This is a one-of-a-kind prototype produced in the 1930s. 2.5x3.25x4.75” tall. Popeye’s head is painted solid cast metal while rest of bank is painted tin. Designed with a pair of movable arms. The right arm is three dimensional while the left arm is flat and designed to hold a coin. When the right arm is pushed down, the left arm tilts and coin slides into slot on top of spinach can Popeye is seated next to. Front of can reads “Children’s Spinach Fund Bank” all with hand-done text. Hand-done text on back refers to the mechanical action and ends with Popeye saying “Blow Me Down!” This bank was found approximately 30 years ago in a Marx warehouse with several other Marx designers’ models for toys. When the bank was found, it was missing Popeye’s left arm (which holds the coin) as well as the trap from underside. Shortly after the bank was found some 30 years ago, an expertly made replacement arm was made by a highly skilled bank restoration artist from old tin. This arm has naturally aged over the years and has some scattered paint wear so it has the appearance of being original. At the same time the arm was replaced, the trap under the bank was replaced using a period trap. Next to the trap underneath the bank there was once a keyhole which functioned to open the original trap. They keyhole was filled in with a little bit of metal when the period replacement trap was installed. Has all-over noticeable traces of paint wear. Overall about 60% paint remains. VG. The existence of this extraordinary item has been known about by a small number of advanced collectors for many years. However, the bank has been tied up in a very advanced mechanical bank collection and was rarely even exhibited. The bank is not listed and is not shown in any bank book as the owner has never given permission for it to be shown in a book preferring that the knowledge of the bank , up to this point, remain the exclusive domain of a few select private collectors. Hake’s is extremely pleased to offer this incredible item to the hobby. A once in a lifetime chance to obtain this unique item, a must for any serious collector of mechanical banks and/or Popeye collectibles. Considering what mechanical banks have been selling for as of late, with a number of banks exceeding the $100,000 plateau, the opening on this one-of-a-kind bank should be considered conservative based upon previous bank sales.