Posted 2 years ago
Mystaplers
(16 items)
The ZONO Check Protector was an interesting find. Even though I did not collect Check Protectors I wanted it is my collection. I do like this old office machine. With a patent dating to 1906 it wears its age well.
Interesting device. Cool that you have the advertisement too.
What exactly does it do?
dav2no1, Apparently, the Zono Check Protector automated the counter-stamping of checks:
https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/0828478
*snip*
The devices now in use require two distinct motions in order to perform one marking. The first motion is in order to ink the stamp and the second motion to stamp the paper. With our device there is only one motion necessary, and it will be seen that this one motion may be combined with the motion of withdrawing the check or other paper, so that the operation of stamping is simple in the extreme.
*snip*
https://patents.google.com/patent/US828478A/en
There were a lot of different check protector methods in the late 1900s and early 1900s:
https://www.officemuseum.com/check_protectors.htm
More context:
*snip*
The middle and late 1800s was a period of rapid growth in the American banking industry. Banks expanded, and they eagerly worked to persuade people to trust checks over cash or other forms of payment for their day-to-day business. Criminals took notice as check usage increased.
The result was a race between forgers and banks to secure checks against fraud. Forgery gangs were the celebrity gangsters of their age.
*snip*
https://newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/o-b-clark-in-1863-the-worlds-master-forger-targets-vermont-and-regrets-it/
Thank Kera. Very interesting link.
dav2no1, You're welcome, although I can't say that anything I've linked here explained to me how the Zono Check Protector automated counter-stamping device thwarted forgers. };-)
After you have written a check you can set the check protector to a specific amount, say, $100.00 You line your check up in the protector and turn the crank. The set amount is either printer in black ink, embossed, or both onto the check. Some protector will punch small holes in the shape of the numbers you have preselected. If someone tries to alter the amount it becomes apparent that the check has been tampered with and banks would not cash it. Hope this will help.
I have added a photo of the embossed dollar amount produced by this machine.
Thank you, that's very interesting. I had noticed in the ad it didn't really tell you.
To be honest with you, I had to pull it out of the display case and try it. I've never used a check protector in my decades of office work. The ZONO has been on display and this it the first time I have used it.
Well then...I guess we both learned something. Part of the joy of collecting for me. I try to learn something from every object I buy. Thanks for sharing.
Mystaplers, Thanks for the demo. I get it now. Very cool. :-)