Money box; New Zealand Post Office Savings Bank (New Zealander, estab. 1876); Po...

Money box; New Zealand Post Office Savings Bank (New Zealander, estab. 1876); Post 1950; XOPO.56
From

Ophir Post Office

Name/Title

Money box

About this object

Money box; appearing as a book. The box is rectangular in shape with a brass central section and opens with an escutcheon on the right narrow face (key not present). On the bottom narrow face is a circular hole for paper money, and a coin slot which is lined with a pair of fine teeth on each side which prevents coins from spilling out if tipped upside down. The 'book' face is lined with paper and has a red cloth covering. The 'title' reads CANTERBURY / CENTENNIAL / 1850 / 1950 / POST / OFFICE / SAVINGS / BANK. Also depicted is the Canterbury heraldic shield. On the 'spine' is a crown symbol and the initials POSB.

The Post Office Savings Bank was an important service offered by the local post office from the 1860s. In many small towns and isolated rural communities it was one of the only financial services available. Due to legislation which restricted the rights of other savings banks, by the mid-1950s the Post Office Savings Bank controlled around 80% of the personal savings market. This particular money box was produced to mark the Canterbury Centennial; a celebration of 100 years since the first English settlers arrived in Lyttleton in 1850.

For more information about Ophir Post Office, which is cared for by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust Pouhere Taonga, visit our website.

Maker

New Zealand Post Office Savings Bank (New Zealander, estab. 1876)

Maker Role

Manufacturer

Date Made

Post 1950

Medium and Materials

metal; brass; paper

Measurements

11.9 x 7.8 x 2.4cm

Credit Line

Collection of Ophir Post Office, New Zealand Historic Places Trust Pouhere Taonga

Object number

XOPO.56

Copyright Licence  

All rights reserved

This object is from
Ophir Post Office   Ophir Post Office
Tags
17
money box
piggy bank
Post Office Savings Bank

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