'Antique' Church Bank

This project is based upon a nagging memory I had of something my grandfather kept on his dresser. To me it was always a log cabin, probably because of the prominent ‘chimney.’ My grandfather is long gone as is the original of this piece, but when I called my aunt and asked about it, she told me that it was actually a church bank that he had gotten at one time. Doing some research, it seems that churches might have given these away to families to put their pennies as an extra offering for the church. Several examples of similar pieces have such information burned right into them.
So armed with what information my aunt could give me, plus some imagination, I created something that pleases both my memory and my everyday eyes. The ‘chimney’ is a steeple, at the base of which I burned (pyrographed) the outline for doors. I also added two windows per side and one on the back. A slot in the roof allows the user to insert money and a sliding piece, held in by a brass pin allows emptying of the bank.
These photos are actually of the second bank I made. The original prototype sits on our end table. I’m saving it to give to a friend in our church who is expected to retire and move out of the area. The pictured one I sold on eBay to a collector. The buyer asked if I would sign and date the piece. I happily complied.

-- Beware the flying swarf!