AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY, THE, an or ganization in the field of "security" engraving and printing, spec ializing in quality of workmanship and effective safeguarding during manufacture. In addition to an extensive business in the United States, more than 40 other countries are its customers for bank-notes, postage stamps, revenue stamps, bonds and similar work requiring the protection against counterfeiting given by fine engraving. The business of engraving and printing securities in the United States was founded during the American Revolution by Paul Revere of Boston. His first work of importance was the making of some paper money for the colony of Massachusetts bay, now the State of Massachusetts. The business was subse quently carried on by various partnerships until i858 when it was incorporated as the American Bank Note company. In 1879 the National Bank Note company and the Continental Bank Note company were consolidated with it. At various times since the American Bank Note company has acquired the capital stock and property of other concerns. Among these were the Franklin Lee Bank Note company, Western Bank Note and Engraving company and International Bank Note company. In 1906 the United Bank Note corporation was organized to acquire the stock of the Consolidated American Bank Note company. In 1911 the United Bank Note corporation merged with it and assumed the name American Bank Note company.
As of September 30, 1935 the Company had outstanding shares of $50. par value preferred stock and 652,773 shares of $10. par value common stock. Total assets amounted to and the earned surplus was The Company's principal office and engraving and printing plant are in New York City. An important manufacturing branch is located in Chicago and sales offices are maintained in several of the principal cities of the United States and subsidiaries in Canada and England.
(A. L. Sc.)