Mechanical money box
probably J. & E. Stevens Co.
Category
Metalwork
Date
Unknown
Materials
Metal, Paint
Measurements
190 x 80 mm; 250 mm (Length)
Place of origin
United States
Order this imageCollection
Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion
NT 551994
Summary
Painted cast ferrous metal mechanical money box with moving parts depicting a stereotypical representation of a Native American figure pointing a rifle at a standing bear. The human figure is wearing a red top, brown trousers and a yellow hat, the bear is white and both stand on a green base. The rilfle catapults the coin into the bear where the money box is located. When the rifle 'fires' the head of the man and the bottom jaw of the bear move. A similar example is held in the collection at the National Trust Museum of Childhood (NT 665086). The representation of Native Americans in this toy is of a generic ‘American Indian’ stereotype that does not reflect the diversity of Indigenous nations. This stereotype was perpetuated by Wild West stage shows and later Western films. Caricatures in these entertainments informed the game of 'Cowboys and Indians' which became popular in the United States and United Kingdom.
Provenance
Purchased as part of Geler Jones Collection in 1994.
Makers and roles
probably J. & E. Stevens Co., manufacturer(?)