Ericsson
Check Protector
ca.1875
Gothenburg, Sweden
Unfortunately there is virtually no information available about this item, but the inscription on the back of the brass index, which reads "O.A. Ericsson, Patent No.5," does yield some clues. First, it lets us know that the inventor was Oskar August Ericsson (1844 - 1910) who was also a manufacturer located in Gothenburg, Sweden during the 2nd half of the 19th century. Second, the word "Patent" indicates that this item was actually patented. Finally, the "No.5" designation refers to the model.
Though I couldn't locate any ephemera evidence for the No.5 to help date it, I was able to locate another model, the No.80, which has been dated to ca.1880. I don't believe the two were produced concurrently so the No.5 is earlier.
The first thing one notices about the No.5 is its aesthetic. It has a japanned, cast iron, claw-foot frame that is embellished with gold pinstripes and a hand painted floral motif. The levers are steel, the knobs are wood and the index and carriage are brass. The second thing one notices is the size. At about 15-1/2" long, 9" tall, 8" wide and weighing more than 26 lbs., it is one of the heaviest check protectors known.
To operate, lay a check onto the flat, brass carriage (under the hold-down bar) and slide it in between the discs. Then select the character from the index and depress the top lever. The character will be perforated by pins into the check. Lastly, the carriage will advance automatically. The small brass lever sticking out from the front of the machine is the carriage return lever.
The term "check protector" is the generic label assigned to any physical device that prevents the fraudulent manipulation of a check. Such devices may punch, write or, as with the Ericsson, perforate the check in order to protect it. (and if you're from Sweden, you would call it a växelperforeringsapparat).
There was no relationship between Oskar and the Ericssons that made the telephones and sewing machines.
I would like to extend my gratitude to the decedents of Oskar Ericsson, especially Mr. Jan Brems, for supplying the ephemeral images seen on this page.
See other check protectors I'm interested in here...
I'm VERY interested in acquiring more Ericsson check protectors as well as learning any new information regarding their history. Please email me at Antikey.Chop@gmail.com or call +1 860 729 2252
