What Were Pet Banks?

Pet banks are ceramic or metal coin banks that were popular in the United States and other countries during the 19th and early 20th centuries. They were typically shaped like animals, with a slot in the back to insert coins and a removable plug at the bottom to remove them.

Uses of Pet Banks

Pet banks were used for a variety of purposes, including:

1. Savings: Pet banks were often used by children to save money for future purchases or special occasions.

2. Gifts: Pet banks were also popular gifts for children, especially for birthdays or holidays.

3. Decorations: Pet banks were also used as decorations in children's rooms or playrooms.

Types of Pet Banks

There were many different types of pet banks, including:

1. Animals: The most common type of pet bank was shaped like an animal, such as a dog, cat, pig, or rabbit.

2. People: Some pet banks were shaped like people, such as cowboys, soldiers, or sailors.

3. Objects: Other pet banks were shaped like objects, such as houses, cars, or trains.

Materials Used to Make Pet Banks

Pet banks were typically made of ceramic or metal. Ceramic pet banks were more common, and they were often made of bisque, a type of unglazed pottery. Metal pet banks were typically made of cast iron or tin.

Popularity of Pet Banks

Pet banks were very popular in the United States and other countries during the 19th and early 20th centuries. They were sold in a variety of stores, including toy stores, hardware stores, and department stores. Pet banks were also often given away as prizes at fairs and carnivals.

Decline of Pet Banks

The popularity of pet banks began to decline in the mid-20th century. This was due in part to the rise of plastic banks, which were less expensive and easier to produce than ceramic and metal banks. Pet banks are still available today, but they are not as popular as they once were.