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Estimated Era: 1935–1955
SKU: VB-PA-FMB-1940

Farmers’ and Merchants’ Bank institutions were common in small rural towns across America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These banks often merged or were absorbed into regional financial institutions during the mid-20th century.

• The New Oxford, PA branch was a local community bank serving agricultural and small-business customers in Adams County, an area known for farming and trade.

• Many such banks issued cloth money bags for deposits and withdrawals — used by merchants to carry coins and small bills.

Physical Description

• Material: Heavy cotton duck canvas

• Closure: Drawstring with metal grommets, a common feature before zippered bags became widespread in the 1960s

• Printing: Red stenciled text reading
  “Farmers’ and Merchants’ Bank – New Oxford, Pa.”

• Dimensions: Roughly 9-10 inches tall, as seen beside the measuring tape in your image

• Back side: Plain (unmarked), which was typical for smaller deposit or coin bags

Estimated Era

The eyelet-and-rope drawstring construction suggests a pre-1960’s design.

• Canvas with Brass Grommets: This style was standard for bank bags from the 1920’s through the 1950’s. By the late 1950s, most banks had transitioned to plastic or nylon zippered pouches.

• Red Block Lettering: Simple, bold typography became common after the Great Depression, cost-effective and easy to reproduce for small-town banks.

• No ZIP Code: ZIP codes weren’t introduced until 1963, confirming the bag predates that system.

• Bank History: Farmers & Merchants Bank of New Oxford operated independently from 1892 until the 1960’s, merging into Acme National around 1968.

• Condition: Light soiling with intact cord suggests active use but good care, typical of a working deposit bag in regular farm or merchant circulation during the 1940’s-50’s.

Conclusion: This bag most likely dates from the World War II to early postwar period (circa 1940-1955), a time of rural economic strength and traditional banking reliability.

Intended Use

Such bags were used by:

• Local merchants for daily deposits

• Bank tellers for coin storage and transfers

• Armored car services for inter-branch transport (before heavy canvas “armored” bags became standard)

Collectible Value

Collectors of vintage bank memorabilia or numismatics accessories appreciate these for their:

• Local bank name (especially defunct institutions)

• Condition (yours appears well-preserved with legible print and intact hardware)

• Authentic mid-century construction

Typical market value: $15–40, depending on rarity and condition — higher if the bank is regionally significant or no longer exists.

Condition of one pictured:

Front Condition

• Print: The red lettering remains clearly legible, though it shows minor fading, consistent with age and handling.

• Fabric: The canvas is structurally sound, showing light surface discoloration and a few small faint stains near the center and lower area.

• Hardware: All six metal grommets are intact with light oxidation (patina), and the original drawstring cord appears complete and functional.

• Edges & Seams: No tears or fraying along the edges, stitching remains tight and uniform.

Overall: Very good vintage condition lightly soiled from age but well-preserved with strong printing and intact hardware.

Back Condition

• Surface: The reverse side is unprinted and displays mild creasing and general soiling typical of a bag that has seen moderate use.

• Fabric Tone: Evenly aged with slight yellowing and a few darker scuff marks toward the bottom edge.

• Structural Integrity: No holes, tears, or weak points canvas remains firm and durable.

Overall: Good vintage condition — shows normal age wear but retains its full shape and strength.