THE ANTIQUE TRADER, October 26, 1971

Mechanical Bank Collectors Hold Annual Convention

Famous Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Mich., was the scene of a 3-day convention of The Mechanical Bank Collectors of America, Oct. 1, 2, & 3. Over 70 members from all over the USA and two from England gathered for the event which incorporated tours of the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in with its regular program. After dinner October 1 the annual auction was held. Al Davidson of Bayshore, N.Y. acted as auctioneer and 94 banks were auctioned off bringing a total of $10,484. It was reported that this was only a fraction of the actual dollar sales of banks at the convention because most of the more expensive banks were sold to members privately rather than at the auction.

Some of the auction prices that various banks brought are: A Football Bank (English) $2,200; Two Frogs, $210; Dog on oblong base $170; Cow Kicking, $685; Trick Dog, excellent condition (1 pc. base) $110; and Organ, Performing Bear, $510.

The Mechanical Bank Collectors of America was organized in 1953 as the Mechanical Bank Collectors of Rhode Island. E. T. Richards, Sr., was the first president. The name was changed to the Mechanical Bank Collectors of America in 1958, and this year’s conclave was its 15th convention. An interesting sidelight is that the son of the founder, Mr. E. T. Richards, Jr., is now president of the club. The organization has 178 members.

Other officers elected for the following year are Al Davidson, Bayshore, LI, N.Y., vice president; Ed Mosler, NYC, secretary; R.L. McCumber, Glastonbury, Conn., treas. It was voted to hold next year’s convention in Washington D.C., the first week of October, 1972. The address of the President should anyone be interested in this organization is: E. T. Richards, Jr., 28 Fairway Dr., Barrington, R. I., 02806.

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