-Suitcase- still bank c. 1930s

The -Suitcase- still bank was made out of metal by Louis Marx and Co. This small object sparks curiosity about shifting social values in the 20th century. In a period defined by increasing globalization and the rise of consumer culture, the metal toy bank mimics a well-traveled suitcase plastered with stickers from exotic destinations like Hong Kong, Geneva, and Dublin. The toy subtly introduces children to the idea of saving money for future travel or, perhaps, simply for the accumulation of experiences. Consider the values promoted here: saving, travel, and the collection of foreign experiences. These reflect the rise of a middle class with aspirations of upward mobility and global awareness. The suitcase bank reminds us of the era's changing social norms and aspirations, inviting us to reflect on our own relationships with money, travel, and the collection of experiences as a form of personal enrichment.