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International Gordon Bennett Race Certificate from Early 1900s

International Gordon Bennett Race Certificate from Early 1900s

Regular price $199.99
Regular price Sale price $199.99
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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 unissued certificate from the International Gordon Bennett Race, printed in orange. This certificate was never issued. Features a central vignette of an early biplane aircraft with pilot figure beneath, set against an aviation landscape. The design includes portraits of aviation pioneers Glenn H. Curtiss, Claude Grahame-White, and Charles Terres Weymann.

Facsimile signature of Harold McCormick, the prominent Chicago industrialist whose International Harvester fortune fueled his passion for early aviation. McCormick sponsored aviation events, backed aircraft manufacturers, and helped establish Chicago as a major aviation hub during the pioneering years of flight.

In 1909, Chicago emerged as the epicenter of American aviation competition when James Gordon Bennett Jr., the flamboyant newspaper publisher, established his aviation cup as the world's most prestigious flying contest. The Gordon Bennett Aviation Cup drove rapid advances in aircraft technology and pilot skill, drawing the world's greatest aviators to compete for speed records that pushed the boundaries of early flight. Bennett, heir to the New York Herald fortune, had already made his mark sponsoring automobile and balloon races before turning his attention to the nascent aviation industry. The races helped legitimize aviation as both sport and serious transportation, attracting massive crowds and international attention that proved flight was more than a carnival novelty.

Aviation certificates from the pioneering era remain highly sought after by collectors for their historical significance and connection to the heroic age of flight. The inclusion of portraits of famous early aviators adds exceptional appeal to this piece. 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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