Early Origins (Mid-1800s – Early 1900s)

The first bank bags appeared in the mid-19th century as banks sought reliable ways to move large sums of cash securely. Early examples were hand-stitched from leather or heavy linen, often unmarked or sealed with wax and twine. By the late 1800s, with the expansion of local “Farmers’ & Merchants’ Banks” and “National Banks,” printed canvas bags became common.
These early bags typically bore simple stenciled lettering the bank’s name, city, and sometimes a branch number and were used by merchants for daily deposits.