J & E Stevens' classic "Darktown Battery" bank is a cast iron marvel of the mechanical bank world. It debuted in 1888 and continued in production for years. Yet despite the bank's lengthy production run, high grade examples are generally scarce. The substantial figural metal construct measures 9-3/4" x 2-11/16" at the base and 7" to the top of the caps of its two tallest figures. A 1-1/4"-diameter aperture is built into the ornately cast underside of the bank, placed there for the retrieval of coins. Its original metal trap plug is present on the bottom of the piece. All aspects of the bank are exceptionally well-preserved. Painted design areas in striking, original colors, including green grass, a tan base path, red, yellow, and pale blue-gray uniform details. The entire piece retains a pleasing degree of their vintage splendor and original patina throughout. Condition is strictly assessed as EX+, due to the high level of paint preservation and full mechanical functionality. The presentation quality is superb, which is unusual for a piece that was clearly meant to be handled over the past 130 years.