This original key unlocks the coin compartment on a Mercury model metal bank manufactured by Duro Pattern & Mold Co. of Highland Park (Detroit), Michigan 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. The key opened a hatch on the underside of the bank through which the coins could be retrieved.
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
3-D: 2.2 × 1.6 × 0.3cm (7/8 × 5/8 × 1/8 in.)
Materials
Metal
Inventory Number
A20110028002
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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