Description of Bank
This is a cute white piggy bank with a raised three-leaf clover on its forehead and three raised clovers on each side. Its cheeks are blushing and a sticker on the bottom has the number 00111.
Similar images online claim that it’s a vintage ceramic, hand painted piggy bank by Lefton. However, there is a large variation in the appearance of the clovers on all these banks. Some have large leaves with smaller stems, and others, like mine, have smaller leaves with larger stems. With no maker’s mark or maker’s sticker, it is difficult to know its true identity. The pig’s face is very similar to other Lefton piggy banks in my collection.
A search says that “Lefton is a brand of china that can be identified by a fired-on trademark or a paper label.” Perhaps the numbered sticker on the bottom of mine is a clue that needs further deciphering.
More research yields that “Lefton China was originally produced in Japan until the mid-1970s. After that, production shifted to Taiwan, Malaysia, and China. The majority of Lefton pieces sold in the secondary market were made in Japan.” So if this is a Lefton bank, it was likely produced in Japan.
Approx. 5.5” L, 4.25” H, 4” W
History of Manufacturer
Have Information?
I would love to know if this bank is a genuine Lefton and its approximate age. If you are in the know, comments and e-mails are welcome!