The Bowen-Congreve proof color backs in the Newman Internet 3 sale are particularly fascinating.Using the Congreve Patent, Abel Bowen of Boston printed eight full-color back proof essays inapproximately 1833. They were once part of a display unit, but each stands on its own artisticallyand historically. More importantly, these represent the brief usage of Sir William Congreve'spatented compound-plate color printing in America.

William Congreve developed his ingenious method in response to an 1819-1820 competitionheld by the Bank of England for new technology to counteract the dramatic escalation in thecounterfeiting of British paper currency. Congreve, a mechanical engineer and militarytechnician proposed his compound plate patent, which featured color security printing in a singlepass using movable parts within one plate (as opposed to the multiple passes using separateplates to create multi-color tinting).

Two interlocking plates were engraved as a unit, separated during the inking process, andreunited for printing, thus avoiding registration issues. The perfect color placement andreticulated white line engraving would have been impossible to replicate without sophisticatedmachinery and technical experts. For an example of the compound plate, please click on this linkto visit the British Museum's website:http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/publications/online_research_catalogues/
paper_money/paper_money_of_england__wales/congreve_and_plate_printing/
sir_will_congreve_plate_print4.aspx.

Although Bank of England chose not to adopt Congreve's inspired method, the Congreve Patentwas imported to the United States for limited use by the New England Bank Note Company. Wecannot be certain whether these proofs were created by Bowen to submit as approvals or if theywere produced at the New England Bank Note Company. However, the intaglio quality and colorindicate sophisticated, high-level printing.

The Congreve Patent backs were only used on a few titles, most often seen on the Nahant Bankof Nahant, Massachusetts. Notably from the Newman Collection is a Bank of Norfolk,Massachusetts $20 Specimen note on bond paper sold in Newman Part VI: Lot 19132 with the"BANK" style color back offered in this selection.

It has been nearly forty years since these fascinating color essays were last offered to thecollecting community, and they are important artifacts and evidence in the study of earlyAmerican security printing. Three of the eight examples are highlighted below:

"Patent Congreve Check Plate" with "BANK" across in Red and Black 1833

The first of the eight proof backs is red and black, each richly printed and contrasting superbly.A significant back, and used on the cited Newman Part VI: Lot 19132 Specimen note from theNorfolk Bank. With riveting color and outstanding quality.

To read the complete lot description, see:
Bowen-Congreve Patent Back Color Tint Essay. "Patent Congreve Check Plate" with "BANK" across in Red and Black 1833. Proof.(https://currency.ha.com/itm/miscellaneous/other/bowen-congreve-patent-back-color-tint-essay-patent-congreve-check-plate-with-bank-across-in-red-and-black-1833-proof-pc/a/241626-89533.s?type=surl-241626--89533&short=241626*89533)

Congreve Patent Check Plate in Green and Brown Undated (Ca. 1833)

The third back has three dies across in brown, green and white, with a mesmerizing op-artimpression. The center die has the encircling title with a glowing green die in the center. At theends, the dies have a spoked effect. Green accents are at the corners and in between the dies. Thestyle was used on the backs of the Nahant Bank $2 notes. Another fabulous contrast of color.

To read the complete lot description, see:
Bowen-Congreve Patent Back Color Tint Essay. Congreve Patent Check Plate in Green and Brown Undated (Ca. 1833). Proof. (https://currency.ha.com/itm/miscellaneous/other/bowen-congreve-patent-back-color-tint-essay-congreve-patent-check-plate-in-green-and-brown-undated-ca-1833-proof-pcgs-c/a/241626-89535.s?type=surl-241626--89535&short=241626*89535)

Congreve Patent Plate with "CHECK" across in Brown and Red Undated (Ca. 1833)

The eighth and final back essay proof is stunning, with FIVE, corners, and arced strips inpatterned red overlaid on a brown tint with floral flourishes and stacked end dies. The bisectingoval has a solid red inset with an outlined eagle and shield emblem. Red oblong lozenges at theends show the white BANK and CHECK respectively. The colors are rich and contrasting, andthis proof has enticing eye appeal. Though technically stateless, this is truly stately and willreward its next caretaker with great enjoyment.

To read the complete lot description, see:
Bowen-Congreve Patent Back Color Tint Essay. Congreve Patent Plate with "FIVE" across in Brown and Red Undated (Ca. 1833). (https://currency.ha.com/itm/miscellaneous/other/bowen-congreve-patent-back-color-tint-essay-congreve-patent-plate-with-five-across-in-brown-and-red-undated-ca-1833-pro/a/241626-89540.s?type=surl-241626--89540&short=241626*89540)