Women weaving rug, multicolor

1856, Paris, France and Virginia. Stock certificate for 100 francs. Light Gray/Black. An unusual certificate with vignettes of four American presidents, Thomas Jefferson, William Henry Harrison, James Madison and James Monroe. One of the many European land companies formed for emigration and colonization in the United States. A nice American development related stock. Uncancelled and Extremely Fine.

1904, Belgium. Action Privilegiee de 500 Francs. Red/Pink/Blue/Brown/Tan/Yellow/Gold/Green/Black. A truly outstanding and beautiful multi-vignetted certificate whose central vignette covering most of the certificate is a large, aerial view of the port of Zeebrugge and the North Sea, high above which is a winged female standing on an anchor holding a torch; several views of Zeebrugge within the top border; Belgian coat-of-arms at top and bottom left. Litho. Zeebrugge has developed into an important port city because it is located on the North Sea, the busiest sea in the world, and because it is centrally located to most other North Sea ports. The port enjoys accolades such as Belgium’s chief port for import natural gas, the European capital for the automotive industry, and a major importer and exported of agricultural products. In addition to the ways the port directly helps Belgium, it also helps in other ways. For example, it has created a hub of railroad connections from all over the country. The canals are also renowned and are sometimes referred to as the “Venice of the North”. This company, which was founded in 1895 and operates through a concession granted jointly by the Government of Flanders and the city of Zeebrugge, manages and operates port operations, and thus is roughly equivalent to the Port Authorities which exist in the U.S. A beautiful, multicolored piece, and always popular. Four punch cancellations through the signatures, otherwise Choice.

Alleg.x5, books, jug, gold ink

Angel/red cross/battlefield/wagon

Angel, alleg. x2, fruit, crown

Alps, loading ice on train

Angel/amputee/refugees

Flowers

Cigars, village underprint

Lion, projector, detailed film border

Factory, king/stein, barrels/workers

1901. Paris, France. A very colorful stock certificate signed as president by GIANNI BETTINI (1860 - 1938). A phonograph pioneer, he greatly improved sound quality through his advances in the reproducer. Bettinin recorded virtually all of the great singers of his era, following which he formed this company. Nice phonograph vignette at bottom, Bettinin portrait in upper left corner. Litho. Uncancelled and Excellent condition.

Playing cards, bingo counters

Multiple animals