Protectograph check-writing machine
Machines like these made it harder for checks issued by businesses to be altered or forged. The printing mechanism not only applied ink to the paper check, it also inscribed the amount in a pattern of small holes. It also printed the amount in a style like “TheSum5068Dols82cts,” leaving no room for anyone to add digits to the total.
Similar methods are still used today to secure cashier’s checks and other checks for large sums, but the machines are electronic rather than mechanical.
Similar methods are still used today to secure cashier’s checks and other checks for large sums, but the machines are electronic rather than mechanical.
