IMPROVEMENTS IN BLANKS FOR BANK CHEQUES AND OTHER EVIDENCES AND DOCUMENTS OF VALUE, IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE FORGERY AND ALTERATION THEREOF WITHOUT DETECTION
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Edward Parkman, of Jackson, in the County of Madison,
and State of Tennessee, in the United States of America, but at present of 23,
Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN BLANKS FOR BANK CHEQUES AND OTHER EVIDENCES
AND DOCUMENTS OF VALUE, IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE FORGERY AND
ALTERATION THEREOF WITHOUT DETECTION." A communication from abroad
by Franklin Wisner Brooks, of the City, County, and State of New York, in
the United States of America.
Sealed the 10th April 1879, and dated the 15th October 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Edward Parkman at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 15th October 1878.
EDWARD PARKMAN, of Jackson, in the County of Madison, and State of
Tennessee, in the United States of America, but at present of 23, Southampton
Buildings, in the County of Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN BLANKS FOR BANK
CHEQUES AND OTHER EVIDENCES AND DOCUMENTS OF VALUE, IN ORDER
PREVENT THE FORGERY AND ALTERATION THEREOF WITHOUT DETECTION."
communication from abroad by Franklin Wisner Brooks, of the City, County, and
State of New York, in the United States of America.
TO
A
The present Invention consists, first, in the manufacture of paper for bank
cheques, drafts, bonds, notes, and other evidences of value and various legal docu-
ments by the application between two thicknesses of the paper in course of
manufacture of one or more distinguishing characters which thus become incorpor-
ated with the paper so as to prevent access to the number or character without the
previous mutilation of the paper itself, and so as to render the duplication of
Pains R

page_text: the protected paper practically impossible, as such duplication would require an the
appliances of a paper mill.
The Invention further consists in the combination of a concealed distinguishing
number or other character incorporated in the body of the paper with paper
adapted to be changed in appearance by the application of moisture or chemicals so
as to detect any attempt to tamper with it by the alteration of any matter printed
or written upon it, said chemical preparation serving also as an additional
protection against the discovery of the concealed mark as herein-after more fully
set forth.
In carrying this part of the Invention into effect a sheet of paper pulp with
distinguishing characters applied to its face is covered by another sheet of pulp
preparatory to the calendering of the two together in one sheet with the distin-
guishing characters incorporated and concealed. The latter may consist of
connected tabs carrying corresponding detective numbers or other characters which
are introduced between two thicknesses of paper.
As an illustration, the cheque blank may be provided with two coupons, one at
cach end, with two pairs of detective numbers or any suitable distinguishing marks
which, in the mode of applying the Invention now referred to, are paired, the
detective number or mark at one end of the cheque corresponding with that in the
adjacent coupon, while the detective number or mark at the other end of the
cheque corresponds with that in the coupon adjacent thereto. The ordinary or
serial number of each cheque is carried out on both coupons so as to associate each
cheque with its respective coupons. In this illustration of the Invention the
paired detective marks are connected by tapes or strings, and so remain until the
cheque blank or completed cheque, as the case may be, is severed, first from the one
blank coupon for delivery in blank to the owner and maker of the cheque, and,
secondly, from the other cheque coupon in the ordinary manner when the cheque is
delivered.
The tabs or slips for application within the body of the paper are prepared in
advance. They are preferably made each in double or folded form and connected
by two tapes or strings.
Any number of these connected tabs are supplied to the paper maker for use as
described.
He takes them as they come without even seeing their distinctive characters.
The connecting tapes or strings ensure their being correctly paired, so that the only
care required is to locate them properly near the ends of the paper slip so that one
tab may occupy the desired place in the cheque and its fellow in the adjacent
coupon.
A simpler mode of making the tabs consists of a single unfolded piece connected
These
in pairs by a single string or tape, the mode of using them being the same.
tapes or strings extend across the lines at which the cheque blank or cheque is
parted from its respective coupon, and constitute a ready means of tearing off the
portion of the paper concealing the detective number, so that the latter may be
exposed to view. The paper covering the detective number can thus be torn from
the cheque forward or backward. By tearing it out at the back any injury to the
face of the cheque is avoided.
The way of using the cheque blank with the detective numbered or marked
coupons is as follows:-The cheques and attached coupons are correspondingly and
serially numbered before being issued in blank from the bank.
They are then severed from the bank coupon, and the latter is retained by the
bank as a means of determining the genuineness of the cheques that may be
presented. The owner and drawer of the cheques separates them from their
coupons as they are made in the usual manner. The detective numbers or other
characters in said coupons form an infallible indication of the genuineness or
otherwise of any cheque at any time that it may be questioned.
As a modification of the Invention the detective mark or number may be made

page_text: directly on the surface of the bank coupons, the corresponding number being
concealed in the cheque, in the manner herein-before described. An external mark
of any suitable kind is printed over the place where the detective mark or number
is concealed, so as to render the paper more opaque at this point and afford addi-
tional security against the discovery of the mark or number by looking through the
paper at the light.
As an additional means of security against tampering with the cheque or other
article of value, the paper is manufactured with a fugitive color in any of the modes
in common use, so that the application of moisture or chemicals for the purpose of
altering any marks upon the cheque, or for rendering the paper transparent, or for
removing a part of its body in order to expose the detective mark or number, will
be infallibly detected. The manufacture of the blanks on colored paper as an
additional feature of value in connection with the use of concealed detective marks
or numbers is very important, in that the hue of the paper renders it more opaque
and prevents the observation of the concealed detective mark or number, which
may be on white paper and incorporated in the body of the cheque paper as
desired.
The Invention further consists in incorporating in the paper during the process
of manufacture tape, ribbon, carbonized paper, or its equivalent, tin foil, or other
substance, plain or marked, capable of receiving or of receiving and transmitting an
impression made upon the paper enclosing it, and so made that the paper shall
adhere to it on neither or upon but one side, so that it can be separated for the
inspection of the figures, marks, or writing which shall have been made on the
outside of the paper and thus reproduced on the substance enclosed, or through
such substance reproduced upon the inner surfaces of the paper. This is designed
to prevent raising or altering a cheque, note, bond, or other evidence of value, or
otherwise changing it without the fact being at once apparent. To inspect the
writing, figures, or marks thus introduced it becomes necessary to destroy the fibre
of the paper by cutting or tearing. In the case of a cheque or note the amount
should be written which will correspond to the amount in the face of the paper. It
is apparent that by the use of chemicals or other means the ink as at present in use
(upon any paper and with any ink ever manufactured) can be removed and other
amount inserted or otherwise changed. The writing produced as above in the
centre (so to speak) of the paper cannot be reached and tampered with without
detection.
In the case of the use of metallic ribbon, it is desirable to mark it with lines or
otherwise, which on the one side shall be elevated and on the other depressed.
By a little pressure with a blunt pointed instrument or the end of a penholder
any figure or impression on the paper will be received on the foil or metallic ribbon
in such a way as to destroy these lines or other marks which cannot be reproduced
or restored. The metallic ribbon is preferred.
The carbon paper or other impression paper has to be suitably treated before it is
incorporated in the paper, as the moisture in the paper when made otherwise would
take off some of the color and soil the inner surface of the paper. To prevent
counterfeiting or successful forgery there are printed or impressed on the ribbon or
material incorporated in the paper duplicate numbers, marks, or characters.
The paper mill can of course keep no record of these numbers or marks, and if
they could, would not know for whom they were intended and what was to be
printed on the paper. The paper in a lot goes to the engraver or printer, the
numbers unknown to him, and here it may be said, as an additional security the
numbers on the tape or ribbon can be accidental or irregular. The cheque or other
blank is then printed or engraved. The cheque proper and the coupon numbered,
cach bearing the same number. The coupons are then separated and bound in a
book, as are the cheques.
The coupon book is given to the bank, the other is kept by the depositor.
When a cheque is presented, if there is any doubt of its being a genuine cheque,

page_text: the banker turns to his coupon book, say it was cheque number 10, he would look
at coupon number 10 of his book, it might contain detective number 88, to be the
genuine cheque number 10 it too must contain that detective number, and if the
concealed amount in the cheque corresponds with the amount written upon its face
the banker has the two guarantees.
Of course the detective numbers must be so incorporated as to be illegible from
the outside of the paper, which can readily be effected by the proper impression
on the ribbon and by staining the paper at the place where the numbers are
enclosed.
The ribbon may be introduced in various ways and can be plain or rough on the
edges and should be like the teeth of a saw.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Edward Parkman in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 15th
April 1879.
EDWARD PARKMAN, of Jackson, in the County of Madison, and State of
Tennessee, in the United States of America, but at present of 23, Southampton
Buildings, in the County of Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN BLANKS FOR BANK
CHEQUES AND OTHER EVIDENCES AND DOCUMENTS OF VALUE, IN ORDER
PREVENT THE FORGERY AND ALTERATION THEREOF WITHOUT DETECTION."
communication from abroad by Franklin Wisner Brooks, of the City, County, and
State of New York, in the United States of America.
TO
A
The Invention consists, first, in the manufacture of paper for bank cheques,
drafts, bonds, notes, and other evidences of value by the application between two
thicknesses of the paper in course of manufacture of one or more distinguishing
characters, which thus become incorporated with the paper so as to prevent access
to the number or character without the previous mutilation of the paper itself, and
so as to render the duplication of the protected paper practically impossible, as such
duplication would require all the appliances of a paper mill.
The Invention further consists in the combination of a concealed distinguishing
number or other characters incorporated in the body of the paper, with paper
adapted to be changed in appearance by the application of moisture or chemicals, so
as to detect any attempt to tamper with it by the alteration of any matter printed
or written upon it, said chemical preparation serving also as an additional pro-
tection against the discovery of the concealed mark, as herein-after more fully set
forth.
In the accompanying Drawing Figure 1 is a view of a sheet of paper pulp with
distinguishing characters applied to its face in readiness to be covered by another
sheet of pulp preparatory to the calendering of the two together in one sheet with
the distinguishing characters incorporated and concealed.
Figures 2, 3, and 3ª are views under different modifications of connected tabs
carrying corresponding detective numbers or other characters as made for intro-
duction between two thicknesses of paper. Figure 4 represents the combined paper
sheet, the locations of the detective numbers or other characters being indicated in
dotted lines. Figure 5 is a view of a completed cheque blank, the locations of the
detective numbers or other characters being indicated in dotted lines, as before.
Figure 6 is a view of a cheque blank, illustrating modifications in the application
of the Invention.
The illustrative cheque blank B, Figure 5, has two coupons, C1, C2, and is pro-
vided with two pairs of detective numbers b¹, b², or any suitable_distinguishing
marks, which, in this illustration aud in the mode of applying the Invention now
referred to, are paired as represented, the detective number or mark b' at one end
of the cheque corresponding with that in the adjacent coupon C', while the detective
number or mark 62 at the other end of the cheque corresponds with that in the
coupon C adjacent thereto.
The ordinary or serial number a of each cheque is carried out on both coupons so
as to associate each cheque with its respective coupons C¹, C². In this illustration
of the Invention the paired detective marks are connected by tapes or strings D
(see Figures 1, 2, 3, and 3a), and so remain until the cheque blank or completed
cheque, as the case may be, is severed, first from the blank coupon C2 for delivery
in blank to the owner and maker of the cheque; and, secondly, from the cheque
coupon C¹ in the ordinary manner when the cheque is delivered.
The tabs or slips for application within the body of the paper are prepared in
advance. This may be done by children or other cheap labor. They are preferably
made each in double or folded form, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, connected by two

page_text: tapes or strings. Any number of these connected tabs are supplied to the paper
maker for use, as described. He takes them as they come, without even seeing the
distinctive characters. The connecting tapes or strings insure their being correctly
paired, so that the only care required is to locate them properly near the ends of
the paper slip so that one tab may occupy the desired place in the cheque and its
fellow in the adjacent coupon.
Figure 3a shows a simpler mode of making the tabs. In this illustration they
are made each of a single unfolded piece, and are connected in pairs by a single
string or tape, the mode of using them being the same. These tapes or strings D,
extending across the lines at which the cheque blank or cheque is parted from its
respective coupon constitute a ready means of tearing off the portion of the paper
concealing the detective number, so that the latter may be exposed to view. The
paper covering the detective number can thus be torn from the cheque forward or
backward. By tearing it out at back any injury to the face of the cheque is
avoided.
The way of using the cheque blank with the detective numbered or marked
coupons is as follows:-The cheques and attached coupons are correspondingly and
serially numbered before being issued in blank from the bank. They are then
severed from the bank coupon C², and the latter is retained by the bank as a means
of determining the genuineness of the cheques that may be presented. The owner
and drawer of the cheques separates them from their coupons C¹, as they are made
in the usual manner. The detective numbers or other characters in said coupons
form an infallible indication of the genuineness or otherwise of any cheque at any
time that it may be questioned.
The modification of the Invention shown in Figure 6 illustrates a simpler mode
of applying the Invention. In this case the detective mark or number is made
directly on the surface of the bank coupons C2, the corresponding number being
concealed in the cheque, in the manner herein-before described, as indicated by
dotted lines at b in Figure 6. This way of using the detective number or mark is
considered safe and effective, as the paper maker would have..to ascertain whose
cheques the paper will be used for, and what serial number will be applied to each
particular cheque in order to avail himself or others of his information, and the
detective number being known, this, with all the other features of the individual
sheet of paper, would still require successful duplication.
E in the various Figures represents an external mark of any suitable kind
printed over the place where the detective mark or number is concealed, so as to
render the paper more opaque at this point, and afford additional security against
the discovery of the mark or number by looking through the paper at the light.
As an additional means of security against tampering with the cheque or other
article of value, the paper is manufactured with a fugitive color in any of the
modes in common use, so that the application of moisture or chemicals for the pur-
pose of altering any marks upon the cheque or for the rendering of the paper
transparent, or for removing a part of its body in order to expose the detective
mark or number will be infallibly detected. The manufacture of the blanks on
colored paper as an additional feature of value in connection with the use of con-
cealed detective marks or numbers is very important, in that the hue of the paper
renders it more opaque and prevents the observation of the concealed detective
number, which may be on white paper and incorporated in the body of the cheque.
paper, as desired.
The Invention is of value for the manufacture of paper for bank cheques, drafts,
notes, bonds, and other evidences of value and for various legal documents, such as
deeds, wills, powers of attorney, and the like.
The Invention also relates to improvements in bank cheques, drafts, and other
evidences of value, whereby any effort at "raising" the amount written or printed
thereon, or making any other fraudulent alteration therein will be successfully
defeated; and this part of the Invention consists of a cheque, draft, or other

page_text: evidence of value printed upon paper having incorporated within its body in the
process of manufacture a carbon or metal foil, localized strip, or film, as herein-after
fully explained.
Figure 7 is a plan view of a bank cheque, having incorporated within the body or
"stock" of paper a strip of carbon paper of any size and located at any point or
points. Figure S is a similar view of a cheque having incorporated within its body
a strip or localized piece of tin or other metal foil having a plain or engraved
surface. Figure 9 is a longitudinal section at the line x, x, of Figure 7, somewhat
exaggerated in order clearly to represent the Invention; and Figure 10 is a plan of
a bank cheque with a strip of carbon paper or metal foil incorporated in the body
thereof and extending along its entire length.
In the Drawings, F represents the body, and G, the "stub" or counterfoil of an
ordinary bank cheque, and H represents a strip or piece of carbon paper or metal
foil, located within the cheque between the films or layers of pulp during the
process of making the paper. This carbon or metal foil-may be so arranged that a
portion will be concealed within both the "stub" or counterfoil and the next
adjacent portion of the body of the cheque, or it may be arranged at any other
desirable location or locations. I have shown in both Figures of the Drawings the
upper surface or film of paper; turned back, so as to expose the concealed carbon and
foil strips, and I have also illustrated the effect produced by writing upon the
outside surface of paper over the carbon or foil with an agate point or other
suitable instrument; instead of using the ordinary carbon paper, their may during
the process of making the paper be introduced therein any material analogous to
the carbon, such as colored ribbon, or the interior concealed, and localized colored
film may be formed of any suitable material in the form of paste or powder.
The object of this part of the Invention, so far as the introduction of the carbon or
other transferring material, resting in the broad idea of so concealing the saine, that
the act of writing upon the outside surface of the enclosing paper over the point
where the carbon or other transferring material is located shall have the effect of
causing the latter to transfer or reproduce the writing or characters made upon the
inner surface of either or both of the inclosing films or layers of paper, the object
of which is to have the transfer or reproduction so located that it cannot be affected
by any mechanical or chemical treatment of the outside, and cannot, of course, be
approached from within except by a mutilation of the cheque.
It will be readily comprehended from the foregoing that any alteration made of
the outside writing, figures, or characters will result in a record of the same on the
inside surface of the covering paper, and that upon opening that portion of the
cheque (which does not adhere to the enclosed film or carbon) such record may be
readily inspected, and the fraud detected. That portion of the cheque where the
enclosed coloring matter is located may also be so treated as to render the covering
sufficiently transparent to exhibit clearly the record transferred by the enclosed
coloring material, and in such case the necessity of opening the cheque to inspect
the transfer is avoided. The employment of metal foil instead of coloring material
has the same general object in view, which is accomplished in a somewhat different
manner. The metal foil may be plain or it may be stamped or engraved with
straight, irregular, or other lines or design, and being sensitive to the action of any
pointed or other instrument, it will readily receive the same impression which may
be made on the exterior surface of the inclosing paper. When once impressed, such
impression cannot be obliterated, nor can any additional or altered design or marks
be made on the exterior surface without correspondingly impressing the foil within,
so that it is obvious that upon opening the cheque the condition of the enclosed
foil will readily indicate the fraud. In addition to the features of protection
afforded by the means herein-before set forth, there may be employed in the manu-
facture of the improved cheques, drafts, et cetera, any of the well-known safety
papers and fugitive inks. Various kinds or qualities of paper may be employed,
and as an additional security concealed detective numbers, as set forth, and described
in the first part of the Invention, may be employed.

page_text: Having thus described the Invention, the following is what I claim as new and
desire to secure by Letters Patent :-
First. As a new article of manufacture, a sheet of paper having one or more
detective numbers or other distinguishing characters enclosed within the body
thereof, and provided with corresponding identifying numbers or characters, said
detective and identfying numbers or characters being so located as to occupy suitable
positions respectively within the cheque or other instrument for which the paper
may be used, and within or upon a coupon or coupons thereof, substantially as herein
shown and described for the purpose set forth.
Second. A blank for a bank cheque or other evidence of value, the paper of
which is provided in the course of its manufacture with one or more detective
numbers or other distinguishing characters incorporated within the body of the
paper, and concealed from view by means of any design printed on the blank
opposite the place where the distinguishing character is applied, substantially as
herein-before described, the same to be exposed by tearing open the paper when the
occasion arrives.
Third. A blank for cheques or other evidences of value containing one or more
distinguishing numbers or other characters incorporated within its body in the
process of manufacturing the paper, and concealed from view by a suitable design
printed on the blank opposite the place where the distinguishing mark is applied,
said paper being also coated or impregnated with chemical or coloring matter of such
a character as to change on the application of chemicals or moisture.
Fourth. A paper, having incorporated between the layers of pulp forming its
body a localized and independent strip or piece of carbon paper or other coloring
matter or metal foil, capable of receiving or transferring impressions made on
the exterior surface of the covering paper, substantially as and for the purposes set
forth.
Fifth. As a new article of manufacture, a bank cheque, draft, or other evidence
of value, printed or formed upon paper, having at one or more localities between
the layers of pulp, of which the paper is formed, a concealed incorporated piece or
film of carbon paper or other coloring matter, or metal foil, capable of receiving or
transferring impressions made exteriorly, as herein-before set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Edward Parkman, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Fifteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine.