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Erie Railroad Equipment Trust Bond from 1955

Erie Railroad Equipment Trust Bond from 1955

Regular price $29.99
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Are the certificates authentic?

Yes, all of the certificates we sell are authentic stock and bond certificates unless otherwise mentioned in the description. At one point in time, this certificate represented a share of of the company, or a bond receipt. These certificates have been removed from circulation and digitalized, as seen by cancellation holes, stamps and writing on the certificate. We offer these certificates as a collectable item, not a security.  

 

This is an original bond from Erie Railroad Equipment Trust of 1955 for $1000. Printed in brown ink, the certificate features a diamond-shaped 'ERIE' logo in white on black, flanked by two ornate medallions featuring the denomination '$1000' in decorative scrollwork with radiating lines and intricate border patterns. The design includes an elaborate border with geometric patterns.

You will receive a certificate from this same issue. Each piece shares the design and era, with natural variations in serial numbers and aging that make every example unique. Minor aging and wear consistent with age gives this certificate authentic character from the mid-20th century railroad era.

In 1970, the Erie Railroad was nearing the end of its tumultuous 120-year journey as one of America's most storied and troubled railroads. Founded in 1851 as the New York and Erie Railroad by Daniel Drew, the notorious Wall Street speculator and cattle drover who would later become infamous for his stock watering schemes, the Erie became the longest railroad in the world at its completion. The company attracted larger-than-life figures including Jay Gould and James Fisk, who engaged in the legendary Erie War against Cornelius Vanderbilt in the 1860s, one of the most spectacular financial battles in American history. By 1955, when this equipment trust was established, the Erie was struggling with the same forces that would doom many northeastern railroads—competition from trucking, declining freight traffic, and deferred maintenance. The railroad had emerged from bankruptcy in 1941 but faced mounting financial pressures that would ultimately lead to its merger with the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western in 1960 to form the Erie Lackawanna Railway, itself a victim of the Penn Central crisis.

Railroad equipment trust certificates represent a fascinating chapter in American transportation finance, documenting how railroads financed their rolling stock during the industry's decline. This Erie piece captures a pivotal moment when America's railroads were fighting for survival against the interstate highway system. Offered as a collectible.

Materials and care

Here are some quick tips to preserve your certificate for decades to come. 

Paper quality: Stock certificates were printed on a variety of certificate paper dating back to the mid 1800s. Most of these vintage collectable certificates have signs of used & wear , cancellation holes, pencil / pen writing, stamps, staples, adhesives, slight rips, missing coupons and other features. 

Handling: Always handle the certificate with clean, dry hands or use cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils and dirt from your skin onto the paper.

Storage: Store the certificate in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading. Use acid-free folders or archival-quality plastic sleeves to protect it from moisture, dust, and physical damage.

Framing: If displaying the certificate, use a frame with UV-protective glass to prevent light damage. Ensure the certificate is mounted using acid-free materials to avoid any chemical reactions that could degrade the paper over time.

Avoid Exposure: Keep the certificate away from direct sun, extreme temperatures and humidity, which can cause the paper to warp or deteriorate. Avoid exposing it to pollutants, such as smoke or chemicals, which can cause discoloration.

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