Bidspirit auction | Antique Bath NY 1894 Metal

Antique Bath NY 1894 Metal Folding Novelty Pocket Postal Rate Guide, Geo. W. Hallock Bank - This is a rare, late Victorian era promotional novelty item, appearing to be constructed from white or gray base metal. The piece consists of two hinged, rectangular plates connected by a single visible rivet. The exterior face is heavily engraved with promotional text reading, ”COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON,” ”JANUARY 1ST 1894,” ”GEO. W. HALLOCK BANK,” and ”BATH, N.Y.” The interior face lists specific U.S. POSTAGE RATES for ”LETTERS,” ”PRINTED MATTER,” ”NEWSPAPERS,” and ”MDSE,” providing a historical snapshot of postal costs from 1894. The lower plate features a large, central oval cutout, the function of which is unclear but may relate to a specific measuring purpose. No purity marks or maker's marks are visible beyond the banking advertisement. Measurements: Approximately 1.5 inches wide when closed.