J. & E. Stevens

J. & E. Stevens was a business in Cromwell, Connecticut formed by John and Elisha Stevens in 1843 to make cast-iron hardware, hammers, and iron toys. The success of their toy products, including cap guns, led to a refocus on toys.[1] The company made a wide variety of toys for boys and girls during its more than 100 year history.[2]

Mechanical bank featuring an eagle and eaglets
"I always did 'spise a mule" mechanical bank

The company employed many designers and produced dozens of banks.[3] Their mechanical banks included a "Tammany" bank featuring a heavy-set dressed up politician who puts an introduced coin into his pocket (Tammany Hall). The business was bought out by Buckley Brothers, a New York company, in 1950.[1]

One of their animated banks featuring a hunter and lion appeared on Antiques Roadshow. The University of Connecticut has a collection of the company's papers.[4]

References
  1. "Cromwell's Iron Men Made Toys for Boys and Girls | Connecticut History | a CTHumanities Project". 6 December 2021.
  2. MCCAIN, DIANA ROSS (22 October 1997). "CROMWELL WAS HOME TO TOY MAKERS". courant.com.
  3. "MBCA Scrapbook - J. & E. Stevens Co. - List of J. & E. Stevens Company Banks". www.mechanicalbanks.org.
  4. https://archives.lib.uconn.edu/islandora/object/20002%3A860115765
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