Norwalk, Connecticut. Bank of Norwalk. Sept. 5, 1857. $2. About Uncirculated. Archival Specimen. (CT-340 G4c? Unlisted; Whitman CT-850-002-G? Unlisted). Genuine notes are very rare from this shoreline Connecticut bank. In fact, when Haxby published they were all described, but SENC without the imprint known. The five illustrated notes in Whitman are all closely held in one collection. This is printed on banknote bond paper but was retained as an "Archival Specimen" in lieu of a proof and has four punch-holes in each signature block. This is this is nearly the final series it appears before the bank became a nationally chartered bank. Plate design by Toppan, Carpenter & Co. with an "ABC" monogram added to the plate. Red protector outlining TWO. Seated milkmaid and cows; mechanics at work lower left; male portrait lower right observed on this bank only. We have observed few genuine bills other than those cited Whitman plate notes and this late variant is new to us. Crisp, minor handling only. Two hard to see ink spots near "No.." The top right is trimmed inwards slightly and this note was probably intended for use by banknote engravers for plate addition or subtractions. The rarest Connecticut notes, particularly from these popular New York City vicinity locales, have been in demand for decades. This example and its former sheet-mate to follow are both new to the auction arena. A great rarity with several attributes to recommend.
