"Bank-O-Mat," Bank and Gumball Machine, circa 1960

01

Artifact Overview

This toy Bank-O-Mat gumball machine gave kids a treat and, at the same time, helped them save money. Children deposited a coin in the slot and then pushed the lever to drop the money into the till. Another mechanism turned and dropped a gumball -- a treat for the thrifty child.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Bank (Container)

Date Made

circa 1960

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2017.105.19

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Mary Sherman.

Material

Plastic
Metal

Color

Yellow (Color)
Red
Blue
Colorless
Multicolored

Dimensions

Height: 6.25 in (Bank)
Diameter: 4.5 in (Bank)
Height: 0.25 in (Key)
Width: 0.625 in (Key)
Length: 1 in (Key)
Height: 5.188 in (Envelope)
Width: 2.563 in (Envelope)

Inscriptions

on top of bank: MADE OF DURABLE PLASTIC FOR SAFETY on bottom of bank: A TARCO TOY / PAT. NO. 158529 / THE TARRSON CO. / CHICAGO 11, ILL. / MADE IN U.S.A.