-Dime Tube- still bank c. early to mid 20th century

This still bank, made of nickel-plated steel by R. B., embodies a very particular optimism. Its material, thin gauge metal, immediately suggests mass production. This isn’t a hand-wrought object, but something stamped out in a factory, complete with printed calibrations to show how much money it contains. The metal's smooth, hard surface contrasts with the small perforations, each one carefully punched out to create a visual marker. Consider the social context it implies: a world of regular, small transactions, with the implicit aim of accumulating wealth, bit by bit. This focus on saving and accumulating money reflects the values of a society deeply invested in capitalism, where every penny counts. Ultimately, this little bank isn’t just about storing dimes, but about visualizing a future of economic growth, one small coin at a time. It blurs the lines between functional object and cultural artifact, offering a glimpse into the aspirations of everyday life.