I admire the ability of these artisans to take an idea and create something by hand. Artists and engravers demonstrated skills that are beautiful to look at, and collect. Of course, modern tools are more a digital variety; however the talent is still necessary.
A few years ago I was able to look at an essay sketch drawn with pencil of The Canadian Bank of Commerce 1917 issue $10 or $20 (cannot remember which one). This was part of early stage development material leading to the bank notes that we collectors find today. I’m sure that sketch is unique – as is this Bank of Canada $20 essay.
I have been lucky to obtain many vignettes used on Dominion government notes as well as some early banks in Canada. It is impressive to see vignettes in different stages of completion. Engravers sometimes created similar vignettes using the same foreground and changing the background for example. In others, a small detail would be changed such as a dragon's tail curling right instead of left.
This is a part of our hobby that (thankfully!) doesn’t draw too much attention of $$$.
JBN
A few years ago I was able to look at an essay sketch drawn with pencil of The Canadian Bank of Commerce 1917 issue $10 or $20 (cannot remember which one). This was part of early stage development material leading to the bank notes that we collectors find today. I’m sure that sketch is unique – as is this Bank of Canada $20 essay.
I have been lucky to obtain many vignettes used on Dominion government notes as well as some early banks in Canada. It is impressive to see vignettes in different stages of completion. Engravers sometimes created similar vignettes using the same foreground and changing the background for example. In others, a small detail would be changed such as a dragon's tail curling right instead of left.
This is a part of our hobby that (thankfully!) doesn’t draw too much attention of $$$.
JBN