-Welcome Bank Service Station- still bank c. 1950s

This tinplate still bank, shaped like a 'Welcome Bank Service Station,' offers more than mere functionality. Notice the prominent 'H' symbol adorning the area marked for 'Car Grease.' This emblem, though simple, echoes the ancient symbol of Hermes, the messenger of the gods, and patron of commerce. Hermes, or Mercury in Roman guise, was often depicted with a caduceus—a staff entwined with serpents—symbolizing trade and negotiation. Here, on this humble bank, the 'H' subtly links the act of saving with the broader currents of trade and prosperity, suggesting that even small savings can fuel larger ventures. It evokes a sense of aspiration. The recurring symbols in this bank transcend their immediate context, becoming powerful carriers of cultural memory and desire.