This incredible Antique 1885 West Shore Railroad Company Gold Bond Certificate is an incredible find that is perfect for any railroad or historical enthusiast. This beautiful and unique piece of history features a bold, American-locomotive design that is sure to take center stage in your collection. Crafted in 1885, this gold bond certificate is one of the few original railroad bonds from the West Shore Railroad Company. A rare document such as this makes an unbeatable addition to any collection and is sure to become the conversation starter of any room. Own a piece of history with this extraordinary antique 1885 West Shore Railroad Company Gold Bond Certificate.
The NYC RR bought the New York, West Shore and Buffalo Railway on November 24, 1885, and renamed it the West Shore Railroad, leasing it for 475 years from January 1, 1886. What makes this stock really neat is the principal and interest owed all came due on 2361 and you were just to show up to their office to collect.
West Shore has a long and storied history provided service from New York City via Weehawken, New Jersey to Albany and Buffalo. This line became part of Penn Central in 1968 and passed to Conrail in 1976 after Penn Central's 1970 bankruptcy. It is now under the control of the huge conglomerate CSX.
15" x 10" ~
My pictures seriously can't do it justice!
Imagine hanging this vintage historic collectible on your wall as home decor in any room! Bond certificates are another thing that is limited in supply and once they are all gone into museums and collections, they will be hard to get. They are such historic documents with so much history behind them. The first stock certificate was issued in 1606 by the Dutch East India Company. 407 years of history later the Walt Disney Company issued one of the last paper stock certificates from a major corporation in 2013.
These had to be done on heavy paper stock, almost like a dollar bill but stiffer and more durable, which makes them stay vibrant and new looking for a long time. The other very unique thing about bond certificates is they could have all kinds of interesting signatures and or stamps, and you honestly never know whom you will find. Almost all bonds are signed by the company President and Secretary. Some collectors research the other signatures and historic significance, and it adds so much provenance and value to an already valuable item. I have never done this as I can barely read my own signature let alone one from over 100 years ago.