Historically important, beautiful specimen. Ranks in the top 20% of ones known. Cast iron, all original, features three figures of baseball players, all representations of African-Americans. The title of the bank, featuring the word 'Darktown," and the three figures that are represented are examples of the offensive stereotyping of the late 1880s. The three ballplayers have facial characteristics that show exaggerated features that would never be displayed in the modern age. The coin bank operates by having the pitcher's hand throw a coin into the chest area of the catcher, and the chest area opens to admit the coin. There is also a batter who exhibits the split hands on the bat approach that was common in this time period. Base of bank measures 2.75x9.75" and the height reaches approximately 7.25".