Watch List notes:

Report of the Committee of the SOCIETY OF ARTS, c.......together with the approved communications, and evidence upon the same relative to the mode of Preventing the Forgery of BANK NOTES. London, 1819. Bound in Half-Morocco Leather. Extremely Fine.
A superb and very rare volume, immaculate to behold and early: of great historical importance by textual content and engraved plates. This is only the second we have cataloged and sold. The first was in January 2015 where a similar example, but differently bound, realized $3,815.75.

Octavo. 17cm by 26cm. Bound in reddish-brown half-Morocco with multicolored marbled boards, matching marbled endpapers, gilt titled spine "PREVENTING THE FORGERY OF BANKNOTES" and gilt raised bands by Sam Ellenport.

Complete, [4], 72pp, with three numbered 57*, 58*, 59*. Six plates (one folding). Half title and full title page (named upper right).Printed by the order of the Society, with imprint T.C. Hansard, Printer. Etc... on title page verso. Page 26, illustrated with Hansard's Bank of England typographical protective micro-letter devices. Plate I, opposite p32 : "T.C. Hansard's Plan for a Typographic Bank Note". Printed on bond paper with embossed central coat of arms. Plate II, opposite p38. Wide margin intaglio proof impression plate on card. Bank of England sample note, vignette of seated female center, various devices and text. Signed vignettes and imprint of Lambert, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Plate III, opposite p50. Vertical plate on card stock dated June 4, 1818 and titled. Central vignette of helmeted warrior (style of Heath, Perkins, Fairman) and enclosed in security lathe bands. Plate II, opposite p56. Folding plate of improved printing press. Plate V, opposite p58* intense lathe same for signature area of note by Richard Williamson (without interleave). Stunning. Plate VI, also opposite p58* consecutive to last. Steel engraving on card for back of notes by Williamson. Cursive "ONE" center. A fascinating work, complete and desirable thus. Minor shelf scuff on fore cover. The interior condition is bold, well printed and deeply embossed text pages. Some scattered, petty page toning and occasional plate offset "ghosting." Plates choice overall with barest minimum of library soiling or pinpoint foxing specks. Ex: Charles Davis, October 1, 2011 sale lot 493. An important opportunity for British banknote collectors and numismatic literature specialists.

Estimate: $2500 - $5000