Auction: 322 - The Numismatic Collector's Series Sale
Lot: 86
Scrapbooks of Engravings, Etchings and Vignettes from the Personal Library of George W. Casilear.
The Casilears were one of America's first families of security engravers. As early as 1826, John W, Casilear (George W. Casilear's uncle) was an apprentice for Peter Maverick, and he later studied painting under Asher Durand. In 1832 John and his brother formed a banknote engraving firm, which later resulted in the formation of Toppan, Carpenter, Casilear & Company.
George W. Casilear, born 1825, worked for Toppan, Carpenter, Casilear & Company, and later for the BEP. He eventually became Superintendent of Engraving. He retired in 1893.
The items described in the next five lots contain engravings, etchings and vignettes that George W. Casilear personally collected and retained in his library. Students of banknote engraving will recognize the strong influence that these scrapbooks probably had Casilear.
"Miscellaneous Engravings."
Large quarto, dark green cloth board covers, with green tips on marbled board, and gold-letter titled spine. Ex-libris "George W. Casilear." CA 1870s. 44 pages. Engravings by W. Unger; R. Hinshelwood; Delignon and others. Most are about 7 ½" x 6." Subjects include Crossing the Desser ; Harvest; On New River Near Hawks-Nest; Triumphe of Galathee; Titien & Sa Maitresse and others. Most pages are in excellent condition, but some have age toning in the borders.
Sold for
$160