Vintage 1960s Studebaker Corporation Stock Certificate, Green, RIP American Icon!
12" x 8" ~ Little to no wear. A pristine piece of automotive history!
Studebaker, a legendary American wagon and automobile manufacturer, wasn't just any company - it was a symbol of innovation and craftsmanship! Based in South Bend, Indiana, this automotive pioneer left an indelible mark on the industry. The company's legacy is deeply rooted in its iconic building at 1600 Broadway, Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Picture yourself standing in front of this architectural marvel, feeling the pulse of automotive history! Established in 1852 and incorporated in 1868 as the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company, it began as a visionary coachbuilder, crafting not just ordinary wagons and buggies, but works of art on wheels, complete with carriages and harnesses that were the envy of the industry.
Studebaker didn't just enter the automotive business - it revolutionized it! In 1902, they boldly stepped into the future with electric vehicles, and by 1904, they were roaring ahead with gasoline-powered marvels, all proudly bearing the "Studebaker Automobile Company" name. The company's journey was filled with exciting partnerships, including a collaboration with the Garford Company of Elyria, Ohio, until 1911, and later with the E-M-F Company and Flanders Automobile Company. But the real magic happened in August 1912 when Studebaker's first entirely self-manufactured gasoline automobiles hit the streets, turning heads and capturing hearts. Over the next five thrilling decades, Studebaker built an unshakeable reputation for quality, durability, and reliability that still echoes in the classic car world today.
The 1950s and 60s were a rollercoaster ride for Studebaker! After a daring but ultimately unsuccessful 1954 merger with Packard (creating the short-lived Studebaker-Packard Corporation) and a valiant struggle against post-war financial challenges, the company reclaimed its original name, 'Studebaker Corporation,' in 1962. But the automotive world can be cruel, and on December 20, 1963, the South Bend plant fell silent, its production lines coming to a halt. The final chapter of this American saga was written on March 17, 1966, when the last Studebaker automobile rolled off the assembly line in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, marking the end of an era but cementing Studebaker's place in automotive legend.
Now, imagine transforming your living space with this rare vintage collectible - a piece of American industrial history that's not just a certificate, but a conversation starter! This unique home decor item is perfect for any room, from a cozy den to a stylish office. Stock certificates like this Studebaker gem are becoming increasingly scarce, disappearing into museums and private collections faster than a Studebaker Avanti on a open highway! These aren't just pieces of paper; they're time capsules, each with a fascinating story to tell. Did you know the first stock certificate was issued way back in 1606 by the Dutch East India Company? Fast forward to 2013, and the Walt Disney Company issued one of the last paper stock certificates from a major corporation, closing the curtain on this colorful chapter of financial history. With such limited availability, this Studebaker certificate is your golden ticket to owning a piece of the past!
Trust me, my photographs barely scratch the surface of these stock certificates' beauty! They're not printed on any old paper - we're talking heavy-duty stock that puts modern currency to shame. It's stiffer, more durable, and designed to keep that vibrant green looking fresh for generations. But that's not all - each certificate is a treasure trove of exciting signatures, from company bigwigs like the President and Secretary to other historical figures you might recognize. These John Hancocks add a whole new level of provenance and value to an already priceless item. Some collectors go full detective mode, researching these signatures, but I'll be honest - I can barely decipher my own scrawl, let alone one from a century ago! Given the mountain of certificates we've encountered over the years, my mom and I made the call long ago to let sleeping signatures lie. That means each certificate, including this Studebaker beauty, is an unexplored mystery waiting for its new owner to unravel!
