-Circus Ticket Collector- mechanical bank c. 1879

This mechanical bank, titled “Circus Ticket Collector,” was made by the H. L. Judd Manufacturing Company. Its primary material is cast iron, an industrial material that speaks to the rise of mass production during its era. Look closely, and you'll notice that this isn't just a static object. It is a playful interaction of form and function. When you insert a coin, the figure seems to animate, mimicking the action of a ticket collector at a circus. This element of interaction adds a layer of charm to the piece. The use of cast iron—strong, durable, and capable of being molded into intricate shapes—allowed for the creation of relatively affordable items like this bank. It blurs the lines between art, craft, and industry. It's not merely a decorative object; it is a functional item intended for everyday use. The importance of materiality, manufacturing, and context challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, enriching our understanding of the piece's historical and cultural significance.