This commemorative Satellite mechanical bank was created by Duro Manufacturing of Detroit, Michigan, from a design patented in 1959. The slightly-rounded rocket shape atop a globe contained a spring-loaded mechanism that could shoot a coin into a slot on the underside of the rocket's nose. Coins could be retrieved through the base of the bank.
The top ring of the base on the commemorative version celebrated the flight of the first American in space, Alan Shepard, indicating that this particular bank was produced after 1961. (Non-commemorative version had a smooth ring for the lip of the base.)
Created to be distributed as a premium by local commercial banks, the Satellite included an adhesive sticker that advertised the gifting institution. The sticker created by the The Peoples Bank & Trust Co. of Wilmington, Delaware played off of the bank's shape, suggesting users could "Watch Your Savings Soar."
Raymond Reines donated this bank to the Museum in 2011.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date
1962
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
MEMORABILIA
Manufacturer
Duro Pattern & Mold Co.
Dimensions
3-D: 8.9cm × 8.9cm × 26.7cm (3.5 × 3.5 × 10.5 in.)
Materials
Metal
Plastic
Coating
Inventory Number
A20110034000
Credit Line
Gift of Raymond R. Reines. Dedicated to the Berzac Family, in honor of Team NASA.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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