TF59 “Farmer and Mechanic” Vignette Proof, Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Frederick Girsch engraving of the “Farmer and Mechanic” that appeared on the $100 Interest Bearing Treasury Notes of 1864, approximately three and one-fourth inches by one and one-half inches, on card. Also used on Tobacco taxpaids of 1870s and various obsolete bank notes, stocks and bonds. For a matching tax paid usage see TF59. BEP proof control #47703 in blue on reverse.

FREDERICK GIRSCH (1821-1895) ex­ecuted work of all sorts in his early years and achieved a measure of success with book and newspaper publishers in New York and other cities before concentrating on bank note engraving. Frederick Girsch was born in Biidingen, Germany, near Darmstadt. He early showed a natural talent in drawing and received local encouragement and patronage, but after the Revolution of 1848 he left for Paris and finally settled in 1ew York in 1849. In 1851 he was probably employed in the engraving department of Danforth, Bald & Co. Girsch did many allegorical vignettes for the National Bank Tote Co. In addition to his work on the National Currency series, he is credited with the head of Liberty on the 15c and of Washington on the 25c denominations of Fractional Currency, fourth issue. At the age of 73, Frederick Girsch still produced engravings that have been thought to be as fine as any he did in his long career.

Note: this is an ORIGINAL nineteenth century die-sunk proof; not a reproduction or contemporary print. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.