This original box accompanies the Duro Mercury mechanical bank. The Detroit-based company began producing the Mercury model rocket bank in the early 1950s. Although labeled on its packaging only as a "Rocket Bank," this model was known as the Mercury model. Shaped like a comic-book-style rocket ship, with curved sides and a pointed end, the Duro Mercury bank had a mechanism that allowed the owner to shoot coins (pennies, nickels, or dimes) into a slot in the "nose cone" of the bank. Such banks were made to be distributed by individual bank branches as a part of promotions.

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
Country of Origin United States of America Type MEMORABILIA Manufacturer Duro Pattern & Mold Co.
 Dimensions Overall: 0.64 x 10.8 x 20.96cm (1/4in. x 4 1/4in. x 8 1/4in.)
 Materials Cardboard
Coating
 Inventory Number A20110028001 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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