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The Boston Hartford and Erie Railroad Company Bond for $1,000 from 1863

The Boston Hartford and Erie Railroad Company Bond for $1,000 from 1863

Regular price $129.99
Regular price $249.99 Sale price $129.99
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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 a large $1,000 bond certificate issued by the Boston, Hartford and Erie Railroad Company in 1863. It remains in excellent collectible condition with a full sheet of attached coupons, notably free of any cancellation holes—a rare attribute for bonds of this era. Offered as a collectable. 

The bond does show evidence of having been folded at one point, but the integrity and legibility of the paper remain strong, and the print is crisp and well-preserved.

This is a unique piece of 19th-century American railroad and financial history, ideal for collectors of antique securities or railroad ephemera.

Company Overview
The Boston, Hartford and Erie Railroad Company was incorporated in the early 1860s through the consolidation of several smaller railroads in New England. The goal was ambitious: to create a continuous rail line connecting Boston, Massachusetts, to major trade centers such as Hartford, Connecticut, and ultimately westward. This vision was driven by the increasing need for efficient transportation routes to serve the growing industrial and commercial regions of the northeastern United States.

Despite its grand plans, the company quickly encountered financial trouble. Construction costs ballooned, and mismanagement plagued its expansion. In a bid to fund the extensive infrastructure required, the company issued high-value bonds like this 1863 $1,000 certificate—often backed by state guarantees or strategic land grants. However, the anticipated profits failed to materialize, and the company struggled to repay its debts.

By the 1870s, the Boston, Hartford and Erie Railroad was effectively insolvent. In 1873, it was reorganized as the New York and New England Railroad after entering receivership. This marked the end of the BH&E's short but ambitious chapter in American railroad history. Today, these bonds serve as striking reminders of the speculative fervor and infrastructural boom that characterized America's post-Civil War railroad expansion.

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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