Remember the Maine Bell

This bell was made from brass recovered  from the wreckage of the U.S.S. Maine that sunk in Havana Harbor in 1898 from an explosion. The sinking prompted an outcry by the American people for the U.S. to intervene in Cuba against Spain.  The slogan of the day was "Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain."  No real evidence has ever been found to truly blame Spain for the demise of the Maine.  Bells like these were offered at the Pan-American Exposition held in Buffalo in 1901.  

Lithograph Tin Still Bank

Banks are great fun to collect.  They can be found in metals, ceramics, plastics and other materials.  This one is a real charmer in lithographed tin in the shape of a 1940's suitcase.  With the printed labels it looks well traveled.  In its condition it looks like it never left home.  It was sold in a shop at $48.50.