1609

American Express Company Stock Signed by Butterfield, Fargo, Holland [197940]

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / Stock & Bond - Certificates Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 1,000.00 USD
American Express Company Stock Signed by Butterfield, Fargo, Holland [197940]
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Very early! Signatures of three key players: Butterfield, Fargo, Holland. No. 3025, issued for 5 shares to Gifford in 1857. Signed by John Butterfield as vice president, William S. Fargo as secretary, and Alex Holland as treasurer. Not cancelled. Locomotive vignette. Folds, toning, stains. This was during the period when Henry Wells had to step away from the company due to financial problems with his other investments (Livingston, Wells, & Co.), leading to the unusual autograph pair of Butterfield and Fargo on certificates from Oct. 1856-Nov. 1857. The company had also received a contract with the powerful New York Central Railroad. John Butterfield was a transportation pioneer in the mid-19th century in the American Northwest and Southwest. He founded many companies, including American Express which is still in operation today. The Butterfield Overland Mail Company was the longest stagecoach line in the world. William Fargo would go on to form Wells, Fargo & Company with Henry Wells. For more history on the company and the different stock types issued, please see Fred Holabird's essay at: https://www.holabirdamericana.com/s/American-Express-and-Wells-Fargo-ajhp.pdf.
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Date: 1857
Country (if not USA):
State: New York
City: New York City
Provenance: Ken Prag Collection