This original key for a Strato model metal bank, manufactured by Duro Pattern & Mold Co. of Highland Park (Detroit), Michigan, opened the hatch on the underside of the bank so that the coins could be retrieved. The space-themed design of the bank included a mechanism that allowed the owner to shoot coins (pennies, nickels, or dimes) from the rocket into a slot in the Moon on the bank.

Created to be distributed as a premium by local commercial banks, the Strato included a place for an adhesive sticker advertising the gifting institution. 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

1954

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

MEMORABILIA

Manufacturer

Duro Pattern & Mold Co.

Dimensions

3-D: 2.5 × 1.9 × 0.3cm (1 in. × 3/4 in. × 1/8 in.)

Materials

Metal

Inventory Number

A20110029002

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
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.