-Bank- still bank c. 1890s

This cast iron bank, made by the A.C. Williams Company, may seem a simple object, but it tells us a lot about early 20th-century America. Cast iron was an ideal material for mass production. Molten iron was poured into molds, allowing for intricate details to be replicated quickly and cheaply, evident in the bank’s miniature facade. Notice how the material influences its appearance, giving it a sense of permanence and security. The production of cast iron involved industrial processes and a significant amount of labor, tied to the era's economic expansion and the rise of consumer culture. This bank isn't just a place to save money, but also a symbol of the values and aspirations of its time. The very materiality and method of production are key to understanding its meaning, blurring the lines between functional object and cultural artifact.