930's
    Link could not be verified.
    $51