{"product_id":"vintage-cast-iron-safe-bank-with-hinged-door-ornate-american-savings-bank-circa-1900","title":"Vintage Cast Iron Safe Bank with Hinged Door | Ornate American Savings Bank | Circa 1900","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e United States\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cast iron\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa late 19th to early 20th century (c. 1890–1920)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis antique cast iron “Libertas Safe” still bank is a classic example of early American novelty banking devices designed to encourage savings through the visual language of security and protection. Modeled after full-sized commercial safes of the period, the bank features a richly cast front panel bearing the word “LIBERTAS SAFE,” accompanied by an eagle motif symbolizing strength, vigilance, and financial security.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe body is constructed from heavy cast iron panels with deeply molded decorative scrollwork on the sides and top, reflecting the ornate industrial aesthetic of the late Victorian era. A functioning front door opens to reveal the interior compartment where coins would be stored, while the coin slot is located at the top.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike mechanical banks, this example is a “still bank,” meaning coins are deposited but not mechanically activated—requiring the owner to open the door to retrieve the contents, reinforcing the concept of saving over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Authentic antique cast iron still bank\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- “LIBERTAS SAFE” embossed front panel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Eagle emblem detail on door\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Hinged door with interior storage compartment\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Original coin slot on top\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Ornate Victorian-style relief decoration on all sides\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Solid, heavy construction with original patina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSafe-form still banks were popular in America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting a growing cultural emphasis on personal savings and financial responsibility. By mimicking the appearance of real safes used by banks and businesses, these objects symbolized security, discipline, and prosperity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood antique condition. Displays surface rust, oxidation, and wear consistent with age and use. Notable chip to the right side panel as shown. Interior shows expected aging. Structurally solid and displays exceptionally well with a strong original patina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 6.5 in\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 4.75 in\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 4.5 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100–130 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore the history of safes and early security devices through \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"History of Safes and Filing Equipment – The Office Museum\" href=\"https:\/\/www.officemuseum.com\/filing_equipment_safes.htm\"\u003eThe Office Museum\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTake a look our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Explore Functional Tools and Mechanical Implements – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\" href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/functional-tools-ancient-implements-craft\"\u003eCollection of Functional Tools \u0026amp; Mechanical Implements\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic and Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52812350685506,"sku":null,"price":500.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/antique-libertas-safe-cast-iron-still-bank.png?v=1774622240","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/products\/vintage-cast-iron-safe-bank-with-hinged-door-ornate-american-savings-bank-circa-1900","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}