The former British security printing firm of Harrison & Sons Ltd. used a portrait of the famous marine engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel to illustrate many varieties of specimen notes they employed to promote their business. Two different varieties are shown here. Along with Brunel’s portrait and vital statistics are shown images of two bridges and several ships that he designed. Security features include a watermark in the white space, visible from both sides, and variable color printing. (I have to say, the facial coloration on both specimens leaves something to be desired.)

After more than 200 years in business, Harrison & Sons was acquired by an equally venerable organization, De La Rue Company, in 1997. For more information, see Gene Hessler, The International Engraver’s Line (2005).