Gert’s piggy bank pages

Saving piggy banks is saving your heritage!

GENERAL INFORMATION

A choice is made to create big images. That includes that the real size of the piggy banks is not shown. Where needed are measures given (length in cm). All pictures (and texts) are strictly copyright © GD projecten.

e-mail: gd@piggybanks.nl                        © 2010-2011 GD projecten

Hepp piggy banks from Czechoslovakia

 

20% of all the European piggy banks before Word War 2 were produced in Czechoslovakia. Special are the HEPP piggy banks. The Hole Eyed Pottery Pig maker is the first and probably the oldest Czechoslovakian Austrian ceramic coin bank manufacturer, most of which were exported to the USA. It is thought that these HEPP piggy’s  should be dated between 1870 en the Great War (WW 1), 1914.

You did not mention the “pygg story” to explain the name piggy bank

No. That’s because I don’t believe in it. The story is that the type of clay used in the early years, named pygg, gave the name to and after a while even the shape of the piggy bank. When it’s true the piggy bank as such would be originated in the UK (or English speaking countries). That should include that the UK potters would have invented the bank in the form of a pig and then this idea did spread all over the world? See it as a nice story. Recently I have some doubt however. Since, in English speaking countries all the saving boxes are called piggy banks, the story could be true. I remain sceptical…….

How do I identify piggy banks?

 

By experience to start with. A hallmark will help, but many piggy banks have none. Ask an expert, see the links on the last web page. Or consult the Ceramic Coin Banks Identification & Value Guide written by Tom & Loretta Stoddard. A useful help, but one of few books on piggy banks.

You can help me if you know more guides or books on piggy banks. Mail to gd@piggybanks.nl

Germany: Ritzenhoff