“Blacksmiths”, Vignette Die Proof on india, CBNCo. 1866

This Continental Bank Note Company vignette, identified as No. 49, is a detailed steel-engraved die proof from the mid-19th century, likely dating to around 1865. The scene, titled “Blacksmith” or sometimes “The Blacksmith,” was designed by the renowned American illustrator Felix Octavius Carr Darley (F.O.C. Darley). It portrays two blacksmiths at work in a forge: one master smith stands in profile, vigorously swinging a hammer toward an anvil, while his assistant stands opposite him, leaning against the anvil with one hand on his hip. The intricate engraving captures the play of light from the unseen furnace and the textured details of their aprons and tools, exemplifying the high-security artistry used to prevent counterfeiting on contemporary banknotes and bonds.

The Continental Bank Note Co. was founded in January, 1863, by the members of firms who did independent engraving. The main office was at 142-146 Greenwich Street, New York City. In 1866 the firm had a Nassau Street office, and in 1873 it had a printing plant on William Street. During 1874-76 the firm also had a plant at 120 Broadway. The Revenue Act of Feb. 25, 1862, authorized an issue of legal tender notes in denominations of $5 to $1,000. To compete for this new business, against the American and National Bank Note Companies, conditions warranted the smaller firms to consolidate, which they did, and operations commenced in March, 1863. On April 11, 1863, Continental submitted models and bids i, competition for the Treasury notes. On May 26 it was awarded a contract for the only notes authorized-the National Currency $5 and $10 notes. During the 1860s, Continental also had contracts for tax paid revenue stamps. It submitted bids and models for the 1869 issue of postage stamps but was unsuccessful. In January, 1873, Continental was successful in securing the contract for postage stamps, and again in 1877 it secured the contract. At the time of the merger with the American Bank Note Company, the contract was transferred to that firm for fulfillment. During the existence of the Continental Bank Note Company, it had some of the ablest designers and engrav­ers on its staff. Many continued their profession with the American Bank Note Co.