Huge VERY RARE Trenton Trust New Jersey Souvenir Building Mechanical Bank #44

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HugeVERY RARE Trenton Trust Souvenir Building Mechanical Bank #44 Size: 6” x 4⅞” x 8”. **Please see my other listings** Lack of room forces sale. From an online source: This Bank is Number 44 from a very limited edition of only 200 mechanical banks. An imprinted blue-tape #44, which is original to the bank, still adheres to the front right underside corner. It has its original trap. An exquisite design and superb casting features an accurate representation of the 14 story trapezoidal shaped Trenton State Bank built in 1952. Painted cream with gold trim the number “28” above the door refers to its address; 28 W. State St, Trenton, NJ. All sides show extensive detail. The building is mounted on a raised red brick style base with “75th Anniversary” embossed on front and rear. A regal businesswoman figure representing Mary Roebling dressed in blue with matching shoes, white neckerchief, painted facial features and gold hair sits in a gray office chair in front of the building. The figure holds a key embossed with the word “Security”. A coin is placed on the flat key. Pushing down the rear lever moves the arm with key & coin into the building. Simultaneously a large double sided gold and white “Trenton Trust” sign pops up from the top of the building. The key is withdrawn dropping the coin inside. The underside of the base is embossed with name of the designer, sculptor, Mary Roebling figure, as well as its limited edition status. Following her husband’s death in 1937 Mary G. Roebling became the first woman to head a major American bank. She remained active until her death in 1994. In 1937, a 31 year old Mary Roebling was elected president of the Trenton Trust. At the time of her appointment, Mrs. Roebling was a twice-widowed, single mother of two; and the Trust, despite having assets of 11 million US dollars, was $4 million in debt. By 1951, Mary's leadership had increased the assets of the trust fourfold, from $11 million to $70 million, and in that year personally acquired the Trusts' largest series of accounts, those of U.S. Steel. Always the innovative mind, Mrs. Roebling traveled across the country to personally sell the idea of the credit card, when it was still in its infant stages. She introduced the walk-up-window in the 40's, boosted investments by hosting cultural events for depositors, and most importantly, was an outspoken advocate for women's rights and equality in the workforce. She was the first woman governor on the American Stock Exchange; founder of the first female-owned bank, the Woman’s Bank of Denver in 1978; first woman member of the exclusive Union League Club in Philadelphia. Mrs. Mary Roebling was very fond of small mechanical banks, like the item for sale. While she president, the trust would give out themed toy banks to those who created accounts on certain occasions, such as holidays. Prior to 1963, in anticipation of the upcoming 75th anniversary of the Trenton Trust, Mary commissioned this item. " The Mary Roebling-Trenton Trust mechanical bank was designed to symbolize the free enterprise system upon which our country’s economy thrives — to commemorate 25 years during which Mrs. Roebling has served as President and Chairman of the Board of Trenton Trust—to show the bank’s location, significant in historic times, as well as today, where it is the highest building in Trenton." Ms. Roebling (additional facts) First woman governor of the American Stock Exchange Founder and Chairman of the first nationally chartered bank founded by women Women's Bank N.A. of Denver First to establish drive-in banking First to establish a railroad branch for commuters First to introduce wealthy women to trust funds Director of numerous other corporations, and active in many civic, charitable and educational organizations 1 of 100 American delegates to the Congress of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Appointed Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for New Jersey and served on the Advisory... read more

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