ANTIQUE TOY BANKS

The Whimsical Art of Saving

Apr 22, 06 | Oct 1, 06

ANTIQUE TOY BANKS featured  mechanical banks manufactured in the United States in the 1800s. 

Made of brightly painted cast iron or tin, these toy banks often depicted animals and people in whimsical settings and situations. The insertion of coins activated fascinating mechanical movements, entertaining children while instilling the value of saving for the future. This collection was a gift to Mingei International from the Thomas W. Sefton Trust.

The exhibition was accompanied by a five-minute video of the same name. Videotapes and DVDs of ANTIQUE TOY BANKS are available in The Collector's Gallery.