ro f-n Heath's ^ AT SIGHT. ; ^,. ■ , ; , , ..til BANKING & COUNTING HOUSE EDITION, -4 ^ BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OFTHE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND THE GIFT OF Hcnrg W, Sage 1891 A.-^.^.^.5,bO, , '^l/HTJ I4-.-. Cornell University Library HG645 .H43 1867 Heath's greatly improved and enlarged in 3 1924 030 195 246 olin Overs oicis T9Se ^^G.£5,191? B Date Due MX- & .i|^;'"\,:^. n Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030195246 '^y-'T) HEATH'S GREATLY IMPROVED AND ENLARGED okrammt dniraterfdt pittttor, J^^ S I €3- H T . THE ONLY INF.yLLIBLE 5IETH0D OF DETECTING COUNTEREEIT, SPURIOUS, AND ALTERED BANK NOTES, GOVERNIIENT BONDS, ETC. APPLICABLE TO ALL BANKS EST THE UNITED STATES AND CANADAS, AS NOW IN CmCULATION OR TEAT MAT BE ISSUED, WITH GENUINE DESIGNS FROM THE ORIGINAL GOVERNIIENT PLATES. BY AUTHOEITT FK03I THE UNITED STATES TEEASURT DEPARTMENT, AND THE AJtlEEICAN, NATIONAL, AND CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COS., NEW YOEK AND BOSTON. Sanhing Mouse and Counting Itoom JEdition. BOSTON, MASS., AND WASHINGTON, D. C. : TEACHER OF COUNTERFEIT DETECTION, No. 20 Wa^luiigton Street, Boston, to "whom all orders siiouJd be addressecl. //;v/ Kz^alZkO Entered, according to Act of Congress, In the year 1866, by liABAN HEATH, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetta. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 18G7, by LABAN HEATH, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of 3Ia«saoliusette. INNSS iSX> NiLIS, JSttrmtspttj ano |3tinltn, 37 COBSHILL, BOSTOK. .-^:,•\■^•^^ - '.(. !?X- ■>..'.x\j-iX--t«-\_-- INTRODUCTION TO THE SECOND EDITION. In presenting a second edition of the " Counterfeit Detector " to the public, I wish to add a few remarks enabling the reader more fully to understand its import. Having had unlimited ex- perience in the detection of counterfeit and altered bank-notes, I felt the necessity of placing this knowledge within the reach of all; consequently, in June, 1864, I published the first edition of " Heath's Counterfeit Detector," which met with such favor from the public that it reached the enormous sale of twenty-five thou- sand copies, and would have far exceeded this number, had not the whole currency of the country been changed to what is com- monly known as greenbacks and national bank-bills. This change gave apparent security for a time, and it was confidently believed that the counterfeiter's " occupation was gone." But this delusion was suddenly dispelled by the appearance in our midst of coun- terfeit greenbacks, so nicely executed that they were passed over the counters of our leading banks as genuine notes and in fact to a great extent over the entire country. This, together with the numerous and dangerous counterfeits of the new national cur- rency, induced the author to apply to the Secretary of the United States Treasury for certain cuts and dies used on the greenbacks and other national bills. This all-important request led the de- partment to thoroughly investigate the matter, inquiring into the practicability of granting it. The oflicers of the leading Bank Note Engraving Companies were consulted upon the subject, and (3) 4 INTRODUCTION. after a thorough investigation, jDermission was gi'auted, on condi- tion that the dies should be so mutilated as to prevent all possi- bility of counterfeiters making any use of them in their nefarious business, and yet preserving the symmetry of the work. I am, therefore, through the kindness of the Secretary of the Treasury, enabled in this now edition to give fac-simile cuts and dies from nearly all the Government issues, thus placing in the hands of all the means of detecting the most skilfully prepared counterfeits that can be executed. In issuing this woi'k, I have given about iifty of the most beautiful government devices, including " vignettes," '' dies," etc. These devices are now considered the most important safeguards, as the whole ingenuity of the most experienced rogues seems to be directed against the Government issues since the State bank- bills have mostly been withdrawn from circulation. The labor and expense of getting up this neiv work have been very great, and I assure the public that I have neither spared time nor money in perfecting it, so that I could present to them a standard work, not only worthy of the title it bears, but a sure safeguard against all classes of counterfeits. In conclusion, I cannot refrain from expressing my gratitude to the Hon. Hugh McCuUoch, the able banker and Secretary of the Treasury ; Hon. Wm. E. Chandler, his assistant and execu- tive officer ; Gen. F. E. Spinner, U. S. Treasurer, whose bold, inimitable signature is better known than that of any American now living; to Mr. Clark, of the Printing Bureau, and Mr. Wood, detective officer, as well as to the officers of the Ameri- can, National, and Continental Bank Note Companies, and many others, whose suggestions have been of great value to the author. LABAN HEATH. 'le jlcKowcnr/ eu/d tMea on me laMced o/ me tyVai'cona/ t^taM :.Jye^e4 ana me 6& . tj. ^eaa/ tyenael tyjo^eti, /oi iMe m Meai woun^ei/eiY ^De^ecA^i, ty nave t o/ mci C'c/ieccuK, aamoiiff/f 4.(^1// Oe awen S me i^a^in 1^7 o& Jaom/tanee4 ■w/to en . giauea ana /i-im/ea mede nolkd, & /lUn/ /oi leoa me d/ieccuea numpei 0/ eo/iied a/wn " /uam //la/fe /la/te-l , me ^ece/)jaiy, ece/fen/ie 0/ 'w/ticn -uou 'wM /lati /o mern ti/wn eieuiiel//,, ana '/iY ^u aa/iUca/e /oi me copiet> ae/a/eiec/ at Une /oiin ad aie mY ei oiaei /ainu/tee/ ^y //ou C/ved/tecl'/a//// UouU, fCfianeaJ -^o^- '-^'^ Wa/tocn, C/ecie/al// 0/ me ^ieadaiu (ffc mid We/iaiAnenY. # * Xa/ian a/beam , (/'da. ,.v.^^' ::^.>^- c INTRODUCTION TO THE FIRST EDITION. The object of this work is to furnish the public with a stand- ard guide, and, in a comprehensive form, the means of detect- ing counterfeit bank-notes at sight, — tlie same means employed by Engravers, Brokers, Cashiers, and other experts. Many a man, after taking half a dozen counterfeit bills, has thrown away his " Bank-Note Reporter " in disgust, feeling that there is no certain means of protection against this kind of fraud. The Re- ]3orters, however, are not at fault. They do all they profess to do ; namely, give the standing of the Hanks, and describe knoivn Counterfeits. The same is true of the "Safeguards" and "Detec- tors" describing all genuine hills. The diiSculty lies in the fact that many counterfeits do not find their way into the " Re^Dorters " for a long time, or they are rushed upon the community in va- rious places at once, and the damage is done before there is time to warn the people. Many counterfeits, also, are such ex- act imitations of the genuine that no descrij)tion can enable one to detect them. The only sure protection, then, is to possess the power of judging the genuineness of the note by the quality of the tvork. This knowledge has been reduced to fixed princi- ples, so clear and simple that any one, with the aid of a mi- croscopic glass, can understand and apply them. Many ladies, under the tuition of the author, have become experts in detect- ing counterfeits, and all who have become acquainted with the author's mode of teaching the art have shown the deepest interest (5) 6 INTRODUCTION. in it, and a desire to know still more. This fact, and a desire to furnish the community a protection against the enormous amount of spurious currency now afloat, have prompted the au- thor to prepare the present work. The expense of the work has been very great, owing to the high cost of genuine engravings with which it is so profusely illustrated. It may also be re- marked that the author has enjoyed peculiar facilities for procur- ing such engravings, which are obtained with great difficulty, owing to the misuse which might be made of them by counter- feiters ; and he is thus able to apply the principles here taught to the United States and national bank-note currency, with full illustrations of the same. The general principle upon which the detection of counterfeits is based is that all j^arts of genuine notes are engraved by ma- chinery, — with some exceptions hereafter named, — Avhile all parts of counterfeit notes are engraved by hand, with exceptions here- after given. The machines employed in engraving are very elaborate and expensive, thus placing them beyond the reach of counterfeiters, who, even if they had the capital, would hardly risk investing from $75,000 to $150,000 in an illegitimate business which might be taken from them at any moment by the officers of the law. The size and weight of such apparatus would also prevent con- cealment. The work executed by the regular Bank-Note Company is of great beauty and perfection ; and in all its parts mathematically and geometrically exact. Engraving executed by hand, or even with the aid of some simple machinery, can never approach the beauty and exactness of genuine work. The success of counter- feiters in circulating their spurious issues is not always due to any excellence of work that would deceive a practised eye, but to the general ignorance of the public as to what constitutes good and poor engraving. So general is this ignorance, that it INTRODUCTION. 7 is rare to meet a man who knows the object or character of the beautiful devices found upon every bank-note, and which are its only safeguard against counterfeiting. In judging of the genuine- ness of a note, some look carefully for pin-holes, others for signs of wear, and others still examine the paper, all of which are easily imitated by counterfeiters. In the engravings of this work will be found a standard of excellence, with which all genuine work will favorably compare ; while counterfeits will fail to stand the test. A careful com- parison will reveal their defects, — defects which will never be found in genuine work. Some works of similar character to this have attempted to give specimens of counterfeit engraving by means of wood-cuts. This, however, is impossible, as there is no standard for counterfeits, varying as they do from poor to excellent. The various kinds of work will be fully described in the fol- lowing sections. They consist of — Sec. 1. Geometrical Lathe "Work " 2. Euling Engine "Work. " 3. "Vignettes. " 4. Solid Print. " 5. The Perkins Plate. " 6. Minor Kules. Then will be added — Sec. 7. Altered Bank-Notes. " 8. General Directions. " 9. Particular Directions. " 10. Remarks. " 11. Microscope or Magnifying Glass. COUNTEREEIT DETECTOR. SEOTIOISr DPIK.ST. GEOMETRICAL LATHE WOEK. CANNOT BE SUCCESSFULLY IMITATED. All the figures on bank-notes, of circles, ovals, squares, etc., and upon which the denomination is usually placed (see Plates 2, 3, 5, and 6), are composed entirely of a network of fine lines, crossing each other at such angles and dis- tances as to produce the desired effect. This fine line is the characteristic of this description of engraving, and in genuine work can be traced by means of a lens throughout the figure, never breaking or losing itself in another line, or pursuing any irregularity whatever. This line is usually white, on a black or green ground, or sometimes red, but may be a black, green, or red line on white. Plate 5 shows the beautiful lathe work, on the right end of the backs of the $10, $20, |50, and $100 National Currency Notes ; they are printed in green, the same color used for the bills. A careful comparison of any suspicious note of the above denomination (with the aid of a lens) will at once determine its character. This Ime is produced by the Geo- metrical Lathe, a wonderful and beautiful engine, invented . 2 (9) 10 heath's infallible counterfeit detector. by Mr. Asa Spencer, of Connecticut, and first introduced into general use in 1818-19. The patterns produced by the geometrical lathe are of every conceivable variety of form and figure ; but this fine line is the characteristic of them all. The lathe does not engrave its patterns directly upon the bank-note plate, but upon pieces of soft steel one eighth of an inch thick. This piece is then hardened by a pe- culiar process, and then a cylinder of soft steel is rolled over it by means of a powerful machine called the Transfer Press, and the engraving is transferred to the cylinder. This cylinder is then hardened, and is capable of transferring the same design to the bank-note plate, by means of the Trans- fer Press. In counterfeit engraving^ on the contrary, the design is engraved directly upon the plate, and will fail in two ways. First, it will be impossible to produce the perfect line of the genuine, and the efi"ect to the naked eye will be a more or less dull and sunken appearance, and sometimes a " scratchy " look. The figure will also be darker or lighter in spots, because the lines wUl be sometimes heavier and sometimes lighter. The lens will also show the lines to be imperfect, sometimes broken, irregular in size, and irregu- lar in their course ; and, second, it wUl be impossible to produce two dies exactly alike. In the genuine plate, when two dies occur alike, both are "transferred" from the same cylinder and must be alike ; but in the counterfeit, each being separately engraved, and by hand, it is impossible to produce two exactly alike. An examination of the plates showing the more frequent forms of geometrical lathe dies will show the beautiful, clear, raised impression produced by the correct lines of the genuine engraving. Sometimes the i^ is ^ i^ is:? heath's infallible counteefeit detector. 11 whole face of a note, except the vignettes and dies, will be tinted a pale red or other color. This tint is composed of fine curved or looped lines, running across the whole face of the bill, and is done by the geometrical lathe. In the genuine it will be perfect in the lines and in the shades, like all lathe work, as described above ; and the counterfeits will have the same imperfections, in the lines and in the shades, before described. In all the Government issues (with the exception of the old fractional currency, now nearly obsolete) the geometric lathe Avork is largely used, constituting the chief test of genuineness. This should he made a partiadar study by carefully examining the plates, both with the lens and the naked eye. The student will thus become famUiar with genuine and perfect work. RULING ENGINE WORK. The fine line is also the characteristic of this kind of work; but the lines, instead of forming cu'cles, are 'parallel. This work is always used for the shading of letters (see Plate 11), which" forms a perfectly even pale gray shade. The lines are usually very fine in genuine work, so that the shading appears light. It may, however, be dark and yet be genuine. The engraving is produced and transferred in the same way as the geometrical lathe work, and the shade will al- ways be uniform, — no part darker than another, — the lines will all be perfect, and the spaces between them exact. They may be horizontal, i. e., directly across the plate, or diagonal, running crosswise the plate. In the counterfeit, this work, like all other, is engraved upon the plate by hand, aided sometimes, perhaps, by some simple and imper- fect machinery. Consisting of the fine line, like the geometrical lathe work, it will fail in the same particulars ; namely, will be more or less dull and sunken, looking as though done with a lead-pencil, and may also have the " scratchy " appear- ance. The lens will show the lines to be more or less coarse and uneven, frequently breaking, and sometimes end- ing too soon. (12) s V ^ I J^, S- ^ V ^0 heath's infallible nOUNTEEFEIT DETECTOR. 13 The lines are also liable to be crooked, — not perfectly parallel. Fine specimens of ruling engine work will be found on Plate 11. It is generally used, as there, for the shading of names of banks, and also for the names of Town, State, etc. VIGNETTES. CAN BE IMITATED. The two kinds of work previously described are always and invariably machine work in genuine bills, and therefore cannot be imitated successfully by the means in the hands of counterfeiters. Vignettes may be classed as the artistic part of bank-note engraving, as the greater part of it is done by hand, and in all genuine work by fii'st-class artists. Water and sky are sometimes done with the ruling engine, and when they are, come under Section Second, and cannot be successfully imitated. The only thing required for a first- class vignette is a first-class artist ; but as such artists receive high rates of compensation, and can usually find plenty of employment from the regular companies, counter- feiters can offer little temptation to induce them to work for them, and there is also little temptation for artists to become counterfeiters. It is therefore rare to see fine vign- ettes on counterfeit notes. That good work is sometimes found upon such issues is, however, not to be 'denied ; and some works of a similar character to this have taught people to rely too much upon the character of the vign- ettes. Much is said about the appearance of the eyes, hair, skin, drapery, fingers, toes, etc., leading people to suppose (M) f'/tf/t 5 heath's infallible counteefeit detector. 15 these are infallible " guides." The Plates 6 and 8 give fine specimens of first-class vignettes, which will be readily rec- ognized by the reader as belonging on the different denomi- nations of national bills, and all vignettes which fail to compare well with these should cause the note to be care- fully examined ; but the style of vignette should not be allowed to overturn judgment based upon the work described in the first two sections. If that be all genuine, an ordi- nary vignette cannot make the bill counterfeit, and if that be counterfeit, no vignette can make the bill genuine. The vignettes on the backs of the $5, $10, |20, $50, $100, $500, and $1,000 National Currency Notes are taken from historical pauitings from the U. S. Capitol at Washington, which are exceedingly lifelike and beautiful. The engraving on the back of the $ 5 is the landing of Columbus ; on the back of the $ 10 is De Soto discovering the Missis- sippi ; on the back of the $ 20, the baptism of Pocahontas ; on the back of the $ 50, the embarkation of the Pilgrims ; on the back of the $ 100, the signing of the Declaration of Independence ; on the back of the $ 500, the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne ; on that of the $1,000, Washington resign- ing his commission. Being under the necessity of mutilating all the dies furnished by the U. S. Treasury Department, as referred to in the Introduction, I have taken the right end of back vignette of $ 5 National Currency, and the right end of face of $5 National Currency, and the left-hand half of the back of $ 10 and the right-hand half of the $ 20 ; also, the left-hand half of the $ 50 and the right-hand half of the $ 100, and the right-hand half of the $ 500, and the left-hand half of the $ 1,000, and put them together. 16 heath's infallible counterfeit detector. to preserve their symmetry, instead of mutilating the entire back. (See Plates 7, 9, and 10.) On the centre of Plate 4 will be seen the vignette which appears on the left-hand end of the $ 5 greenback. At the right of it is the vignette of the $ 20 greenback ; at the left is vignette on right end of $10 greenback. The portraits in Plates 2 and 3, were executed by men at the head of their profession, and are exceedingly lifelike and beautiful. Counterfeiters oftener fail in portraits than in out- door scenes, giving them generally a sunken and lifeless expression. The vignettes upon the Government issues con- sist of out-door scenes, historical pictures, portraits, and alle- gorical figures. All are of exceeding beauty, and it is not probable that counterfeiters will ever succeed in success- fully imitating such work. Specimens of all are given, — the splendid portraits of Chase and Hamilton, on Plate 2, executed by the National Bank Note Co., of New York, cannot fail to strike the eye of the most casual observer. Yet the portrait of Hamilton has been dangerously imitated on a counterfeit f 50 greenback. But it should be under- stood that, however perfect, a counterfeit cannot be the same as the original. This portrait of Hamilton, for instance, has been engraved but once, and all impressions of it upon Government notes, or in this book, are exact copies of that one engraving, being all made from it by tha transferring process already described. The same is true of all vignettes upon Government issues. A comparison, therefore, of a sup- posed counterfeit with the specimens in this book will show whether it be exactly the same or not. s: SOLID PRINT. CAN BE IMITATED. In genuine work the lettering is done by a first-class artist, who makes it his exclusive employment, and there- fore arrives at a high degree of perfection. The name of the engraving company is always engraved upon the genu- ine with great care and accuracy. It will be found on the upper or lower margin of the bill. In counterfeits, it is more or less irregular and uneven. The chief use of solid print is to prevent alterations, as will be hereafter explained. It is classed as capable of imitation, because a good artist can engrave it for counterfeiters, if so disposed, as well as for the regular engraving companies. A specimen of solid print will be seen on the one dollar greenbacks, with the words " one dollar " engraved thereon. Much has been said in some " Detectors " about the lettering of " Promise to pay," etc., as being nearly infallible. The truth is, however, that this is of little value, being frequently very neatly done ia counterfeit notes. Some State bank-bills have the denomina- tion of the bill engraved in very fine letters across the whole or part of the face of the bill, — one dollar, one dollar, one dollar, etc. This, in the genuine, produces a perfectly even shade of black, green, red, or otherwise, according to the color of ink used ; but in the counterfeit cannot be so well produced ; and, therefore, the shade will be lighter in some places, and darker in others. This latter form of using the solid print is not used on Government notes. 3 (17) A SEOTionsr ifjifth:. THE PERKINS PLATE. The Perkins Stereotype Plate is an engine-ruled die ; and on the face of the note does not differ from other work of this kind, as described in Section Second. Its chief charac- teristic is the check hack, composed of various sizes and kinds of type thrown together in a most confused manner, and then arranged in ovals, bars, etc., covering the back of the note. It is usually printed in reddish-brown or black. For a long time this was also thought to be a nearly perfect safeguard ; but it has been imitated, and is now mostly su- perseded, even on State bank-notes, by the more beautiful designs of the geometric lathe. (181 lt*]LA7riE ?. Ki'i'hi end ol' face of '!i5 NaiioiKil ('mreno'. Pd^^hi fiiil (if hrick vi;J,ii('tie, $.")>;. ilKai.il ruirrnrv MINOR RULES. We will now give some indications which, though not infallible, are important. PRINTING, Genuine bank-notes are always printed with great care. The plate is covered with ink, which is then carefully wiped off, excepting what remains in the lines of the en- graving ; the impression is then taken with a powerful press, with great care and accuracy. This gives a clear and beautiful impression, which will be more or less want- ing in counterfeits. INK. The ink used in genuine bank-note printing is of pecul- iar quality, and very difficult for counterfeiters to obtain. If black, it gives a clear, glossy impression, without any smutty appearance, such as is sometimes seen in counter- feits. The green ink used hi Government work is almost impossible to imitate ; and the red and other colors are almost as difficult. Genuine ink of any color has a more or less clear and glossy appearance, while counterfeit inks look dull and muddy. (19) 20 heath's infallible cocnteefeit detector. PAPER. Genuine bank-notes are printed upon paper composed of linen, and it is usually of good quality. It varies mucti in thickness, it being sometimes very thin. Persons who are not acquainted with paper sometimes pronounce the thin paper poor. We have seen one of the beautifully-engraved notes of the Suffolk Bank, Boston, looked upon with sus- picion by persons unacquainted with the art herein taught, simply because the paper was thin. It is, also, not impos- sible for counterfeiters to procure good paper Out of twelve counterfeit notes now lying before us, four are upon verij poor paper, two upon rather poor paper, and six upon very good paper ; one at least of the latter is upon paper of the first quality. It will be seen, therefore, that the paper, though important, is not infallible. SIGNATURES. The only thing counterfeit about a bill sometimes is the signatures, the notes having been stolen before they were signed. There can be, of course, no sure protection against this for all. Those who are well acquainted with the sig- natures of the officers of the bank where bills are stolen may not be deceived, as imitated signatures have a more or less cramped and unsteady appearance ; but those who live at a distance cannot possess this knowledge. yy./A 6'. /'/'///////rx n// . \r//u////// r////y7/r//.\i>/r.\ »»V« X//W y.w V ,ii*Ki'es; <■ af If f tf, 1. mhn^J^jXL/JL^ JiJMLHS^tj: ALTERED BANK-NOTES. Bank-notes are altered in two ways ; first, by raising the denomination ; second, by changing a genuine bill on a broken bank to a good bank. Denominations are altered, first, hy pasting. Figures or letters of larger denomination are pasted over the denomi- nations of the note to be altered, first scraping the genuine until thin. This can frequently be discovered by simply examining it with a little care, and always by holding the suspected note up to the light, when, if pasted, the pasted parts will be darker, because thicker. A counterfeit ^ 50 greenback has been recently made to look Hke a genuine, by pasting on a portrait of Hamilton, cut from a genuine % 2 greenback. Second, bi/ taking out the denomination of the genuine ivith an acid, and printing in a higher ivith a counterfeit die. In this case, the ink will not be the same as the original, as ex- plained in Section Sixth ; neither will the work compare with the same. If solid prmt, it will not be as exact and perfect ; and if the original is shaded, the shading of the counterfeit part will have the faults described in Sec- tion Second. For instance, the words One Dollar may be changed to Five Dollars. In that case the five will be en- graved by hand, and the dollar by genuine means ; an S must ako be added, and the work will appear crowded. (21) 22 heath's infallible countekfeit detector. Another indication is that the acid will spread a little, taking out more than the counterfeiter intended, so that parts of the neighboring letters will be more or less injured. The paper, also, wUl be either bleached or stained by the acid, as can be seen most plainly upon the back. In the United States bills, or greenbacks, the ones, twos, and threes have a circle of green lines radiating from the denomination. This circle can be found on no larger notes than threes, if genuine. This is an additional safeguard against altering United States notes. The solid print will also be found defective, as described in Section Fourth. The second kind of alteration — that of broken banks to good ones — sometimes requires a close examination to de- tect them ; but a good understanding of the principles here taught will secure any one from deception. To make this change, the name of the Bank and signatures of the officers always have to be removed, and new ones inserted, and gen- erally the name of the Toivn and sometimes of the State are also changed. These must be removed by acid, and the work inserted will be counterfeit, and wUl be recognized as such by an application of the principles already taught. If the letters are shaded, it wUl be done by hand and not by the ruling engine, and will have the imperfections described in Section Second. If solid print, the counterfeit wiU have the faults given in Section Fourth. Sometimes only a part of the name is changed, and then the contrast between the counterfeit and the part not changed is more evident. There will also be marks of the acid, the same marks mentioned above, and the counterfeit signatures are apt to be faded, from some acid remaining in the paper, after removing the original signature. y/r,/, .0. '/i'/f//y/,//y/yy/'/j'"r/,-.y:f'/'y' . \ yy//y'//y// / '//r/yy/r// . |i,ii.iysiffii'.wfi'mjmi^,f ' |i,|.t,i.^^ GENERAL DIRECTIONS. In receiving bank-bills, first look at the general appearance of the bill, — casting your eye across it, — and if anything is wrong, it will probably catch your eye. Then examine the various parts more perfectly, examining the geometrical lathe work. Then examine the shading of the letters, — the ruling engine work, — and look for any mdication of alteration in the title or denomination of the note. Examine the Vignettes and Portraits, noticing whether their style and perfection com- pare well with the standard work of the plates, and whether they are exactly the same. If there is engine ruling in the sky or water, you will have an additional proof. An exam- ination of the solid print and engravers' names will confirm the decision, whatever it may be ; and the printing, ink, and paper may also be considered in making a full decision. Such an examination of a note, with a very little practice, and a frequent reference to these standard plates, will secure any man of ordinary observaticn and intelligence against de- ception. (i:?) SEOTIOIsr IsTZlSTTS:. PARTICULAR DIRECTIONS. FOR DETECTING CODNTEEFEIT GREENBACKS, NATIONAJ, CURRENCY NOTES, AND FRACTIONAL CUBRENCY. In receiving the note, look at the general appearance, and if it is not perfectly satisfactory, compare it with the corre- sponding work in the book, as you will find parts of all the circulating notes (Greenbacks, National, and Fractional Cur- rency, up to $ 1,000) in this work, and if, on comparison, it does not come up fully to the standard, it must be counter- feit. One of the most successful counterfeits ever executed is the $ 50 U. S. Greenback, which has deceived some of the most experienced. Certain parts of the genuine work are in this book, on Plate No. 2 ; and a person, having the book and magnifier, can, upon comparison, discover the difference at once. In presenting to the public two plates of Scrip, or Frac- tional Currency, we wish to say that the 60 cent Scrip (which is the second on the plates) is the best executed counterfeit ever issued. It was engraved by a man who was an expert in the art, as thousands who have been made dupes to his nefarious designs can testify. He was finally arrested by the Secret Service Division, convicted, his plates secured, and his illegal business broken up. (24) Hale 10 /////■//// ^//■//^/(-/■/V/wy// 'Ilitj/ii r/i(/ of bark y.lOO. SEOTIOIsr TEismi. REMAEKS. We will add here a few suggestions, hints, and items, which, although important, could not be added elsewhere without confusing the mind of the learner. GENUINE DIES ON COUNTERFEIT BILLS. A genuine lathe die will sometimes be seen on a counter- feit bill. The die so used may have been stolen, although that is very difficult to do, as aU such work is guarded by the best of safes and other protections, or it may be one of the lot that was sold at auction in New York, in 1841, and some of which fell into the hands of counterfeiters. These dies, however, do not render the other work genuine. The ruling of the letters, solid print, in short, all the other work on the bill will be counterfeit, — and a single jn^ice of counter- feit work condemns the bUl. Some of those auction dies were vignettes, — so that even the geometrical lathe dies and vignette may be genuine Avork, yet the ruling and other work win be enough to condemn the note. This apphes only to State bank-bUls. CHECK BACKS. The work upon the back of bills is usually done by the geometrical lathe (except the Perkins Plate), and therefore 4 (25) 26 heath's infallible counterfeit detector. comes under Section First. A beautiful specimen of check back is seen upon tlie Government notes, the "greenbacks;" we mention it here to remark that bills with check backs are rarely altered or counterfeited. If counterfeited, the check back is often omitted. In attempting to alter such bills, the acid strikes through and destroys part of the back, which cannot be replaced. If the alteration be in the denomination, it Avill have to be altered in the back, also, as it is usually expressed there, and such an alteration would be likely to stain through upon the face. It will sometimes be noticed that two bank-notes that should be alike differ somewhat in size, one being a little shorter than the other ; and this may excite some suspicion. It is owing, however, to a little shrinkage of the paper, after print- ing, and happens as often to genume bills as any. PIECING. Some counterfeiters make ten bills of nine, by cutting a counterfeit note into ten pieces ; one of these pieces is pasted into a genuine bill, cutting out a piece of the genuine of the same size. In pasting nine genuine bills in this manner, nine pieces are obtained, which, with one piece of counterfeit, will make a tenth bill, which is the profit. Banks will redeem the genuine parts of such bills at their fractional value. This operation is not a very successful one, as the difference be- tween the counterfeit and the genuine Avill be very evident to any one who possesses a knowledge of the art here taught. To hide this difference, they generally deface the counterfeit part somewhat, and give the note a worn appearance. The new National Currency, which has nearly taken the ^ ,^: fe \ ^ .^ heath's infaj^lible counteefeit detector. 27 place of all other issues, except United States notes, is sup- posed by some to be entirely secure from counterfeiting, and, therefore, that no knowledge of detecting will be necessary, and no care in receiving such bills will be required. Such, however, is not the case. It is true that the remarkable excellence and abundance of the work upon the Govern- ment and National Currency, and the difficulty of imitating the green, will render counterfeiting very difficult. It should be remembered that this currency offers great inducements to counterfeiters, and a successful counterfeit will repay great outlay and care, — for two reasons: ffi-st, the greenbacks will go anywhere m the United States, and if a counterfeit be- comes known in one State or section, it can be taken to another ; while counterfeits on local banks, when once known, are killed; and second, a plate may be prepared to counter- feit the currency of the National Bank in one town, may be run upon that till known, and then with simply a change in the title of the bank, be immediately changed to another bank, and thus, as fast as it becomes known, can go through all the banks in the United States, thus having an opportunity for sixteen hundred changes, thereby increasing the chances of success sixteen hundred times. The fifty cent postal and fractional currency is already freely counterfeited ; yet hundreds of such counterfeits pass without any question, where the application of the first rule in this work would detect the fraud ; the lathe work would condemn them in an instant. These facts are not mentioned to depreciate our new cur- rency in any way, but to warn the public against a false security, and thus most effectually head off the rascally 28 heath's infallible counterfeit detectoe. authors of counterfeit issues, by forewarning and forearming the people. Every man, woman, and child has occasion to handle more or less money ; and if all would possess them- selves of the knowledge here taught, counterfeiting would soon become a profitless business. We want to see a knowl- edge of this art in every place of business, — yes, in every house and cottage in the country. It has long been our business and our pleasure to forewarn and defend the peo- ple against the miscreants who tamper with the commercial life-blood of the nation, defrauding the poor, the widows, and the fatherless of their scanty store, and giving to all vexation and loss in place of security and profit; and we hope to still further disarm and paralyze them, by a more general diffusion of the knowledge of this art, by means of this work. Vigilant officers of police may do much to guard the community, but their most painstaking vigilance is not always successful ; while a general knowledge of de- tecting hank-notes hy the engraving will root out the very fangs of the serpent, — Counterfeiting. o MICROSCOPIC OR MAGNIFYING GLASS. The beautiful fine lines reqiaired in the engraving of all bank-bills, even in moderately wcll-cxecutcd counterfeits re- quire the aid of the microscopic glass, and sometimes a microscope of great power is absolutely indispensable in order to discern the genuine line, and discriminate between the true and the false work. The ordinary magnifying glass now in use by banks has failed, in many instances, to bring out this delicate Avork sufficiently to detect some of the late skilfully-executed counterfeits. In order, therefore, to meet this difficulty, I have, after much labor, invented a combina- tion Micro-telescopic Glass, and in May, 1866, secured let- ters patent on the same, which is designed for use and sale with the " Detector." This glass is a fine magnifier, a powerful microscope, and spy, or opera glass. By a simple change, this instrument is convertible into either one of the above-named glasses, and is very useful at all times, and for other purposes than the detection of counterfeits, and will be worth the cost for family use as an opera glass or microscope. Fig. 1 shows the Glass as put up for sale. Fig. 2 shows it as a microscope. In using it for this purpose you must have a good light, and have it shine direct on the object you wish to examine, ffist placing the object on a piece of (29) 30 heath's INrALLIBLE COUNTEEFEIT DETECTOB. white paper; then adjust the glass to the right focus by sliding the smaller section. Fig. 3 shows the section used for examining notes and other things of a like description. Fig. 4 shows it as used for a spy-glass. These glasses, now being manufactured in Paris, will be furnished with or without the " Detector," by mail, pre-paid, at the following prices : - — Lower Section or Magnifying Portion, $ 3.00. Upper Section combining Microscopic and Telescopic, $ 5.00. Making the whole " Combination Glass " $ 8.00. If only one section is wanted at first, the other portion can be ordered at any future time. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. SEEGEAiJT AT AeMS OfFICE, U. S. House of Eepresentatives, Washington, D. C, Dec. 1st, 1866. Laban Heath, Esq., bas spent much time and labor in tbe per- fection of bis system for tbe detection of Counterfeit Currency, and, if properly encouraged by tbose most interested, I have no doubt will be able to aid the public materially iu driving out of existence tbe numerous dangei-ous Counterfeits that are now afloat. I can cheerfully recommend Mr. Heath as an upright, energetic man. N. G. ORDWAY, Sergeant at Arms, U. S. House of Representatives. I concur in tbe foregoing recommendation. CHARLES B. HALL, Secretary of the Association of Banhs for the suppression of Counterfeiting. Boston, Mass. U. S. House of Kepeesentatives, Washington, D. C, Dec. 1st, 1866. Tbe undersigned, having examined tbe Proof Sheets and Plates of Heath's " Government Detector," concur in the utility of his system, and cheerfully recommend his work. (31) 32 KECOMMENDATIONS. Hiram Price, President State Bauk, Iowa, M. C, 2d Dist., Iowa. J. B. Grinnell, M. C, 4th Dist., Iowa. T. W. Ferry, Banker, and M. C, 4tli Dist., Michigan. Charles Upsom, M. C, 2d Dist., Michigan. Columbus Deleno, President 1st National Bank, Mount Vernon, and M. C, 13th Dist., Ohio. James M. Ashley, M. C, 10th Dist., Ohio. Francis C. LeBlond, M. C, 5th Dist., Ohio. Sidney Clark, M. C, Kansas. Delos E. Ashley, M. C, Nevada. Thomas N. Stillwell, Cashier 1st National Bank of Anderson, and M. C, 11th Dist., Indiana. Godlove S. Orth, M. C, 8th Dist., Indiana. Shelby M. Cullum, M. C, 8th Dist., Illinois. John Weutworth, M. C, 1st Dist., Illinois. General H. E. Paine, M. C, 1st Dist., Wisconsin. Philetus Sawyer, M. C, 5th Dist., Wisconsin. Henry T. Blow, M. C, 2d Dist., Missouri. John Hogan, M. C, 1st Dist., Missouri. George W. Anderson, M. C, 9th Dist., Missouri. Ignatius Donnelly, M. C, 2d Dist., Minnesota. Adam J. Glossbrenner, M. C, 15th Dist., Pennsylvania. Myers Strouse, M. C, 10th Dist., Pennsylvania. George V. Lawrence, M. C, 24th Dist., Pennsylvania. Edmund Cooper, M. C, 4th Dist., Tennessee. Samuel McKee, M. C, 9th Dist., Kentucky. General Lovell H. Eousseau, M. C, 5th Dist., Kentucky. Charles E. Phelps, M. C, 3d Dist., Maryland. John L. Thomas, M. C, 2d Dist., Maryland. John A. Nicholson, M. C, Dover, Delaware. George Latham, M. C, 2d Dist., Western Virginia. John F. Starr, M. C, 1st Dist., New Jersey. RECOMMENDATIONS . 33 William A. Newell, M. C, 2d Dist., New Jersey. John H. D. Heodersou, M. C, Oregon. D. C. McEuer, M. C, California. Theodore M. Pomroy, M. C, 24th Dist., N. Y., and Cliairmau Com. on Banking and Currency. William E. Dodge, M. C, 8th Dist., New York. Daniel Morris, M. C, 25th Dist., New York. John A. Griswold, President Troy City National Bank, and M. C, 15th Dist., New York. Calvin T. Hulburd, M. C, 17th Dist., New York. Hamilton Ward, M. C. 27th Dist., New York. Henry C. Deming, M. C, 1st. Dist., Connecticut. Augustus Brandegee, M. C, 3d Dist., Connecticut. James G. Blaine, M. C, 3d Dist., Maine. Samuel Hooper, M. C, 4th Dist., Massachusetts. Thomas A. Jencks, M. C, 1st Dist., Rhode Island. James W. Patterson, M. C, 3d Dist., New Hampshire. Edward H. EoUins, M. C, 2d Dist., New Hampshire. Portus Baxter, M. C, 3d Dist., Vermont. P. W. Hitchcock, Delegate in Congress, Nebraska. W. H. Hooper, Arthur H. Denny, Samuel McLean, J. F. Chaves, John N. Goodwin, Utah. Ter'y of Washington. Montana. New Mexico. Arizona. RECOMMENDATIONS. Office of American Bank-Note Company, Boston, June 23, 1864. The " Counterfeit Detector," published by Mr. Heath, is all that it purports to be. The engravings, by which it is illustrated, are the true standard of work to be found on genuine notes. I fully approve of the work. ISAAC GARY, Manacjer. Suffolk Bank, Boston, June 21, 1864. I have examined the " Counterfeit Detector " just issued by Mr. Laban Heath. The ability to detect counterfeit and altered notes is the result only of experience in the application of fixed rules, which he very clearly explains. I consider it the best work on the subject ever offered to the public. E. R. EUSSELL, Foreign Money Teller. Bank of Mutual Redemption, Boston, June 21, 1864, I consider Mr. Heath's " Counterfeit Detector " a valuable work. A study of the rules laid down by him for the detection of coun- terfeit and altered Bank-Notes will enable any person to become a good judge of money. C. B. BRADBURY, 8upt. Foreign Money Dept. (34) RECOMMENDATIONS. 35 FROM BANK OFFICERS. Chicopee Bank, Speingfield, Nov. 1, 1864. I have examined the " Counterfeit Detector," published by L. Heath. I thiuk it is one of the best v?-orks ever pubUshed, to detect counterfeit money. I do not hesitate in recommending it to all business men, or persons that handle bank-bills. LEWIS WARNER, Teller. Manufacturers' and Traders' Bank, Portland, June 28, 1864. We consider Mr. Heath's work a valuable aid to any one who will examine the principles of engraving, and compare counterfeit bills with the true. With this help, careful study and attention will enable most young persons to become good judges of paper currency. E. GOULD, Cashier. W. H. STEPHENSON, Cashier Mech. Bank. WM. EDW. GOULD, Cashier Internal Bank. GEO. C. PETERS, Teller Canal Bank. Bank of CuMBERLiVNO, Portland, July 1, 1864. I have examined the "Counterfeit Detector," published by Mr. Heath, and consider it a very valuable aid in the detection of counter- feit bills. SAMUEL SMALL, Cashier. 36 EECOMMENBATIONS. FROM CASHIERS OF BAISTKS IN BANGOR. Tkadees' Bank, Bangoe, Sept. 20, 1864. It concerns every person to know whether the money he is hand- ling every day is counterfeit or genuine. The idea generally prevails that only the few experienced money dealers and professional experts are capable of distinguishing the good from the bad. But the system taught by Mr. Laban Heath establishes the fact that every person may readily acquire the art. As an aid to the living teacher, I consider the little Manual prepared by Mr. Heath invaluable; and, indeed, its instructions and explanations are so clear and full, and the engraved illustra- tions so perfect, that its thorough study will enable any person to determine the character of any paper money at sight. E. Teask, Cashier. We fully concur in the foregoing sentiments expressed by Mr. Trask. Wm. J. LoED, Cashier of Veasie Bank. John Wyman, " " First National Bank. M. T. Sticknet, " " Merchants' Bank. John S. Eickee, " •' Mercantile Bank. T. S. DoDD, " " Kenduskeag Bank. W. H. Mills, " " Eastern Bank. W. H. Paesons, " " Farmers' Bank. W.S.Dennett, " " Second.National Bank. Geo. J. Wall, Clerk Sauford's Independent line steamers, EEC0MMENDATI0N8. 37 NOTICES OF THE PKESS. The CouNTEEEErT Detector. — Mr. Laban Heath, teacher of counterfeit detecting, has published a book, describing the method by which counterfeit and altered bank-notes may be known at once. The work has been commended by the Suffolk Bank and Bank of Mutual Redemption in this city, and contains much valu- able information, especially for young men who are qualifying themselves to be cashiers in large houses. All parts of genuine notes, with a few exceptions, are engraved by machinery, while nearly all parts of counterfeit notes are engraved by hand, be- cause the machines are too expensive and too cumbersome for a business which has to be carried on in secret, and may at any time be broken up by the police. The machine does its work neatly and exactly ; the result of the workman's labors is rough and unfinished, and presents radical blemishes, which can be de- tected by the practised eye. The application of this jDrinciple is explained by Mr. Heath, with the aid of illustrations executed by the American Bank-Note Company. — Boston Daily Advertiser. Detection of Spurious Bank-Notes. — An infallible guide to aid in the detection of counterfeit bank-notes has long been de- sired by business men. Mr. Laban Heath has recently published a little volume which seems to entirely satisfy this want. In com- piling this book, he has been favored with engravings from the Bank Note Cos., with which he is enabled to give to every mer- chant and accountant a standard of genuine bank-note engravings, by which he may compare all bills coming into his hands, and readily detect the worthless. This system has received the high- est testimonials and therefore is entitled to the greatest confi- dence. — Portland Daily Press. 38 KECOJIMENDATIONS. FKOM HIMT'S MERCHANTS' MAGAZINE. New York, October, 1864. Heath's Infallible Counterfeit Detector at Sight. — The only iufallible method of detecting counterfeit, spurious, and altered bank-notes, and applicable to all banks in the United States and Canadas, as now in circulation or that may be issued, with genuine bank-note designs, by the American Bank-Note Co. Boston : Laban Heath. 1864. " Ant reliable method of detecting spurious notes in these days of paper currency, when counterfeiting might almost be said to form a regular business, is a matter of importance to every indi- vidual ; how much more so is it, when the method is so simple as to be understood by every one who will take the trouble to examine it, and so infallible as to detect the most carefully pre- pared counterfeit, even on the first application of the test. Mr. Heath's method for detecting bad bills i-equires no knowledge of the different banks, which are scattered as thick as blackberries all over the country ; but the fineness of the work is made to tell whether the bill is good or bad. Genuine bank-notes are prepared by one or the other of the great Bank-Note Companies, whose machinery is exceedingly costly, and whose engraving is of the very finest description. No engraving done by hand can equal that done by this machinery, and no counterfeiter would care to invest $75,000 to $150,000 in an illegitimate business, which, if discovered, — and on account of the bulk of the machinery it would be diffi- cult to conceal it, — would not only result in a total loss of capital, but subject him, also, to a criminal's punishment. There are, also, ways given to detect altered bills, and the book is illustrated by very beautiful specimens of bank-note engraving. It will be found very useful to those who would rather carry good than bad money in their pockets." recommendations. 39 United States Teeasuey, Cueeency Depaetment, New York, January 15, 1867. I have examined the " Government Counterfeit Detector " pub- lished by Mr. Heath, and consider it a very valuable work to familiarize the public in the detection of counterfeits on Govern- ment and National Notes. F. C. FIELD, Receiving Teller. Kg. 1. Fig. 3. Fig. 4. J