Preliminary identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a charming mid-century novelty still bank cast in the shape of a cozy, hand-knit baby bootie complete with a decorative bow. Made of silver-plated base metal, it features a coin slot at the top and a removable metal key-lock stopper on the felt-lined bottom.
Story
Post-war Japan became a global powerhouse for producing whimsical, high-quality novelty items for the Western market. This little bootie was designed as a celebratory baby shower gift, meant to hold a child's very first saved pennies.
Maker / Origin
While the specific manufacturer is unidentified, the 'Japan' foil label on the green felt base points to the bustling export trade of the Showa era. Japanese workshops during this period excelled at creating highly detailed, silver-plated zinc alloy and antimony wares that mimicked luxury European sterling silver at a fraction of the cost.
Condition & Value
The bank shows moderate wear consistent with age, including some pitting, tarnish, and minor loss to the silver plating on the top dome and lower edges. The original green felt bottom and 'Japan' foil sticker are still present, though partially obscured by a modern price tag.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.