Proofs and Essays

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Thanks to all for taking time to read this post and answer some questions or help figure out the differences and steps in note printing to show when and where we get Proofs, Essays, and Specimen Notes... If you can add to or help explain the steps or procedures please post your info!!!



I'm looking for some input and or clarifacation on the difference between proofs and essays! 

I'm of the understanding that a essay note is a sample note after having made some type of change.
ie. paper, ink, or what ever that it may be. These are printed so that the note may be viewed and authorized to go ahead with the mass production of that specific note.

Then a proof note is when they have everything set up and are ready to start printing the mass amount of bills they try it out and that is where we get a proof bill from? Are they printed on regular note/card stock or do they print on some other type of material? Is this where we get specimen notes from at this stage of printing? Or are specimen notes printed next after the proof shows all is 100% and gives the thumb's up to go ahead with the final printing?  Then do they proceed with printing the few hundred specimen notes?  Followed by the regular prefix and numbering sequence.

Does this seem to hit the nail on the head or is there something or another step missing?

Thanks

 
            Jeff

As I understand it, an essay - or essaie - is a proof of a finished note (as opposed to a progress proof, made from a partially completed die or plate to check on the work) which differs from the issued note.  An example would be the Royal Bank train $20 with date 1912 instead of the issued 1913, for example.  The differences between the essay and the issued note could also be much greater than merely the date. The 1914 Imperial Bank "Waterlow" essays are a set of denominations which were prepared but not issued.  Another interesting example is the Molsons Bank $100 1914 with King Geo. V in place of Mr. Ewing (and thereby hangs a tale!).