{"product_id":"2-j-e-stevens-i-always-did-spise-a-mule-cast-iron-mechanical-bank-bowen-1880","title":"2.) J E Stevens I Always Did Spise a Mule Cast Iron Mechanical Bank Bowen 1880","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"490\" data-end=\"896\"\u003eThis classic \u003cstrong data-start=\"524\" data-end=\"558\"\u003ecast iron mechanical coin bank\u003c\/strong\u003e, titled \u003cstrong data-start=\"567\" data-end=\"600\"\u003e“I Always Did ’Spise a Mule,”\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the most iconic and entertaining designs in the history of American mechanical banks. The original design was \u003cstrong data-start=\"721\" data-end=\"759\"\u003epatented by James H. Bowen in 1879\u003c\/strong\u003e and manufactured by the \u003cstrong data-start=\"784\" data-end=\"836\"\u003eJ. \u0026amp; E. Stevens Company of Cromwell, Connecticut\u003c\/strong\u003e, leaders in late 19th-century cast iron novelty production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"898\" data-end=\"1352\"\u003eThe scene depicts a seated figure facing a mule—an intentionally humorous and cautionary moment captured in cast iron. To operate the bank, a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1040\" data-end=\"1089\"\u003ecoin is placed into the seated figure’s mouth\u003c\/strong\u003e. When the trigger is released, the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1125\" data-end=\"1153\"\u003emule kicks its hind legs\u003c\/strong\u003e, violently tossing the figure backward and \u003cstrong data-start=\"1197\" data-end=\"1263\"\u003esending both the figure and the coin into the slot in the base\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is one of the most dramatic and mechanically satisfying actions of any Stevens bank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1354\" data-end=\"1703\"\u003eThis example is a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1372\" data-end=\"1394\"\u003elater reproduction\u003c\/strong\u003e, including versions produced for educational publications such as the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1465\" data-end=\"1486\"\u003eBook of Knowledge\u003c\/strong\u003e series. Both the seated figure and the mule \u003cstrong data-start=\"1531\" data-end=\"1603\"\u003elock securely into place and move freely when the trigger is engaged\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the bank is in \u003cstrong data-start=\"1624\" data-end=\"1650\"\u003egood working condition\u003c\/strong\u003e, with the full kicking action operating as intended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1705\" data-end=\"1941\"\u003eFinished in period-correct colors with a green base, brown mule, and seated figure holding a riding crop, the bank measures approximately \u003cstrong data-start=\"1843\" data-end=\"1877\"\u003e10 inches wide x 8 inches tall\u003c\/strong\u003e and displays beautifully while remaining mechanically engaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1943\" data-end=\"1961\"\u003e⭐ \u003cstrong data-start=\"1945\" data-end=\"1961\"\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1962\" data-end=\"2464\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1962\" data-end=\"2003\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1964\" data-end=\"2003\"\u003eTitled \u003cstrong data-start=\"1971\" data-end=\"2001\"\u003eI Always Did ’Spise a Mule\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2004\" data-end=\"2059\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2006\" data-end=\"2059\"\u003eOriginal design patented \u003cstrong data-start=\"2031\" data-end=\"2057\"\u003e1879 by James H. Bowen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2060\" data-end=\"2128\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2062\" data-end=\"2128\"\u003eManufactured originally by \u003cstrong data-start=\"2089\" data-end=\"2126\"\u003eJ. \u0026amp; E. Stevens Co., Cromwell, CT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2129\" data-end=\"2198\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2131\" data-end=\"2198\"\u003eLater reproduction example (including Book of Knowledge editions)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2199\" data-end=\"2260\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2201\" data-end=\"2260\"\u003eCoin placed in figure’s mouth activates mechanical action\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2261\" data-end=\"2315\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2263\" data-end=\"2315\"\u003eMule kicks, tossing figure and coin into base slot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2316\" data-end=\"2365\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2318\" data-end=\"2365\"\u003eBoth mule and figure lock into place properly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2366\" data-end=\"2415\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2368\" data-end=\"2415\"\u003eMechanism moves freely and operates correctly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2416\" data-end=\"2464\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2418\" data-end=\"2464\"\u003eApproximate dimensions: \u003cstrong data-start=\"2442\" data-end=\"2464\"\u003e10” wide x 8” tall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2466\" data-end=\"2692\"\u003e📦 \u003cstrong data-start=\"2469\" data-end=\"2482\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2482\" data-end=\"2485\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2485\" data-end=\"2493\"\u003eGood\u003c\/strong\u003e – Reproduction example with working mechanical action. Paint shows wear consistent with age and use. Mechanism engages smoothly; figures lock properly. No major cracks or structural issues observed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"726\" data-start=\"192\"\u003e🚚 \u003cstrong data-end=\"1650\" data-start=\"1627\"\u003eShipping \u0026amp; Delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1653\" data-start=\"1650\"\u003e✨ FREE Shipping Included! 📦\u003cbr data-end=\"1684\" data-start=\"1681\"\u003eAll items are carefully packed for safe arrival. Orders ship within 1–3 business days via USPS, UPS, or FedEx, with full tracking provided. Larger or fragile items may require additional handling time, but we always ensure secure, reliable delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hoy Auction","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47335929774315,"sku":null,"price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/6115\/8050\/files\/MuleKick-1.jpg?v=1768311066","url":"https:\/\/crazefurniture.com\/products\/2-j-e-stevens-i-always-did-spise-a-mule-cast-iron-mechanical-bank-bowen-1880","provider":"Craze Furniture and Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}