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The Signatures of European officers on the Bank of Bengal banknotes 
Bank of Bengal picture lithographed by Vincent Robert Alfred Brooks. One of the eight views of Calcutta. Published in London in 1870. 

Bank of Bengal was established as Bank of Calcutta in 1806. The name later in 1809 changed to 'Bank of Bengal' (above). The bank was started by the capital of 5 million sicca Rupees. Bank of Bengal issued banknotes of broadly categorised three series. Namely, Uniface, Commerce and Britannia series. It seem to be forgotten by the collectors of Indian Paper Money that these notes are the origin of Indian Numismatics. I am thankful to Mr Rezwan Razack for showing his unique collection of presidency banknotes of India (1810 to 1860). This article unveils some signatories on the banknotes of Bank of Bengal. 

Uniface series:

Henry Tyler 

The only known signature on the uniface series. Henry Tyler joined the office in Jan. 1809 and retired from the post of Accountant in Mar 1824. The notes were pre signed prior the issues. His signature can be observed below bottom left denominational panel. (Please read the manuscript charter of Bank of Bengal 1809).  

Commerce series: 
J.W. Sherer (Only few notes signed by him). 

J.A. Dorin (1826-1830) 

H. Henderson (1824-1839) 

H.I. Lee (1834-1860) 

G.W. Moultrie (1852-1881) 

J.B. Plumb (1838-1859) 

Britannia series: 

W. Maples (1854)

The above signatures are known to me, there are few more signatures with letters J., W., etc. I am eagerly waiting for the comments from the readers. 

References:
 Bruyante,  James R.; (1900), “An Account of the Presidency Banks”, Office of the  Superintendent of Govt. of India, India Papers of British Library: p.01-20. 

Scutt Symes,  G.P.; (1904), “The History of the Bank of Bengal, The Bank of Bengal Press, Calcutta, 1st edn. 1904, CORNELL UNIVERSITY  Library, USA: p. 01-60.

Nilaish, (2012), “A Comprehensive Guide of Early Paper Money of India (1770-1861 AD)”, London: Xlibris, 1st edn.  
  

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