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PORTER'S COUNTERFEIT CURRENCY DETECTOR
While there were lots of contemporary books and periodicals for detecting counterfeit currency, physical devices are rare. In fact, this lot from the upcoming Stacks-Bowers sale is the only such device I've seen. Back in the days long before computer imaging, it attempts to ease the task of comparing a known genuine note with a suspected counterfeit - the grid overlays allow the viewer to methodically compare two notes section-by-section looking for discrepancies. I don't think it's as useless as others have said, but it's certainly of zero use without a genuine note in hand for comparison.
-Editor
Lot #4282. Obsolete Notes. Counterfeit Detection Ephemera. Porter Counterfeit Detector In Original Wooden Box. Very Fine. Rare ephemeral artifact used for Counterfeit Detection and likely not very successful. Within the wooden case, sliding mechanisms and special ruled glass. This detector operated by placing a genuine note on one sliding panel and a suspected counterfeit on the other, and then by manipulating the mechanism slide panels at sides, the notes could be drawn into line on the alphanumeric grid upon the glass, and the position of various elements could be compared. We appreciate a cataloguer’s comment several years back summing it up well: ‘’In short, it was pretty much useless.’’ The original instructions are included and this is the first we have seen of them. The original cost was $85.00. After reading the directions and trying to figure it out ourselves, we believe the $85.00 could have been spent better elsewhere. Despite the explanation, we really do not know how it works. Overall size of the wood case is 30.0cm by 24.0cm by 7.0cm. One of the finest seen though. Excellent condition with minimal wear on the case. Eclectic counterfeit detection historical artifact that will display nicely. To read the complete lot description, see: Porter Counterfeit Detector In Original Wooden Box (stacksbowers.com/Auctions/AuctionLot.aspx?LotID=395895)
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