Clown, Harlequin, and Columbine bank from the Stephen and Marilyn Steckbeck collection to be sold October 27, 2007

Scoop has just learned that the bank collecting community is abuzz with the news of Stephen and Marilyn Steckbeck's collection of rare mechanical banks is to be auctioned on October 27, 2007. Morphy Auctions of Denver, Pennsylvania will be conducting the one-day, single-owner sale.

Many regard the 50 year Steckbeck collection as being the finest of its type ever assembled. "The rarity and condition of the banks are astounding," said Morphy's chief operating officer, Dan Morphy. "The Steckbecks own many of the best examples known of particular mechanical banks. I just finished photographing the top 10 collections in the country for a book I wrote, so I know what's out there."

According to Morphy the collection is so significant that a year-long marketing campaign will be conducted in support of the sale. Pre-orders are already being taken for the hardcover catalog, which will be ready in January. "We want to give collectors plenty of advance notice, so they can plan accordingly," Morphy said.

The Steckbeck collection, which will be offered in 450 lots, contains American, British and Continental European productions of cast iron, tin, lead and wood. More than 30 examples retain their rare original boxes. The grouping includes many banks purchased from the pioneer bank collection of the late Ed Mosler, and has been featured in a number of business and investment publications over the years, including Forbes, Money and Wealth.

"It's a dream come true to be handling what I consider to be one of the, if not the, most prestigious mechanical bank collections of all time," said Morphy. "I bought my first mechanical bank from Steve when I was 12 years old, and now it has all come full circle."

For more information, visit: www.morphyauctions.com