2-914-140 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Bank-Note Printing-Room, at the Bank of England [in London], 1854. 'The quality and the water-mark of the...paper have in the new Note (now on the point of being issued to the public) been brought to a high degree of excellence. The moulds from which the paper is made are executed by Mr. Brewer, who, with Mr. Smith, patented a very valuable invention, which was rewarded by a medal at the Great Exhibition of 1851..."the Bank of England accepts no security which may not be possessed by any one who will make himself acquainted with the following characteristics of the paper and printing." The paper is distinguished by - 1. Its colour. 2. Its thinness and transparency. 3. Its characteristic feel. 4. Its watermark. 5. Its three duple (or natural) edges and one cut (or artificial) edge. 6. Its strength. No observant person can fail to notice the great diminution of forgeries within the last few years...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.