The bank was Chartered in September of 1880, by the Comptroller in Washington, DC as “The First National Bank of Los Angeles, California”. The Bank changed its title to “Los Angeles-First National Trust & Savings Bank”, adding Trust Powers on September 1, 1927. Then changed its title; again on March 30, 1929 to Security-First National Bank of Los Angeles, California as shown on this Book Bank. Because the bank kept the key to promote home savings, it is very rare to see one of these Advertising Still Banks with its key. This Advertising Book Bank was manufactured by Bankers Utilities Company of 915 Linden Avenue South, San Francisco, California. This bank weighs 6.7 ounces and is built from heavy gauge steel with brass around the edges to simulate book gilding. The brass edges of this bank are slightly worn and stained with no oxidation. The leather cover is most certainly the highlight of this book bank, having excellent color and almost no wear to the high points of the embossing. This bank also has a design to prevent the coins from being removed once deposited through the coin slot. Patent on the bottom of this bank dates to July 3, 1923. This Home Advertising Bank has all its original color and embossing remaining. There is a light disturbance in the leather on the front cover, at the center just under the “T” in Trust, under the ribbon. There is a 1/16 diameter area where the leather is partly gone. It appears a tiny part of the color or leather was removed or came off. If this Book Bank were a coin, I would certainly grade it About Uncirculated. This unit measures 2-15/16 inches in length (left to right) x 15/16 inches wide (front to back or the thickness of its spine) x 4-1/8 inches tall. The key and lock work very well. Just like a rare coin, I choose not to try to clean this piece up, for fear of ruining its originality. The new owner can do so if they wish. This Advertising Book Bank would make a fine addition to any California Banknote collection! This bank was located in Los Angeles County, so it should appeal to people collecting National Banknotes and other Banking. From that and the surrounding counties. Don’t let this incredible item get away! Please feel free to contact me with any questions, or if you need better photos of the item, Bob. Good Luck & Happy Hunting!
