Lead
While lead wasn’t commonly used in mass-produced mechanical banks, legendary designer Charles A. Bailey crafted early prototypes from it. His creations—like Baby Elephant and Wishbone Bank—are exceptionally rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Charles A. Bailey: Rare Lead Prototypes from a Master Bank Designer
Lead was not a common metal used for making mass produced mechanical banks. However, it was a metal that designers and sculptors often used in the development of concepts. Charles A. Bailey, who went on to become one of the greatest bank designers, made several lead banks early in his career. They include the Baby Elephant, the Springing Cat, the Chinaman in a Boat, the Darkie Fisherman, Old Aunt Dinah and the Fairy, and the Wishbone Bank. The latter two were never production items, but pattern parts were found and assembled into complete banks. All Charles A. Bailey banks are extremely rare.