Vintage 1960s Studebaker Corporation Stock Certificate, Red, RIP American Icon!
12" x 8" ~ Little to no wear. A pristine piece of automotive history!
Studebaker, a legendary American wagon and automobile manufacturer, left an indelible mark on the automotive landscape. Based in South Bend, Indiana, this iconic company's legacy is forever intertwined with its striking building at 1600 Broadway, Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Founded in 1852 and incorporated in 1868 as the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company, it began as a visionary coachbuilder, crafting exquisite wagons, buggies, carriages, and harnesses that set the standard for quality and innovation.
Studebaker boldly entered the automotive business in 1902 with cutting-edge electric vehicles and in 1904 with powerful gasoline vehicles, all marketed under the prestigious "Studebaker Automobile Company" name. Until 1911, its ambitious automotive division partnered with the Garford Company of Elyria, Ohio, and after 1909 with the E-M-F Company and Flanders Automobile Company. Studebaker's first entirely manufactured gasoline automobiles hit the market in August 1912, marking the beginning of a golden era. Over the next five decades, the company built an unshakeable reputation for unparalleled quality, exceptional durability, and unwavering reliability, becoming a true American automotive icon.
The company's journey took a dramatic turn with an unsuccessful 1954 merger with Packard (forming the Studebaker-Packard Corporation) and ongoing struggles with postwar cashflow problems. In a bid to reclaim its identity, the 'Studebaker Corporation' name was restored in 1962. However, the winds of change were blowing, and the South Bend plant ceased automobile production on December 20, 1963. The final chapter of Studebaker's automotive legacy was written when the last Studebaker automobile rolled off the Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, assembly line on March 17, 1966, marking the end of an era in American automotive history.
Transform your living space with this extraordinary vintage collectible, a captivating piece of home decor that breathes life into any room! Stock certificates like this Studebaker gem are increasingly rare treasures. As they find their way into prestigious museums and coveted private collections, these certificates become nearly impossible to acquire. Far more than mere pieces of paper, these are tangible links to our past, each one telling a unique story of American innovation and enterprise. The legacy of stock certificates spans centuries, from the first issued by the Dutch East India Company in 1606 to one of the last paper stock certificates from a major corporation, released by the Walt Disney Company in 2013. This Studebaker certificate represents a fleeting opportunity to own a piece of this vanishing history, a tangible connection to the golden age of American automobiles.
Words and images can hardly do justice to the sheer magnificence of these stock certificates. Printed on premium, heavy-duty paper stock reminiscent of currency but with enhanced durability, these certificates maintain their vibrancy and freshness for generations. What truly sets them apart are the fascinating signatures they bear - from company Presidents and Secretaries to other historical figures - adding immense provenance and value to an already priceless item. Some passionate collectors embark on thrilling journeys to uncover the stories behind these signatures, a challenge I've respectfully declined due to the complexity of deciphering century-old handwriting. Given the monumental task of researching thousands of certificates, my mother and I made the decision years ago to leave this aspect unexplored, making each certificate a mysterious and untapped treasure trove of potential discoveries. This Studebaker stock certificate isn't just a collectible; it's an invitation to unravel the secrets of automotive history!
