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Philadelphia Traction Company Stock Certificate (Now SEPTA) from 1930s

Philadelphia Traction Company Stock Certificate (Now SEPTA) from 1930s

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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 a purple stock certificate from the Philadelphia Traction Company, issued in the 1930s, and cancelled. Vignette of a horse drawn trolly illustration,.

Founded in 1883 by entrepreneurs William Kemble, Peter A. B. Widener, and William Lukens Elkins, it aimed to consolidate and modernize the city’s streetcar lines by converting them to cable operation.

After Kemble’s death in 1891, Widener pivoted to electrification. The company opened Philadelphia’s first electric trolley line on Bainbridge and Catharine Streets in 1892. By 1897, horse-drawn streetcars were fully phased out. In 1895, Widener and Elkins formed the Union Traction Company, which leased the Philadelphia Traction Company by 1898.

This consolidation laid the groundwork for the Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company (PRT) in 1902, a Widener-Elkins holding company that unified Philadelphia’s transit under private control. The PRT built critical infrastructure like the Market Street Subway-Elevated (“The El”).

The PRT evolved into the Philadelphia Transportation Company (PTC) in 1940, which operated until 1968 when SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) assumed control.

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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