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Moneyboxes

1950 Smiling Pigs

Sometime in the mid 1950's, Wade issued the now famous smiling pig moneyboxes. These are the premier pieces to collect in Wade moneyboxes! The pigs have now been found in three sizes. The small size is by far the rarest. The other larger sizes are very close in size so the size difference is probably due to retooling and reworking the original molds. Small measures approx 3 1/2", meduim approx 4 1/2" and large approx 5". Almost all of the moneyboxes are unmarked with the exception of the Spring Flowers with gold ear design. None of the moneyboxes had stoppers so they were made to be broken once full for the child to get out their coins.

The moneyboxes were very popular and variations on this mold can be found by other companies. Sadler was one such company that is often mistaken for Wade Smiling pigs. The Sadler pigs have a stopper and their legs are straight down and not curved out like the Wade model.

Issued 1950's

Small
Violets

The large sized moneyboxes are by far the most common. Almost all the moneyboxes have decals applied to them that were in use on the Wade Harmony Wares tablewares. One unusual pig has been found with handpainted flowers and the words "Pennies Make Pounds" around the coin slot.


Issued 1950's Large Black	Issued 1950's Large Galaxy	Issued 1950's Large Spring Flowers

Issued 1950's Large Parasols	Issued 1950's Large Pennies Make Pounds	Issued 1950's Large Summer Rose

Issued 1950's Large Violets

A very special Smiling Pig Moneybox was produced from the drawing of an 11 year old girl that won a British road safety poster contest. Wade printed her poster design on a pig! The design is called Paws at the Kerb. This moneybox like most of the others is unmarked.

Issued 1955

Large
Paws at the Kerb

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