This is an original box for a John F. Kennedy memorial bank created by Astro Manufacturing, a company founded in 1957 by John and Steven Berzac, two brothers who had formerly worked at Duro Manufacturing (making space-themed mechanical banks). Created to memorialize the President who was remembered by many as an advocate for spaceflight, this bank contained in this box may well have used the plans for a Kennedy half dollar as its inspiration. Unlike the mechanical banks that had also been designed by the Berzacs, this Kennedy memorial bank was a simple still bank with a slot in the top for the deposit of coins and a locked hatch in the base for their removal.
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
1963
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
MEMORABILIA
Manufacturer
Astro Manufacturing Inc.
Dimensions
Overall: 15.2 × 3.8 × 12.7cm (6 × 1 1/2 × 5 in.)
Materials
Cardboard
Coating
Inventory Number
A20110037001
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 Smithsonian’s Terms of Use.