Staffordshire Shakespeare Saving Bank c1857

Stock No: 001087

Height: 4.75  Inches / 12 cm

Reference: Harding Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1875-1962, Page 17, Fig No 196.

A very unusual Victorian Staffordshire moneybox titled ‘Shakespere Saving Bank’ (spelt incorrectly). I have researched this rare Staffordshire money box and discovered a similar example  located in the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Museum  Stratford-Upon-Avon. The museum has the worlds largest collection of Shakespeare related artefacts. I have read that the house William Shakespeare is alleged to have been born in was fully restored by the Trust (shortly after the trust was formed) to its present state between 1857 and 1864. I would imagine that the little banks could have been a saving vessels at the time to help with donations toward the restoration fund. The pottery money bank has no stopper so one would have to smash the house to retrieve the content, little wonder so few period examples have survived. I believe this to be an original Victorian example produced at the time of renovation to the building, manufactured c1857 by Thomas Parr, the attention to detail on the decoration and choice of the colour palette used is typical of this period.  It is in good condition with wonderful detail to the windows and timbers all picked out in overglaze enamel colours, it has the authentic gold line running along the front and sides of the base and fine crazing to the lead glaze throughout. A very rare figure, the only contemporary example I have ever held.

Current Condition: Professional invisible repair to the chimney.