American Classics

Tech & Telco

New York

Auto

Media & Gaming

Disney

Banks & Insurance

Oil & Gas

Food & Drink

Retail Stores

Skip to product information
1 of 1

The Four Wheel Drive Auto Company Stock Certificate

The Four Wheel Drive Auto Company Stock Certificate

Regular price $44.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $44.99 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

60+ 100% Positive Reviews! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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 green stock certificate from The Four Wheel Drive Auto Company Stock, issued & cancelled from 1953. 

The Four Wheel Drive Auto Company, often known as FWD, was founded in 1909 in Clintonville, Wisconsin. It was originally established as the Badger Four-Wheel Drive Auto Company by Otto Zachow, William Besserdich, and Walter Olen. They developed one of the first successful four-wheel drive systems in the United States.

The company played a crucial role in supplying vehicles for military use:

  • 1916: Received an order for 147 Model B three-ton trucks for the Pancho Villa Expedition
  • 1917: Received a $65,000,000 military truck order from the U.S. Government for World War I
  • 1941-1945: Produced 24,000 military vehicles for World War II

Over the years, the company underwent several changes:

  • 1958: Changed its name to FWD Corporation
  • 1963: Acquired Seagrave Fire Apparatus
  • 2003: FWD, along with its associates Seagrave, Baker Aerialscope, and Almonte Fire Trucks, was sold to an investment group

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.

View full details

Discover 1,000s of Wall Street Collectables