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David Gordon & Co. Belfast Bank. 1808-1825

Posted: 15 Jun 2019 11:26
by DOC
David Gordon founded a bank in 1808 which became known as The Belfast Bank with partners Narcissus Batt, John Holmes Houston and Hugh Crawford. There appears to be no obvious link to the original Belfast Bank founded by John Ewing. This Bank eventually merged with the Belfast Commercial Bank to form the Belfast Banking Company in 1827.

An example of a £5 note issued in 1809 is attached. An interesting feature is the reference to payment at the house of Messrs. Watson & Law in Dublin.

Re: Belfast Bank: David Gordon & Co. 1808-1825

Posted: 17 Jun 2019 18:51
by Mac
That's a nice example of an early 'Belfast Bank' note. You don't see too many notes of this era from Belfast turning up. Perhaps the banks didn't go bust so their notes tended to be paid up.

Re: Belfast Bank: David Gordon & Co. 1808-1825

Posted: 18 Jun 2019 20:21
by DOC
Yes, the Belfast based private banks were carefully managed and generally quiet stable. The few banks that existed were either wound down in an orderly fashion or transitioned to form joint stock banks. Consequently, there are very few notes outstanding.

Re: Belfast Bank: David Gordon & Co. 1808-1825

Posted: 06 Jul 2019 11:17
by DOC
Here is an example of a 25 shillings note issued in 1815 by David Gordon & Co. The condition is not great but this is one of the few examples available to collectors.