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The Utica and Black River Railroad Company Bond from 1890

The Utica and Black River Railroad Company Bond from 1890

Regular price $69.99
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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.  

 

These are beautiful red bond certificates from The Utica and Black River Railroad Company, issued in 1890 and cancelled as seen by punch holes. Signatures from the company officers present, slight tears along the side.  

The Utica and Black River Railroad Company was a significant 19th-century railway that played a key role in developing northern New York’s transportation network. 

Originally chartered as the Black River and Utica Railroad Company on January 31, 1853, it opened its first line between Utica and Boonville, NY, in December 1855. The line transported timber, minerals, and agricultural goods, while also serving tourists heading to Adirondack resorts owned by wealthy families like the Vanderbilts and Roosevelts

The company faced foreclosure in 1860 and was reincorporated as the Utica and Black River Railroad Company in 1861 under bondholder ownership.

In 1886, it was leased to the Rome, Watertown, and Ogdensburg Railroad, which itself was later leased to the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad in 1891. This integration made it part of the New York Central system, America’s largest railroad network at the time.

Passenger service ended in 1965, and freight operations ceased in 1972 after Penn Central (the successor to New York Central) abandoned the line. New York State later acquired the route, with portions reactivated briefly for the 1980 Winter Olympics.

Today, sections of the original route are operated by heritage railroads like the Adirondack Railroad, offering scenic excursions

 

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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