“Forging a Shaft”, Vignette Die Proof on india, CBNCo. 1860s

This 19th-century intaglio engraving die proof by the Continental Bank Note Company depicts a complex industrial vignette titled “Forging a Shaft,” originally created to symbolize American labor and craftsmanship. Printed on high-absorbency India paper, the scene showcases several men operating a massive steam hammer or hydraulic die within a high-ceilinged workshop, an image traditionally used to represent physical strength and the foundational role of the laboring class. The proof features the company’s imprint at the bottom along with the die number V 48225, which identifies it as a reference copy pulled from a master steel die. This specific vignette was likely commissioned for use on security documents such as currency or bonds during the mid-to-late 1860s, a period when Continental was securing major federal contracts from the U.S. Treasury.

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.