 1942
This watermark is the full size of the paper. In the center there is a large cross with rays
shooting out from it. The center of the cross is a large circle that depicts the nativity scene.
Surrounding this scene is the phrase "Peace on earth good will to men." Directly below the left arm of
the cross is the profile of a sailor. A profile of a soldier is depicted below the right arm. The
year 1942 is printed at the bottom of the cross. Below it a banner reads "Greetings." On both sides
of the bottom of the cross are what at first glance look like hills. Once you look closer, you notice
that these hills are actually made up of the silhouettes of many soldiers.
This watermark was made by the J. J. Plank Company. Joseph J. Plank started the J.J. Plank company in
Wisconsin in 1906. He brought with him European dandy roll technology to the United States. Today the
company is one of the leading makers of watermarks, producing nearly 85% of the world's supply. J. J.
Plank has produced such items as physician's prescription pads to the President's stationary. Five
generations have carried on the papermaking traditions of the company.
The dandy roll was invented in the 19th century. A dandy roll is a
cylinder piece that is located at the wet-end of a fourdrinier paper machine. The dandy roll allows
watermarks to be mass-produced by rolling over the wet sheets. Several different watermarks can even be
produced on the same roll. J. J. Plank offers dandy rolls that produce either wire or shaded watermarks.
Wire marks are made by a raised design on the dandy roll. It is pressed into the paper when it is 97%
water. This process displaces the fibers creating a translucent watermark. Recessed or lowered areas,
of the dandy roll make a shaded mark. When the pulp flows into the groves, those areas become thicker
therefore appearing darker than the surrounding sheet.
There are several ways to position watermarks using dandy rolls. Overall positioning places several
watermarks over the sheet. Localized positioning places the mark in the same place on each sheet. It is
also possible to place watermarks randomly so that one or only partial watermarks appear on a page.
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