Whaling Vignette.Steel. 5.25 x 1.75 inches. A large sperm whale has surfaced, blowing water through its spout, its eye just above the water. Just left of the huge animals eye, a whale boat is at the ready with the forward man of the six man crew holding his harpoon high in preparation of his strike. Two additional whale boats are seen in the near distance, while the larger whaler waits nearby. The vignette is found on notes of the Manufacturers and Mechanics Bank, Nantucket, Massachusetts (Haxby MA-845). The notes are by New England Bank Note Company, and presumably, so is this unmarked vignette. Lustrous medium gray with some light handling marks near the edges, and traces of minor oxidation along the top edge, but the vignette is clean. The original paper wrapper is included, with a proof impression affixed, though both are a little rough. A very desirable theme.
