-Boyco 'Kick In' Canteen- still bank c. 1898

The Boyle Manufacturing Company of Los Angeles made this “Boyco ‘Kick In’ Canteen” still bank, date unknown, using die-cut steel. The canteen’s form is simple: two shallowly convex discs joined at the perimeter, with a threaded spout at the top. It’s enameled a bright red, with the brand name and “Kick In Canteen” stamped in the same color, for maximum legibility. You’ll notice the object has some damage. The enamel is chipped away here and there, revealing the metal underneath, a testament to its history of use. This piece gives us insight into the way industrial processes influenced everyday objects. Mass production meant that even something as simple as a child's savings bank could be made quickly and cheaply, reflecting changes in manufacturing and consumption. The very name, “Kick In Canteen,” suggests a playful, encouraging attitude toward saving, typical of its time. So, next time you see an object made of steel, remember this canteen. Think about the labor, the design, and the culture that went into its making, and how it connects to wider stories of industrialization and consumerism.