Vintage Chad Valley “Babes in the Wood” Book-Shaped Tinplate Money Box

Vintage Chad Valley “Babes in the Wood” Book-Shaped Tinplate Money Box

14 cm tall

10 cm wide

3 cm depth

A wonderfully nostalgic vintage children’s money box, cleverly fashioned in the form of a miniature storybook and decorated with a colourful scene from the traditional tale Babes in the Wood.

The lithographed front cover depicts the two young characters standing beneath a tree, dressed in charming storybook costume against a vivid turquoise woodland background. The rounded spine is lettered “Favourite Fairy Stories”, while the dark blue back cover is finished with a simple gilt border and decorative starburst motif.

A narrow coin slot is positioned along the top “page” edge. The hinged front cover opens to reveal the original divided tinplate interior, with a small lock and keyhole incorporated into the construction. No key is included, although the box is presently open and can be displayed as photographed.

This is a particularly appealing piece of vintage childhood memorabilia—equally at home in a collection of antique toys, nursery rhyme items, vintage tins or social-history objects. Its convincing book form also made it possible for a child to hide their modest savings among real books on a shelf.

Maker history and dating

This money box can be attributed to Chad Valley, although no clear maker’s trademark is visible on this example. Chad Valley produced a recognised series of lithographed, book-shaped money banks featuring fairy tales and adventure stories, and auction records specifically identify Babes in the Wood among the company’s book money tins.

Chad Valley developed from a Birmingham printing and bookbinding business established by the Johnson family. The firm moved to its Harborne works beside the Chad Brook in 1897, from which the familiar Chad Valley name was taken. After wartime production ceased, the company introduced tinplate toys in 1945 and expanded its own metal-toy manufacturing facilities from 1946. This points to a likely date of the late 1940s to 1950s for this style of money box.

Condition

The money box remains highly decorative but carries considerable genuine age-related character. There is rubbing, scratching, tarnishing, surface oxidation and loss to the printed decoration, including a noticeable worn area on the front woodland scene. The edges, spine, back and interior also show wear and discolouration. The key is absent. These marks are consistent with a well-used children’s item and add to its evocative, timeworn appearance.

Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description. Intended for adult collection or decorative display rather than use as a modern children’s toy.

Suggested price

Recommended website price: £32.00