-Safety Locomotive- mechanical bank c. 1887

This -Safety Locomotive- mechanical bank was likely made in the early 20th century, out of cast iron. Its anonymous maker would have used a mold, probably made of sand, to give the molten iron its shape. Consider how the qualities of the material influenced the design: its weight suggesting a promise of security. The paint job, black and red, contributes to that impression. The word “Safety” is emblazoned on the side, underscoring the message. This wasn’t just a toy, but also a way to teach children a lesson about the value of saving. Banks like this one reflected the industrial age. They gave concrete form to abstract ideas about labor and capital, presenting them as part of childhood. The very form of this bank - a locomotive - celebrates industrial progress. It presents thrift as a virtue, and part of a bigger picture of modernity. The bank speaks to a moment in which industrial production was rapidly changing society. It demonstrates how everyday objects can convey powerful messages.