-Artillery Bank c. 1892

Peter Adams created this cast iron Artillery Bank, and its exact date is unknown. This seemingly innocent toy bank offers a glimpse into the cultural landscape that shaped its creation and reception. The bank features a uniformed artilleryman standing next to a cannon, ready to fire. The phrase ‘Artillery Bank’ is engraved on the base, next to a tower, which acts as the repository for coins. To operate, one places a coin in the cannon, presses a lever, and the coin is launched into the tower. This playful interaction reflects early attitudes toward war, patriotism, and consumerism, blending themes of conflict with the everyday act of saving money. The toy also reveals societal expectations for boys: a connection between masculinity, military service, and national pride. While appearing as a simple child's toy, the Artillery Bank embodies complex historical and cultural attitudes, revealing how power and national identity were instilled from a young age.