Bidspirit auction | The Traders Bank of Canada

The Traders Bank of Canada - Unknown Canadian Maker. Toronto - Ca. 1891 - 8 1/2” Tall. The Collection of Mike Henry. Illustrated P. 142 in Peirce Book. The Traders Bank began operations on July 2, 1885 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In 1891, a Mr. A. E. Jarvis registered a money box in the shape of the bank. It was fitted with four interior compartments for family use. With an initial deposit of $1, one could obtain this large savings device. Period bank records indicate there were about 1500 of these money boxes in Toronto area homes in the 1890's. However, shortly after Traders Bank instituted their”home deposit and pick-up” plan, they scrapped and abandoned the policy, rendering these large heavy coin boxes obsolete. In modern times, building bank enthusiasts have come to adore this toy bank because of its detailed windows and also the proliferation of ornament at the roofline. This is perhaps the finest surviving specimen of the Traders Bank. Condition: Outstanding Nickeled Surface.