-Rival Bank- safe still bank c. 1904

Editor: So, this is a ‘Rival Bank’ safe still bank, made around 1904 by Kenton Hardware Manufacturing Co. It's made of mixed media. I'm struck by how much it resembles a tiny fortress, weathered and worn. What do you see in this piece beyond a simple child’s toy? Curator: This "safe still bank" speaks volumes about early 20th-century American culture. Beyond its immediate function, it represents the burgeoning banking system and the inculcation of capitalist values from a young age. Consider the name "Rival Bank" – what anxieties around competition and financial institutions does that reflect? And the rust...how does that contribute to our understanding of consumerism? Editor: That's fascinating! I hadn't considered the "Rival" part as a reflection of broader anxieties. The rust almost makes it seem… anti-capitalist, now that you mention it. Like a critique in disguise. Curator: Precisely! And consider who this object was intended for: children. What messages were being transmitted to them about the value of saving, the importance of financial institutions, and, implicitly, the competitive nature of American capitalism? It's a powerful piece of social engineering, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely. It's eye-opening to think of it as a tool for shaping young minds. I was focused on the aesthetic qualities, the wear and tear but the underlying message is pretty pointed. I will definitely think more deeply about the social and political contexts. Curator: Exactly, it’s crucial that we keep exploring those intersections! Always keep digging. Editor: Thanks, I learned so much from this short examination!