The Helena and Red Mountain Railroad Company Stock Certificate – Un-issued

Description

The Helena and Red Mountain Railroad Company Stock Certificate – Un-issued
Offered for your consideration is a highly evocative, unissued stock certificate for a western railroad which was apparently only in operation for 13 years. The central vignette features a scene depicting a period steam locomotive and tender, with rolling stock coupled behind. Two figures appear in the foreground, one of whom waves at the trainmen, while a large crowd seems to be forming behind the engine (they can be seen before the engine). A town can be seen in the background, as can a river, bridge, and boat. Above and below this scene is printed, in large letters, “
THE HELENA AND RED MOUNTAIN RAILROAD COMPANY
/
HELENA
,
MONTANA
”, with decorative designs to the left and right. Below this is a financial obligation, which states that “
This Certifies that ________________ is the Owner of _________________ Shares of the Capital Stock of THE HELENA AND RED MOUNTAIN RAILROAD COMPANY, Transferable only on the Books of the Company on the surrender of this Certificate in person or by Attorney
”. It concludes with the admonition to “
Witness, The Seal of the Company and the signatures of the President and Secretary at Helena, Montana this ____________ day of ______________ 18____
”. Below this are two blank lines, one for the signature of the “
Secretary
” and the other for the “
President
”. The upper left and right corners bear lines for the stock’s number and the amount of shares, respectively. A decorative, rectangular border encloses all of the foregoing material, with “
CAPITAL 0.000
” and “
SHARES 0 EACH
” printed within the design. The back bears a partly-printed transfer form, unaccomplished in this case, since the stock was never issued. This certificate was printed by “
GIES & CO., BUFFALO, N.Y.
”, as evidenced by their imprint in the lower left corner of the front. A great looking certificate that would frame nicely with a period photograph of a steam locomotive, especially one of the type seen in the vignette. Quite eye-catching, being printed in black ink on white paper.
Cursory research has failed to locate much information on this line. It apparently operated from 1886 through 1899, after which it seems to have become part of the Northern Pacific system. Surely a local historian will be able to locate additional information.
The presently offered certificate was never issued, with only the slightest amount of toning at the edges. A few small spots are noted for accuracy, a couple of which could be covered if the piece was framed. The contrast is sharp and bold, especially with the black and white printing. An earlier dealer’s cost code is penciled on the back, easily removed if the buyer should choose. The edges are slightly irregular at the left and right, with the left possibly attached to a stub and cut for issuance (this was a fairly common way for stocks to be distributed). Measuring approximately 6¾ x 10⅞ inches, this piece, as previously noted, would make an excellent item to frame and hang in an office or den.
A .95 charge will be added for postage and insurance.
A .00 charge will be added to any item picked up in person at our physical location.
If you have any questions regarding this item, please ask before purchasing.
Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2
nd
Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows.
American Coins and Collectibles
Shreveport, LA