-Snap It- (eight-sided building) mechanical bank c. 1885 - 1890

This mechanical bank, made by the H.L. Judd Manufacturing Company, likely dates to the early 20th century, and is made of cast iron. Though we may think of iron as a utilitarian material, here it’s been used to create a whimsical object. The process of casting begins with a mold, into which molten metal is poured. The mold is typically made of sand, which allows for intricate shapes. Look closely, and you’ll see the crisp architectural details, along with the floral ornament on the roof. Iron’s weight gives the bank a reassuring solidity. The social significance lies in the implied lesson: that saving is a virtue. Banks like this weren’t just toys, they were early lessons in the rituals of capital. The H.L. Judd Manufacturing Company was one of many firms that successfully translated industrial processes into consumer goods. Appreciating that history helps us see this playful object in a new light.