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How to Open a 1950s Uncle Sam's Mechanical 3-Coin Register Bank

Durable Toy & Novelty Company manufactured the original single-coin Uncle Sam's Register Bank in 1906. Durable made the first Uncle Sam's Mechanical 3-Coin Register Bank in 1923 and production continued until 1958. The only drawback to the Uncle Sam's 3-coin bank is that money deposited is not readily available. Unlike other toy banks produced with false bottoms or removable stoppers to access the coins; the Uncle Sam's 3-Coin Register Bank's cash drawer locks at 25 cents and cannot open until a specific amount is deposited.

Things You'll Need

Nickels
Dimes
Quarters

Instructions

- 1
  Place the Uncle Sam's 3-Coin Mechanical Bank on a level surface.
- 2
  Determine how much money is in the bank by reading the display on the front of the Uncle Sam's 3-Coin Register Bank. The amount deposited will read in dollars and cents.
- 3
  Subtract the amount deposited from the $10 needed to open the bank. For example, $10 - $1.50 (amount deposited) = $8.50 that is needed to reach $10.
- 4
  Deposit nickels, dimes or quarters. Place one coin in the slot and pull the lever. The coin will drop into the cash drawer. Continue to add coins until the display amount reads 0.00.
- 5
  Retrieve the cash. To open the drawer, push the drawer in and release quickly. There is a spring mechanism that is functional only when the amount deposited display reads 0.00.

Collecting Vintage Toys