Judd Mfg. Co
Founded in the 1830s by Deacon Morton Judd, this Connecticut-based pioneer evolved from hardware to producing finely-detailed cast iron mechanical banks in the 1880s. Known for artistic finishes and intricate designs, Judd’s banks like Bear and Tree Stump and Snap-It remain collector favorites.
John Harper & Co.: From Iron Hardware to Iconic Mechanical Banks
The Judd Manufacturing Company was one of the pioneer hardware companies, which had an impact on the mechanical bank field. Originally founded in New Britain, Connecticut by Deacon Morton Judd in the 1830’s, the company went through several name changes and later moved to Wallingford, Connecticut in 1877, where it began the production of stationer and druggist hardware.
In the 1880’s, Judd’s began producing an extensive line of finely-detailed cast iron mechanical banks finished in a brown or maroon lacquer and often washed with green or blue coloring. Some of its most popular mechanical banks include the Bear and Tree Stump, Boy and Building, Bucking Mule, Standing Dog, Butting Goat, Circus Ticket Collector, Dog on Turntable, Gem, Standing Giant, Peg Leg Beggar, Snap-It and Mosque banks.