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Delmar family collection on mechanical banks

 Collection — Box: 1
Identifier: 109.11627

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

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.

Extent

0.75 Linear Feet (1 box)

Overview

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.

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 "Modern vs. Mechanical: The Best Bang for Your Buck" July 2, 2012.

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
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

Contact:
The Strong
One Manhattan Square
Rochester NY 14607 USA
585.263.2700
585.423.1886 (Fax)