-Crown Bank - still bank 1896

This small “Crown Bank” still bank was probably made in the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century. Banks like this were meant to encourage thrift, but they also shaped people’s understanding of financial institutions. This bank's architecture resembles a fortified structure, complete with crenellations. Its design conveys the sense that a bank is a safe and secure place to store money. The bank is made of cast iron, which was a common material for toys and other consumer goods at the time. The use of cast iron also suggests a sense of permanence and stability, reinforcing the idea that banks are reliable institutions. Understanding how institutions and social expectations influence the design and use of everyday objects like this bank requires delving into archives, business records, and even sociological studies from the period. Through these resources, we gain a deeper understanding of the cultural values and social structures that shaped the world in which this object was created and used.