-Boston Bull Terrier- still bank c. 1931

This ‘Boston Bull Terrier’ still bank was produced by the National Sewing Machine Company, also known as Vindex Toys, between 1886 and 1954. Made from cast iron, this charming object connects the rise of industrial manufacturing with the burgeoning consumer culture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The choice of cast iron speaks volumes. It’s a material born of the Industrial Revolution, capable of being mass-produced through molding. The process involves pouring molten iron into a pre-made mold, allowed to cool and solidify, and then the mold is removed, revealing the form. This allowed for relatively cheap production, making the objects affordable for a growing middle class. The form itself, a Boston Bull Terrier, taps into the era's fascination with domestic pets. The weight of the iron gives the bank a satisfying heft, while the painted surface, now worn with age, hints at the original vibrancy of its design. By understanding the processes and materials that went into its making, we can appreciate the object not only as a charming collectible, but as a window into a pivotal moment in social and economic history.