Mechanical banks are small
containers with a decorative
mechanical action, used to store
coins. They were originally intended to promote saving money among
children in the mid-19th century. Frequently made of
cast iron, mechanical banks were often creatively designed, depicting historical, legendary or everyday events to increase their appeal. Each bank performed a stunt or an action when a coin was dropped into a slot and a
lever was pulled. The banks quickly became popular with children and adults alike and soon became a sought-after
collector's item.