ANTIQUE PERFORATOR

Antique perforator, from the 1890s.

A check punch or perforator manufactured by B.F. Cummins in Chicago, used as a safeguard against check forgery. With its assistance, amounts were recorded on checks, making fraud quickly detectable. The punch creates small round holes forming numbers, letters, and symbols. The user places the check in the punch so that the printer head (a series of very small pins) is centered over the field on the check where the check amount would otherwise be written. By using a combination of a lever and a numerical dial on the check punch, the operator enters the cash amount by first turning the dial to the desired number and then pressing the lever. There were two versions of such a perforator, and the company patented three models, with the one presented being the youngest and most refined version patented in 1892. The company advertised it as the only perforator capable of punching the top, bottom, or center of the check, making it extremely easy to use, fast, and operable with just one hand. It’s no surprise then that it remained on sale until 1930. The hole punch is still functional, allowing you to use it for its original purpose or for pricing items. It’s an excellent collector’s piece and an item that can make a remarkable impression on a desk. A superb relic from the past, with a story and soul.

Dimensions: 28 x 12.5 x 11.5 cm

Weight: 2.6 kg

Perforator is well-preserved and functional.