-Octagonal Fort- (or -Fort Sumter-) mechanical bank c. 1880s

This -Octagonal Fort- mechanical bank, possibly by Edward Brueninghausen, is a compelling configuration of geometric forms and symbolic weight. The cannon’s stark black cylinder, juxtaposed against the fort’s grey octagonal tower, creates a visual tension. The linear arrangement of the base, with its alternating bars, leads the eye from the cannon towards the fort, a journey from action to containment. The contrast between the active, projectile-launching cannon and the passive, coin-receiving fort invites us to consider how the object plays with the thematics of conflict, security, and financial investment. The bank's materiality speaks to the broader cultural narratives of its time. The use of cast iron, a durable yet mass-producible material, suggests an engagement with industrialization. Through its simple design and functionality, this bank encapsulates complex social values related to war, economy, and memory.