A Centennial Commemorative Edition
This is about the book 'The Story of American Bank Note Company.' It is a corporate publication released in 1959 to commemorate the centennial of the company, which was founded in 1859 through the merger of several smaller American banknote manufacturers.
This book was acquired several years ago on eBay. The main interest in purchasing it was not so much the retelling of the American Bank Note Company's history, but the publication itself as an artifact, its unique features, and the quality of its craftsmanship.
Appearance and Design Features
One of the notable features of this copy is the presence of the original glossy plastic dust jacket. Many copies of this book sold today are missing it, which causes their cloth and paper covers to wear out significantly over time.
The cover itself is made of rather delicate paper. It features a tipped-in vignette, which is a genuine intaglio print. This element is one of the company's hallmarks and gives the book special value. Seeking a copy complete with the original dust jacket was a deliberate choice.
The Value of the Edition: Original Engravings
| Term | Description |
| Intaglio printing | A method of recessed printing where ink is transferred to paper from a printing plate in which the image-forming areas are recessed. It creates a raised, tactile image. |
| Vignette | A small artistic image or ornament, often used to decorate banknotes, stocks, and other securities. |
The main appeal of this book is that it serves as a kind of presentation material, showcasing the company's capabilities and craftsmanship. In essence, it is not just a historical essay but a portfolio demonstrating the highest quality of its products.
Inside the book, there are eight special inserts with original prints made using the intaglio printing method. These pages are printed on different, heavier paper and serve as a clear example of the art of steel engraving, which was long considered a primary security feature for currency in the United States.
These inserts make the book not just a source of information, but a collector's item.
Themes of the Inserts: From Presidents to Railroads
The book features several thematic spreads with engravings, each deserving of attention. The first such insert is dedicated to the presidents of the United States and demonstrates the highest art of portrait engraving.
The next spread combines two themes: 'Marine Vignettes' and 'Railroad Vignettes.' It features detailed images of sailing ships, steamships, old steam locomotives, and more modern trains. These vignettes are a separate collecting field in themselves, as the company's archives, including such prints, were sold off over time.
Variety of Styles and Global Subjects
The book also illustrates the company's technical mastery. One spread, printed in green ink, shows examples of various engraving styles: complex rosettes, borders, patterns, and fonts used to secure valuable documents.
Another insert is dedicated to landmarks. It is divided into two parts: American and foreign. Among the American sites depicted are the New York Stock Exchange, the Statue of Liberty, and the UN Headquarters. On the page with foreign subjects, one can see the Acropolis, Notre-Dame Cathedral, as well as images used in printing banknotes for other countries, such as the Belgian Congo.
Global Reach and Russian Heritage
The book presents allegorical vignettes dedicated to concepts such as 'World Trade,' 'Aviation,' and 'Agriculture.' Separate spreads showcase portraits of prominent Americans and famous individuals from other countries, including King George VI and Queen Wilhelmina.
Of particular interest is a world map marking the 111 countries for which the American Bank Note Company produced banknotes. This list includes the USSR, which is explained by an order from the Russian Provisional Government in 1918. One of the banknotes from this series, with a denomination of 50 rubles, is notable for featuring one of the world's first depictions of an aircraft on currency.
