Cast iron mechanical bank

Object/Artifact

-

Jefferson County Museum

Name/Title

Cast iron mechanical bank

Entry/Object ID

1666

Description

Cast iron mechanical bank painted black, green, red and white to portray an African American in a racist manner. Bank has a right hand and arm. When a lever in back is pushed down a coin is flipped into open mouth. Embossed on back is "JOLLY NIGGER BANK". Patent date is illegible. Embossed on bottom is "MADE BY SHEPARD HARDWARE CO." City is partially illegible but may be "BUFFALO". Reflects racist stereotypes of Jim Crow era.

Acquisition

Accession

79

Source or Donor

Read, Eleanor Perry

Acquisition Method

Gift

Made/Created

Date made

circa 1900 - circa 1920

Material

Metal