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Cool and Collected

Collecting pop culture toys, comics, and collectibles collections

October 28, 2011 By 11 Comments

AJ Renzi King Kong Bank

Have you ever been asked the question: “If your house was burning down, and you could only grab a few things, what would you save?” Of course, I’d throw my wife and kids under one arm, but under the other arm would be my collection of vintage AJ Renzi King Kong banks. Do not judge me.

aj renzi king kong bank collection

These banks are big and beautiful. The were made by A.J. Renzi Corporation in Leominster, MA back in the ’60’s. The banks stand at a massive 17″ tall and make a big statement on the shelf.

These banks were made by a blow-mold process, so they will crush if you sit on them, but are actually pretty sturdy. I bet kids used to throw these around like footballs without hurting much but the paintjob. (If my kids ever try this with my King Kong banks, there will be consequences.)

aj renzi king kong banks

Currently, I have the pink, black, and red versions. I am like Ahab in my search for one of the mythical blue and lime green King kong banks. They’re out there in the wild but have eluded me so far. If you ever see one for sale, call me (you have my cell, right?).

vintage aj renzi king kong banks

I have this smaller, 11″ model as well. While it’s certainly great looking on its own, when you put it next to one of the big boys, it is just put to shame.

aj renzi king kong bank

These King Kong banks make me smile every time I see them, and it’s nice having them around. You can buy these on eBay for around $20-30, but if you outbid me on a blue one, I will find you, and it won’t be pretty.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Adam Pratt says

    October 28, 2011 at 10:22 am

    These are really cool! I will keep an eye out for you.

    Reply
    • Brian says

      October 28, 2011 at 10:34 am

      Thanks, Adam!

      Reply
  2. jboypacman says

    October 28, 2011 at 4:08 pm

    Too awesome Brian! I will keep my eyes peeled for you and for me. : )

    Reply
    • Brian says

      October 28, 2011 at 4:27 pm

      Ha! The competition mounts. Thanks John!

      Reply
      • Craig Bird says

        November 20, 2018 at 1:09 pm

        I have a blue one for sale not kidding

        Reply
  3. Adam says

    October 29, 2011 at 2:13 pm

    I would love to re-cast the little one in glow in the dark, it would be so cool.

    Reply
  4. Mark says

    August 14, 2012 at 12:27 am

    I know what it is like to hunt these down, especially the odd colored ones. I collect Apes items and I have been searching for a green Cornelius by Renzi for more than ten years. The two I saw on eBay had major flaws and still went for a furtune (although I would have paid the prices if the conditions had been better).

    Reply
    • Brian says

      August 14, 2012 at 9:08 am

      Whoah, I had no idea there was a green Cornelius bank. Good luck with your hunt!

      Reply
  5. Craig Bird says

    November 5, 2018 at 5:49 pm

    I have a blue one with coin plug partially intact for sale

    Reply
    • Brian says

      November 7, 2018 at 2:02 pm

      I’d love to see some pics and get a price from you! brian(at)coolandcollected.com

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Talking holy grails and white whales — Cool and Collected - collecting pop culture memories and memorabilia says:
    April 11, 2012 at 9:39 pm

    […] have three of these large A.J. Renzi banks, but they also made these in bright blue and lime green that I have never been able to track down. […]

    Reply

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