| Description |
Ormsby's Magnificent 1852 Work On Bank Note EngravingNew York: W.L. Ormsby, 12 Vesey Street / London: Willoughby & Co., 22 Warwick Lane. MDCCCLII (1852). Folio [34 by 26.5 cm], original leather-grained brown cloth; both covers with intricate gilt decorations resembling bank note engraving in the centers, with title; all page edges gilt. viii, 102, (2) pages; illustrated throughout and on 13 finely engraved plates demonstrating different technologies and depicting bank notes, vignettes, and various design elements, with tissue guards. Rebacked, with original spine laid on; foxing and discoloration throughout, as often seen; intaglio printed banknote design of Morrisania Bank $1 affixed to pastedown. Very good. A splendid example of this rare and exceptionally well-illustrated work. The 13 engraved folio plates depict geometric lathe work and figures printed in red, brown, and blue ink, as well as various bank notes, vignettes, and medallions, plus a depiction of "An Easy Method of Counterfeiting" and Perkins's "New System." No one who has admired fine intaglio bank note printing could fail to appreciate the engravings accompanying Ormsby's masterpiece. Ormsby was proprietor of the New York Bank Note Company and one of the founders of the Continental Bank Note Company. As such, the work provides unparalleled insights into the topics covered. His detailed exposition of the methods of paper money production employed at the time is especially valuable. This magnificent work remains one of the great rarities of American numismatic literature and the most desirable volume ever published on American bank note engraving. Estimate $2,500. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Auctions 11/2018 (Newman XI), lot15368 (realized $7800).
Heritage link: http://www.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=1283&lotIdNo=11478 |
