Delmar family collection on mechanical banks
This set of papers supports the donation of 140 mechanical and still banks collected by Marjorie and Michael Delmar. It primarily inventories items in the various categories of banks into which the Delmars divided their collection. There is extensive information on descriptions of banks, purchase prices, and appraisal values.
The papers consist of the following materials, as organized and arranged by the Delmars:
- Various appraisals of the collection and receipts for items purchased.
- Scrapbook of individual item data from a computer database; data include purchase information (date, price, seller’s name and address), appraisal value, and how each bank operates.
- Scrapbook containing copies of receipts and appraisals, some correspondence, ephemera, catalog clippings, and photos.
Original arrangement of the papers (generally by the owner’s categories) has been retained. Materials were removed from acidic, 3-ring notebooks and sleeves and were placed in archival folders.
Dates
- 1983-2007
Conditions Governing Access
Conditions Governing Use
Extent
0.75 Linear Feet (1 box)
Overview
Historical Note
Mechanical banks originated in the late 19th century and remained popular for nearly 60 years. Intended to encourage children to save money, the banks came from established companies, most of whom produced toys, tools, or hardware. Toy manufacturer J&E Stevens of Cromwell, Connecticut, crafted the first cast-iron mechanical bank in 1869 and continued production for more than 50 years. Cast-iron was chosen for its abundance and availability.
Mechanical banks often reflected the political, religious, and cultural beliefs of the era. For instance, Shepard Hardware Co. of Buffalo, New York, manufactured two such banks, one portraying Uncle Sam and the other depicting the biblical story of Jonah and the Whale, both of which proved quite popular.
While general interst in mechanical banks declined after 1930, cast-iron buildings, figures, animals, and vehicles remain highly sought after amongst collections.
Adapted from the museums blog post
System of Arrangement
Series I: Appraisals, 1983-2007
Series II: Scrapbooks, 1983-2007
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Separated Materials
140 cast-iron toy mechanical banks were transferred to the museum's object collection.
Periodicals, books, and trade catalogs were transferred to the library.
Processed by
- Title
- Guide to the Delmar Family Collection on Mechanical Banks, 1983-2007 —
- Author
- Doris C. Sturzenberger
- Date
- September 2009
- Description rules
- dacs
- Language of description
- English
Revision Statements
- October 2024: Updated to current standards by Stephanie Ball,
Repository Details
Part of the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play at The Strong Repository
The Strong
One Manhattan Square
Rochester NY 14607 USA
585.263.2700
585.423.1886 (Fax)
library@museumofplay.org