00 Virginia and Tennessee Rail Road Company 6% Loan - 1853

Description

00 Virginia and Tennessee Rail Road Company 6% Loan - 1853
Offered is a beautifully engraved and executed bond issued by the Virginia and Tennessee Rail Road Company dated January 1, 1853. The vignette depicts a period steam locomotive and tender, with a box car and passenger car behind, emerging from a dark tunnel. Two workmen appear to the left of the tunnel. Th name of the issuing authority, followed by a lengthy financial obligation, is printed below. A reddish "1000" overprint dominates the center, neatly printed so that the terms of the loan can be read through the digits. Four additional vignettes are present, one in each corner of the principle instrument. At the upper left is a seated woman, probably representing Commerce (she is seated beside an anchor and holding a sextant), with a spread-winged eagle on a shield behind. At the upper right is another seated woman, this one probably representative of Columbia (she holds a shield with stars and stripes on it). The lower vignettes feature groups of individuals, the on at left depicts a factory worker, sailor, and two seamstresses (commercial activities), while the one on the right depicts a shepherd, a female representing Ceres, and an additional female, with a herd of cattle and dog behind (farming activities). The denomination, printed on decorative medallions, separate the upper and lower vignettes. The signatures of the company's "Treasures" and "President" have been added at the bottom, separated by an oval portrait of "O. G. Clay". An embossed company seal can be found above the treasurer's signature, though it is weak and visible only when one is looking for it. All of the above material is enclosed in a decorative geometric border, the top and bottom being different form the sides. Attached below are 40 interest coupons, each with a state value of . Each coupon bears three small vignettes, two allegorical women and an early locomotive and tender. While the bond is serial numbered and signed, the coupons are only numbered, through both bear the name of "... the Bank of America...". The back bears a short description the bond, and a certification stating that this bond part of of the mortgage referred to in the bond.  This certification is signed by two trustees of the company, "
O.G Clay
" and "
Abram S
.
Hewitt
". The remainder of the back of the bond is blank. The bond was printed by teh firm of "Danforth, Bald & Co. Philada. & New York", a fact verified by their imprint below the treasurer's signature. Because of its large size and the numerous vignettes, this piece would make an excellent display item for an office or den.
Abram S. Hewitt, one of the signing trustees, was born on July 31, 1822 in Haverstraw, New York. He graduated from Columbia College in 1842, after which he taught mathematics an subsequently becoming a lawyer. He started an iron mill in Trenton, New Jersey, the Trenton Iron Company, where they produced the first structural wrought iron beams. He served as a 5-time member of the United States House of Representatives and mayor of New York City from January 1, 1887 through December 31, 1888. He was a co-founder, with his father-in-law, Peter Cooper, of the Cooper Union, and aided in the financing and construction of the first subway line in New York City, for which he is considered the "Father of the New York City Subway System". Abram S. Hewitt died on January 18, 1903.
This attractive and historic document measures approximately 15 x 22 1/2 inches and exhibits numerous vertical and horizontal folds. The margins are not uniform in size, with those at the left and right being significantly smaller than those at the the top and bottom. Two purple "CANCELLED" stamps are visible on the principle instrument, as are four punch holes at the signatures and one in each coupon. Minor toning is noted across the surface, slightly darker along the folds. Ink bleed through is noted at the manuscript additions, a situation caused by the acidic nature of the period ink. The contrast is sharp and bold giving this piece wonderful eye appeal. This piece is in remarkably good condition considering that it is over 160 years old. There will be FREE Shipping on this item. Good Luck!
DOCUMENT WILL BE SHIPPED FOLDED AS STORED.
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American Coins & Collectibles
Shreveport, La.