Pine Creek Railway Company First Mortgage Bond from 1885 signed by William Vanderbilt
Pine Creek Railway Company First Mortgage Bond from 1885 signed by William Vanderbilt
Couldn't load pickup availability
Are the certificates authentic?
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 the Pine Creek Railway Company, dated 1885, signed by William Vanderbilt on the front and transferred to Cornelius Vanderbilt (shown on back).
Printed in burnt orange and black. Three vignettes animate the face: at left, a seated male farmer resting beside agricultural implements; at right, an allegorical female figure of Justice holding a sword and scales; and centered along the bottom, a small oval portrait of a steam locomotive. Printed by the American Bank Note Company.
Offered as a collectible.
In 1885, north-central Pennsylvania's timber-rich valleys were threaded by competing rail lines racing to tap the lumber and coal flowing out of the Pine Creek Gorge region. The Pine Creek Railway Company was formerly incorporated as the Jersey Shore, Pine Creek and Buffalo Railway Company, a name that telegraphed its ambitions: connect the lumber towns of the Lycoming County backcountry all the way to the Buffalo trunk lines. What makes this bond exceptional is what appears on the reverse. The transfer register traces ownership from the original holder, C. L. Rossiter, through William H. Vanderbilt and then Cornelius Vanderbilt — two generations of the family that controlled more American railroad mileage than any other. William H. Vanderbilt had inherited the New York Central system from his father, Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, and by 1885 was reputedly the wealthiest private individual in the United States, with a fortune exceeding $200 million. The bond's three guarantors tell the full story of the regional power structure: the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad Company, the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company, and the Corning, Cowanesque and Antrim Railway Company. The guarantor signatures on the back include that of G. de B. Keim, President of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, one of the anthracite coal region's dominant carriers.
Gilded Age railroad bonds guaranteed by Vanderbilt-controlled lines are among the most historically grounded documents collectors encounter in scripophily. The American Bank Note Company's engraving work and the fully documented Vanderbilt transfer history make this a particularly compelling piece of Pennsylvania railroad and financial history.
Materials and care
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.
On orders over $50
Or your money back
Trust us to build their collection
Secure payment with all major providers
Trusted By Thousands of Collectors
Let customers speak for us
Art with a Backstory
Every Certificate Tells A Story
Turn rare stock and bond certificates into timeless décor. Piece showcases bold colors, engravings, and historic signatures perfect for an office, library, bar, common area, museum & more.
Orders Ship Daily
Direct From Wall Street's Archives
Orders are shipped flat with care, tracked & insured with USPS, in a strong, rigid, protected envelope. Daily fulfillment Monday - Thursday from NYC.
Railroad Stock & Bond Certificate Collectable Bundle Five Pack - 4x Stocks & 1x Bond
Discover 1,000s of Wall Street Collectables
Atari Stock Certificate from 1980s With "Fuji" Logo
American Skiing Company Stock Certificate (feat photo of Skiers)
Marvel Spider-Man New York Stock Exchange 1991 Special Edition Comic
Enron Corp Stock Certificate from 2000s era - Authentic & Original
Atari Stock Certificate from 1980s With "Fuji" Logo
American Skiing Company Stock Certificate (feat photo of Skiers)
Marvel Spider-Man New York Stock Exchange 1991 Special Edition Comic
Enron Corp Stock Certificate from 2000s era - Authentic & Original
Atari Stock Certificate from 1980s With "Fuji" Logo
American Skiing Company Stock Certificate (feat photo of Skiers)
Marvel Spider-Man New York Stock Exchange 1991 Special Edition Comic
Enron Corp Stock Certificate from 2000s era - Authentic & Original
Atari Stock Certificate from 1980s With "Fuji" Logo
American Skiing Company Stock Certificate (feat photo of Skiers)
Marvel Spider-Man New York Stock Exchange 1991 Special Edition Comic
Enron Corp Stock Certificate from 2000s era - Authentic & Original
Explore Our Collections
-
American Classics
Showcasing the evolution of American industry through beautifully engraved certificates from iconic...
-
Banks, Insurance & Investment
Discover the rich history of American finance with our collection of authentic...
-
Food & Drink
Collectible Food & Drink Stock & Bond Certificates for Sale - Hershey's, Nabisco,...
-
Transportation
Discover our collection of collectable stock and bond certificates for sale from...
-
World Wars
Discover our unique collection of World War-era bonds and Disney wartime memorabilia,...
