Washington Gas Light Company Stock Certificate
Washington Gas Light Company Stock Certificate
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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 green stock certificate from the Washington Gas Light Company, issued in 1966, features cancellation stamps, indicating its authenticity and historical use.
On July 8, 1848, Washington Gas Light Company received its charter from Congress, just days after the cornerstone was laid for the Washington Monument. At the time, Washington, D.C., with a population of about 45,000, had poorly developed infrastructure and muddy streets. Gas lighting was limited to large institutions like Georgetown College and theaters, using gas produced by wood or coal-fired apparatus.
Citizens of Washington envied the gas-lit streets of Baltimore and Philadelphia and petitioned Congress for similar services throughout the 1840s without success. In 1847, entrepreneur James Crutchett proposed lighting the Capitol with gas, and his project succeeded. However, it was Benjamin B. French, the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, who organized a gas company for Washington. French and local businessmen bought Crutchett's patent rights and took over supplying gas to the Capitol. This led to the Congressional chartering of the Washington Gas Light Company, making it the first Congressionally chartered gas company and the first such public utility still in operation today.
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.
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