July’s artifact of the month is a print showcasing different designs of Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson, well known bank note engravers
The company originally started with Freeman Rawdon, who established it sometime after 1825. In 1828 he partnered with Neziah Wright, establishing Rawdon, Wright & Co. in New York City. Prior to this, Freeman’s older brother, Ralph Rawdon, had formed Rawdon, Clark & Co. with Asahel Clark. The two Rawdon brothers then merged their companies in 1832 to create Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Company. In 1847, Tracy Edson’s name was added and they became Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson.