Overview
Identified as a cast iron still bank featuring a 'Mammy' figure, typical of early to mid-20th-century Black Americana collectibles. The piece features standard two-part cast iron construction with a single joining screw.
Identification
Cast Iron 'Mammy' Figure Still Bank
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Story
Originally produced in the early 20th century by foundries such as A. C. Williams, this specific 'Mammy' form became one of the most heavily reproduced cast iron banks from the 1950s onward. The piece reflects Black Americana, a collecting category that carries significant historical and cultural weight, though modern reproductions lack the historical provenance of the originals. The market for Black Americana cast iron banks is heavily saturated with mid-to-late 20th-century reproductions.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
The bank appears structurally intact with its original joining screw present. The paint is thick and vibrant, which, combined with the rough, pitted casting and wide seams, is typical of later reproductions rather than the smooth, finely detailed finishes of early originals.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The market for Black Americana cast iron banks is heavily saturated with mid-to-late 20th-century reproductions. While genuine early 20th-century examples by makers like A. C. Williams still command strong collector interest and premiums, the ubiquitous reproductions trade strictly as decorative objects. Demand for these later castings is soft, with most clearing under $50 at auction.
Value Drivers
▲ Intact two-part construction with original joining screw present.
▲ Vibrant, intact paint application provides strong shelf appeal for decorative buyers.
▲ Recent auction results confirm a reliable $15-$40 floor for modern cast iron copies.
Concerns
▼ Visible casting roughness and wide seams strongly indicate a later reproduction, capping value.
▼ Unverified exact height — missing dimensions prevent definitive comparison against known A. C. Williams originals.
Best Venue
List as a decorative vintage cast iron bank on a broad marketplace like eBay or Etsy with a fixed asking price of $45-$55, or bundle with other vintage decor for a local estate auction. Do not market as an early 20th-century original unless exact measurements and casting details can be authenticated.
Upside Potential
If the bank measures exactly to known A. C. Williams specifications (typically around 5. 25 to 6 inches depending on the specific mold) and the casting is verified as an early original rather than a later reproduction, the value range shifts significantly to the $150-$200 collector tier.
Authenticity Risk
highCast iron banks, particularly Black Americana figures, are among the most heavily reproduced antique toys. The visible rough, pitted casting, wide seams, and thick paint application on this piece are classic indicators of a mid-to-late 20th-century reproduction cast from an original, rather than a genuine early 20th-century foundry piece.
▾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.
Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 1 comp
- ProxibidPair of Cast Iron Banks Blue Mammy and Blue Uncle MosesLink could not be verified.$200