-Creedmoor- mechanical bank c. 1877

This cast iron mechanical bank, made in America, depicts a man firing a rifle at a target in a tree. These playful objects were popular during the late 19th century, reflecting a culture fascinated by both firearms and financial accumulation. Consider the name "Creedmoor," likely referencing the Creedmoor Rifle Range on Long Island, a famous site for marksmanship competitions. What does it mean to turn an act of violence into a child’s game? The association of saving money with target practice perhaps subtly reinforced values of competition, skill, and even militarism. We need to understand this object within a specific social and economic context. Looking at sources like period advertisements and trade catalogs can shed light on the role of manufacturers, retailers, and consumers in shaping the demand for these items. Only then can we begin to interpret the messages they conveyed to children about money, violence, and American identity.