DARKTOWN BATTERY

The Darktown Battery bank pictured above exhibits the insensative nature of our country regarding racial issues during the late 1800's/early1900's. The bank poked fun at "black' baseball players and these types of banks were not uncommon during that period. This mechanical bank is quite rare and has sold for several thousand dollars over the last few years. It is considered a "cross-over" collectible as it appeals to sports memorabilia collectors as well as collectors of "Black Americana".

There are highly collectible reproductions of this bank that were issued in the 50's made by "Book of Knowledge" in which the players are all white. The bank is titled "Hometown Battery" and sells in the $150 - $200 range. Be careful, as there was an identical bank made in Taiwan in the 70's/80's that can be bought for about $25.