-The Home Five-Coin Saving Bank (registering)- still bank c. early to mid 20th century

Curator: It's easy to dismiss this unassuming “Home Five-Coin Savings Bank” from the early to mid-20th century by Charles M. Shonk Co. as mere kitsch. But, consider its materials: metal, found objects, and that intriguing mixed media quality. What strikes you about this piece? Editor: Well, it's surprisingly ornate for a piggy bank. I am interested in the material; what metals do you see at play, and do the components and their production tell a story? Curator: Exactly! Think about the labor involved in the mass production of stamped metal parts. The decorative flourishes mimic high-end design, democratizing it through industrial processes. What does it tell us about the aspirational values of the working class at that time? Editor: So, you are suggesting the materiality is related to both economy of materials and social history. Curator: Precisely. The green swirling, decorative pattern might also speak to trends of domestic aesthetics and purchasing power, but perhaps what's more relevant to this piece is not only the process but also what it’s advertising. Who could have used this? Editor: Probably children... It seems designed to train future consumers through engagement and making money “fun” Curator: Indeed. This humble object offers a window into the intertwined histories of manufacturing, marketing, and the making of a consumer culture. Editor: I hadn’t considered that. I see now that a seemingly simple bank reveals complex relationships between materials, production, and societal values. Thanks for making this metal box come to life!