Loewenberg Bank Check Essay
Block of 4
$100.00
Henry Loewenberg emigrated to the US from Prussia and established himself in the garment business in NYC. But he was also an avid inventor who was awarded several patents for manufacturing stamps with inherent reuse-prevention properties. Amongst them were decal stamps (“decalcomanias”) printed on transparent paper — made so by treating paper with turpentine, beeswax, and other substances detailed in his decal stamp patents.
In the 1860s, Loewenberg was awarded a contract by the Treasury Department to produce 2¢ Bank Check decal stamps, which he essayed using an original “Liberty Head” design and printed in a wide variety of colors. The contract was never fulfilled, but examples of these delicate essays have survived.
The ink and gum used in manufacturing Loewenberg’s stamps is notorious for flaking off the paper, and the paper creases easily. This block of four has mostly avoided that fate, being as nearly perfect as could be hoped for.
This block is pictured showing the design as it appears on the back of the stamp (reversed). This was the side to be wetted and applied to the check. The intention was that after the stamp was affixed, the design would appear in its correct orientation through the transparent paper. In this example, the best impression appears on the back, in reverse.
Perforated 12. Small stain, tiny corner crease, minimal ink loss in one stamp.