I always remember this bank sitting on the top of our kitchen cabinets in my parents home.I was (and still is) fascinated by the ugliness of Dinah. Do you know the expression: Scare little children? It probably came from that period. Kids were scared in saving their moneyby big Dinah.
My dad already told me a couple of times where he got it but I keep forgetting....So I called him and he got it in the mid sixties at his favorite thrift shop.
I had to search the web for more info. It was manufactured in England at the beginning of the 20th century (1911-1920). The company's name was John Harper & Company. It is made of cast iron and weighs a ton. It would definitely make a dent in a burgler!
When my mom had to liquidate the house and stuff, I kidnapped Dinah because I didn't want her to end up in a dusty thrift shop...
Around 10 years ago, I was an avid watcher of the Antiques Roadshow and there was Dinah in all her ugly splendor.It was worth...2000 $
The chinese got real busy and floaded the market with endless copies of Dinah. So now it's not worth much. You can find quite a few on eBay for 30$....
Anyways, it's a bank. So you put a coin in her hand and activate the little lever on her shoulder and she puts the coin in her mouth and rolls her eyes! Scary! LOL
So to all my readers far and near a very Happy New Year! May all your wishes and dream come true!
And for more VTT deliciousness please with Suzanne at www.coloradolady.blogspot.com
Love thy neighbor...they might have Pyrex!
11 comments:
HaHa....I just found some amazing Pyrex at Goodwill this week....this was a very interesting post....And Dinah is so ugly....well, she is cute! What an amazing bank, and I am sure you are glad you kept her....She is original and what memories you have of her when you were growing up.....great post! Have a great VTT and a wonderful New Year!
Creepy!
Happy New Year to you and your family.
OMG - you just scared the pee-pee out of me! I may never save money again - let alone go to a bank because I will forever think of Dinah!
I love it. I would much rather buy a reproduction, but a serious bank collector would probably pay a high price for an original. I don't know much about banks, but I wouldn't be surprised if some were reproduced in the 1960s too.
You're right. Dinah could scare money out of me.. :). I love that you've kept her though..
Happy VTT..have a safe and wonderful New Year. I hope it brings love and happiness to overflowing. Blessings.
I have never seen this bank in all my 80 years. It may not be the prettiest bank around, but it sure is interesting. Happy you left me a nice comment.
Wow...Dinah is one ugly gal! I'm glad you were able to rescue her from your Mom's...too many good memories to end up in a thrift store.
Jane
Oh my - - - that bank is really something! I bet it eats right through your cash, doesn't it?
Hi!
She's kind of cute, well maybe not! Thanks for stopping by my place. Have a safe and happy new year!
Sherrie
Sherrie's Stuff
When I clicked on your blog I actually jumped at freaky Dinah! She's definitely a keeper for her rarity and sentimental reasons. Also, you don't want to scare some small child in a thrift shop! LOL
WOW she is creepie in a fun kinda way!..what's even funnier is that i've got the male version, he's not quite as scary looking as your Dinah lol!!
Happy New Year..let's have more VTT fun in 2010 :) cheers, Marian x
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