Looking for a piece of history that will take you back in time? Look no further than our Antique 1915 Chicago Rock Island Pacific Railroad Stock Certificate. This stunning piece of Americana captures the spirit of the early 20th century, with its intricate design and detailed lettering.
This certificate is a rare find, showcasing the iconic company that played a vital role in the growth of the American West. The Chicago Rock Island Pacific Railroad was instrumental in connecting the bustling cities of the Midwest to the vast expanses of the Western frontier, helping to fuel the growth of our nation and shape its destiny.
The certificate itself is a work of art, featuring intricate engravings and elegant typography that evoke the grandeur of the age. With its rich antique charm, this piece is sure to be a conversation starter wherever you choose to display it.
On the conservative side at its height, The Rock as it was fondly called operated 10,669 miles of track through the Midwest and Southern states. It was the first railroad to finally connect Chicago with the Mississippi River. The Rock stretched across Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas.The hit song "Rock Island Line" recorded in 1934, was inspired by the railway. A small hotel in Eldon, Missouri, next to the railroad owned by the grandmother of Mrs. Paul (Ruth) Henning also inspired the popular television show "Petticoat Junction" in the early 1960s.
11 1/2" x 7 3/4" ~
My pictures seriously can't do it justice!
Imagine hanging this antique historic collectible on your wall as home decor in any room! Stock 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 stock certificates is they have all kinds of interesting signatures, and you honestly never know whom you will find. Almost all stocks 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.