Antiques Roadshow on PBS featured a rare 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition safe bank on their show “Meadow Brook Hall, Hour 2” (Season 23 Episode 2; aired January 14, 2019) shot in Rochester, Michigan.
The nickel-plated cast iron “still bank” (not a mechanical bank) with combination lock features the northern hemisphere on top with copper inlays portraits depicting Christopher Columbus, U.S. President Grover Cleveland, and World’s Columbian Exposition President Thomas W. Palmer of Michigan on the sides. A video clip can be viewed at PBS.
Noel Barrett, of Pook & Pook Auctions, described the World’s Fair collectible as “the Holy Grail of safe banks.” The purchase price of $250 was quite a bargain, with Barrett appraising the item at … [zing!] … $10,000-$12,000.
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