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The New Tripoli National Bank – New Tripoli, Pennsylvania c. 1930–1950
$49.99
1 in stock
Description
Estimated Era: 1930–1950
SKU: VB-NTNB-PA-CANV-CLASP-1940S
Canvas Deposit Bag with Metal Clasp
Estimated Date: Circa 1930–1950
Material: Heavy tan canvas with stamped black lettering and steel frame clasp closure
Markings:
“DEPOSIT WITH / THE NEW TRIPOLI NATIONAL BANK / NEW TRIPOLI, PA.”
Description
This authentic deposit bag originates from The New Tripoli National Bank of New Tripoli, Pennsylvania. Constructed from tightly woven tan canvas, it features a metal clasp frame, typical of pre-zipper deposit pouches used between the 1930’s and early 1950’s. The straightforward block lettering style and durable construction reflect Depression-era and post-war American bank supply design, built for daily teller and customer deposit use.
The bag’s fabric shows its original utilitarian form, used for securing currency, checks, or rolled coins for deposit. The darkened ink and wear pattern indicate long service, while the steel frame and spring clasp remain structurally sound evidence of robust mid-century manufacturing.
Historical Context
Founded in 1910, The New Tripoli National Bank was created to serve the agricultural and small-business community of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. As a locally owned national bank, it provided essential lending, savings, and deposit services to surrounding farming towns.
By the mid-20th century, rural banks such as New Tripoli National distributed branded canvas pouches like this for deposit transport or night-drop use, often carried between merchants and the bank before armored services became common. The bag’s design bridges the early hand-stitched cloth styles of the 1910s with the later vinyl zip bags of the 1960s.
Condition
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Canvas: Heavy-duty fabric with mild staining and natural aging consistent with 70+ years of storage
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Lettering: Faded but clearly legible
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Frame: Metal clasp shows oxidation typical of period hardware but remains intact and functional
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Overall: Very good vintage condition with strong display value
Significance
This deposit bag embodies small-town American banking during the mid-century era, when community trust and physical security were the foundation of financial operations. It serves as a tangible artifact of Pennsylvania’s rural financial heritage and the enduring tradition of locally run national banks.
| Year | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| October 8, 1909 | Bank organized | The bank was organized by a group of local residents in New Tripoli. (Bank Note History) |
| February 5, 1910 | Chartered as national bank | It received its national banking charter (Charter 9656). (Bank Note History) |
| March 1, 1910 | Opened for business | The bank opened its doors in a small cement-block building in New Tripoli. (New Tripoli Bank) |
| 1968 | New main building constructed | A new bank building was erected across the street from the original office. (New Tripoli Bank) |
| 1999 | Branch office opened on Claussville Road (Orefield) | Expansion into a new Lehigh Valley location. (New Tripoli Bank) |
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