Rare Early Figural Coin Bank ~ Tiger Cat

England c1900

This excellent little porcelain novelty money box or fairing was made as a giveaway at a fair or as a reward of merit given to a good child as a special gift. A highly attractive prize for any child, a figural penny bank in the shape of the head of cat. It stands 2-1/4 inches high.

The kitty has the mottled brownish grey and black stripes of a tiger cat and is wearing a blue collar with a gold buckle. The coin bank was cold painted on a nicely modeled bisque base finished in high quality shiny clear (blueish tint) glaze. The bank dates to c 1900, made in England. The money box is not marked with a manufacturer's backstamp, but is guaranteed to be genuine, early and original.

The little antique bank has some nibbling on the tips and sides of the cat's ears (aside: in many big cities, a clipped ear would mean he was a tom cat that had been captured, neutered and set free), not unexpected in a fragile toy of this vintage. Not fine pottery and not intended to be. Minor typical firing imperfections, original to the making. It has never been cracked open and thandere is no wear to the coin slot. A child's name is scrawled in pencil on the bottom. Made for child's play and probably considered disposable when it was made. A wonderful whimsical gift that has survived for generations of young cat lovers.