Hand Engraving

Discussion in 'Paper Money' started by connor1, Dec 31, 2009.

  1. connor1

    connor1 Collector

    If you ever thought about all the work a Security Engraver puts into a plate just take a look at this link and watch this engraver hand engrave a Zippo Lighter,and this is a non-security engraving with a lot less counterfeiting detail that we are used to seeing on our notes.
    The video makes you want to give it a try just for fun.
    http://vimeo.com/2039071
    Happy New Year to everyone !
    connor1
    More engraving links
    http://www.engravingforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2
     
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  3. USS656

    USS656 Here to Learn Supporter

    Bob,

    I joined that forum recently and have found a number of interesting posts there.

    Thanks ~ Darryl
     
  4. krispy

    krispy krispy

    Engraving techniques for prints (image reproduction on paper, works of art on paper, traditional currency, stamps, stocks, bonds, certificates, etc.) is quite different than decorative engraving on arms and other objects. I would have to stress that the two are inherently linked historically in Western arts but that they are much different disciplines and you should explore them separately.

    Check out some of the traditional processes of hand Intaglio Print Engraving on YouTube provided by Expert Village. This is by no means an in depth view of the sort of time and skill spent on Security Engraving but you can get an idea of the steps taken to prepare plates, and see some of the tools and materials used in the craft of plate-making. Plate-makers and printers were often separate skill sets as well.

    There are more videos on engraving by this demonstrator in the "related videos" menu in the right column. Also note that he is working with copper plates, which is typical for fine art printmaking of engraved and intaglio printed images. Copper and zinc plates are typical in the fine arts and are also used in acid etch processes of making an image on a plate for reproduction. Security Engraving is done on much harder steel plates with the same hand burins, usually by tracing a wax transfer outline of the design on the plate to be engraved. Different type of rolled steel are preferable for various uses and stainless steel is not used, mainly due to cost and difficulty of use. Copper was traditionally used because it was cheap, readily available and easier to hammer into flat plates than was steel. Since copper is soft plates wear out under the immense pressure of the press during runs and details get mushy, lines fill in / clog with ink, and stop printing crisp lines. For larger print runs a copper plate can be steel plated with electro-plating techniques which enables the copper plate to last longer. Again copper is choosen by non-security engraving because it's softer and easier to use, and if kept perfectly polished clean, one can achieve printing transparent and color inks without the plate tarnish effecting the hue of delicate colors. A steel plate is much harder to print color plates with unless exceptionally (machine?) polished due to oxidation.

    Those videos are good for showing some of the background of this craft.

    Here's another video that is of poor quality but you can see a BEP demo. Notice there is an example steel engraved plate this demonstrator is working with. The History Channel program Modern Marvels also delved into a behind the scenes at the Mint and BEP that show you modern operations of printing and minting. The beginning of the video is about coin minting and many of you have likely seen it. On YouTube the episode is posted in about 4 parts of about 5-10 minutes each. Part 4 covers the BEP and paper currency, security engraving. DO CHECK THIS OUT IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT BEFORE. :thumb:
     
  5. connor1

    connor1 Collector

    Krispy,thanks for those links ,I just finished watching them & now understand the big differences between decorative engraving & Security engraving & copper plate engraving .The Security Engraving link you provided from the BEP even though quality was poor gives you a good lesson on the many step involved in Security Intaglio Engraving verses all other types of engravings. Thanks for those links.
    This Security engraving was done at a show by a BEP Employee & hand pulled from a press,one at a time.Now I appreciate the many step involved in creating the plate & each seal & the amount of time devoted to it's creation.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  6. krispy

    krispy krispy

    Wow that is stunning!!!!

    connor1
    : Do you own this? What are the dimensions?
     
  7. krispy

    krispy krispy

  8. connor1

    connor1 Collector

    Yes I own it & just measured it 9& a half inches by 9 & half inches (Square) Thought about framing it .
     
  9. krispy

    krispy krispy

    That piece definitely deserves an appropriate frame!
     
  10. connor1

    connor1 Collector

    \
    I'm going to look into that with a acid free mat.to frame around it,I should get it protected.
     
  11. krispy

    krispy krispy

    Yes indeed, acid free, neutral pH papers should be used. You might also inquire about UV Plexiglas, Lexan or other types of sheeting to help prevent light damage over time to the paper if you will have this in a lit room or anywhere near a natural light source. Regular glass will not prevent potential UV damage.
     
  12. connor1

    connor1 Collector

    Krispy, good information It has never seen light maybe for a a few hours only,came in a folder that opens to the exact image but in lithograph folder still has deep blue/black ink and the embossing is unbelivable (almost jumps out at you like a 3D photo).I'll definately inquire about the neutral paper & UV Pleiglass.
    Thanks for the tips & links .
     
  13. mpcusa

    mpcusa "Official C.T. TROLL SWEEPER"

    Hey Bob,

    I just took a look at the zippo video you posted and thats just amazing
    Hand engraving everyone with perfection like that, Boy that has to be
    Tuff, You would think they would use some kind of plate after the
    Original design was complete?
     
  14. connor1

    connor1 Collector

    Yes ,the lighter metal looks gold not your typical matte silver metal or maybe it's the quality of the video,but you would think a replating or clear finish to protect the engraving.
    Happy New Year !
     
  15. RickieB

    RickieB Expert Plunger Sniper

    I agree..what a wonderful piece that is Connor. :bigeyes: :smile

    RickieB
     
  16. connor1

    connor1 Collector

    Thanks, Wow nice Dime (1953-s) Gem BU Thanks Ricky & have a Happy New Year !
     
  17. RickieB

    RickieB Expert Plunger Sniper

    You are welcome friend.

    RickieB

    Happy New Year to you as well. :smile
     
  18. krispy

    krispy krispy

    Just wanted to share this auction I saw for a 1989 collection of ABNCo vignettes:

    RARE AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY INTAGLIO PRINTS 89' SET [eBay link]

    I don't know much about this edition of reprinted vignettes, or what value it should be selling for, but I have found this seller in the past, Old West Gold, selling coins at significant mark ups, often several times over auction prices they realized through TeleTrade for example. I would assume this piece is no different with its set price.
     
  19. connor1

    connor1 Collector

    I have the set (1989) bought 1o years ago for $ 175 they haven't appreciated much since but I think the price is OK.
    You can shoot close-ups of the vignettes
    [​IMG]
     
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