Mechanical Bank, "Bad Accident," 1891-1911

01

Artifact Overview

During the last quarter of the 1800s, America witnessed one of the worst eras of discrimination against African Americans. Degrading images -- like those portrayed in this bank -- were intended to convince white people that African Americans were inferior, second-class citizens. African-American leaders continually challenged these stereotypes and sought changes to the status quo.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Bank (Container)

Date Made

1891-1911

Creator Notes

Designed by Charles A. Bailey and manufactured by J. & E. Stevens Company in Cromwell, Connecticut.

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in With Liberty & Justice for All

Object ID

58.100.29

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Cast iron

Dimensions

Height: 6 in
Length: 10 in

Inscriptions

on top of base, upside down: BAD ACCIDENT