Some vintage pieces just have that magic about them—the kind that stops you in your tracks and makes you think, Wow, this is special. Malcolm Leland’s Space Bank is one of those pieces. It’s weird, it’s charming, and it perfectly captures that mid-century obsession with all things futuristic.
Designed in the 1950s for the N.S. Gustin Company, this ceramic coin bank feels like something straight out of a retro sci-fi movie. The design is simple but full of personality—a stylized alien-like face with pointy ears, a crescent smile, and a brass spring antenna on top (at least originally—many have lost theirs over the years). There’s a coin slot in the back, and a cork stopper at the bottom (which, let’s be honest, also tends to go missing). It’s functional, but more than that, it’s a little work of art.
I was lucky enough to snag one of these for my personal collection, and I have to say, it’s one of my favorite vintage finds. The ceramic has aged beautifully, and the shape is just so fun and unexpected. I haven’t been able to bring myself to part with it yet—but who knows? Maybe someday it’ll make its way into my shop.
Collectors go crazy for these, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s rare, it’s mid-century modern perfection, and it fits right in with that whole Space Age aesthetic that never really goes out of style. If you’re into retro decor, modernist ceramics, or just unique little oddities from the past, this is one of those pieces that instantly grabs your attention.
While my Space Bank isn’t for sale (at least not yet!), I do have plenty of other amazing mid-century treasures in my shop. So if you’re on the hunt for something special, take a look—you never know what you might find! 🚀✨
~ Stevie M., Owner/CEO