Delmar family collection on mechanical banks
Collection Scope and Content Note
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
- Creation: 1983-2007
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open to research use by staff of The Strong and users of its library and archive.
Conditions Governing Use
The donor has unconditionally given the papers, together with all intellectual property right or interest (including, but not limited to any copyright, trademark, and associated rights therein) to The Strong.
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
Extent
0.75 Linear Feet (1 box)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
This collection consists of materials collected by Marjorie and Michael Delmar on cast-iron toy mechanical banks. The materials are dated from circa 1983 to 2007. The papers are comprised of scrapbooks, appraisals, and receipts.
System of Arrangement
Series I: Appraisals, 1983-2007
Series II: Scrapbooks, 1983-2007
Immediate Source of Acquisition
This set of papers was donated to Strong National Museum of Play by Marjorie M. Delmar on December 19, 2007, as part of a group of 140 cast-iron toy banks and associated material given in memory of M. Michael Delmar, M.D. The papers, along with books, periodicals, trade catalogs, a videotape, and related ephemera, were accessioned as Object ID 109.11627.
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
Doris C. Sturzenberger, September 2009.
- Title
- Guide to the Delmar Family Collection on Mechanical Banks, 1983-2007 —
- Author
- Doris C. Sturzenberger
- Date
- September 2009
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
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