-Bulldog with Sailor Cap- still bank c. 1930s

Editor: Here we have a rather charming artifact titled "Bulldog with Sailor Cap," a still bank believed to be from the 1930s. It's quirky and… I don't know, kind of melancholy? What's your take on this fella? Curator: Ah, yes, he does have a certain gravitas! I see a mix of whimsy and, perhaps, a touch of societal commentary. This bulldog, adorned with a sailor cap, becomes a fascinating study in contrasts. He's a sturdy, loyal animal, now somewhat domesticated and even…commodified, wouldn’t you say? Look at the cast iron – rough yet refined in form. Do you think the cap is a symbol, or simply decoration? Editor: Symbol, definitely. Maybe something about labor, or… naval power? The bank aspect is curious. It feels like teaching kids to be responsible while also selling them… what, exactly? A dream of adventure? Curator: Exactly! The dream is very much tied into this symbol. I am so intrigued how that the innocent childhood dreams are wrapped up in, essentially, capitalist indoctrination. Isn't it funny? It shows an interesting convergence of patriotic sentiment and early financial habits. He's quite worn and rusted now, which almost elevates it from toy, into historical artifact, right? Editor: Totally! Like, this wasn't just *any* toy. This was *someone's* toy. Someone saved their pennies in this… this stout little dude! Curator: And, in turn, that someone probably went on to contribute something great. He protected them from themselves. Beautiful. Makes me feel as though he represents not only personal success but shared, unified progress, eh? Editor: He does, doesn’t he? Suddenly, he doesn't look so sad anymore. It's almost hopeful. I feel much enlightened. Curator: And to think... It was a bank. We found beauty in something that holds something we thought to only be functional.