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Wilson Sporting Goods Co. Stock Warrant Certificate from 1985

Wilson Sporting Goods Co. Stock Warrant Certificate from 1985

Regular price $49.99
Regular price Sale price $49.99
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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 an original stock certificate from Wilson Sporting Goods Co., dated 1985. Printed in blue, the design is typographic with an ornate border featuring decorative corner elements. The document represents warrants to purchase common stock.

The certificate shows minor age-related discoloration consistent with its nearly four-decade age, adding character to this piece of corporate memorabilia. No cancellation markings are visible, indicating this warrant was never exercised or redeemed.

Wilson Sporting Goods traces its roots to 1913 when the Ashland Manufacturing Company began producing sporting goods in Chicago. The company was renamed Wilson & Co. in 1915 after Thomas E. Wilson, a former executive from the meatpacking industry who recognized the potential of converting animal byproducts into sporting equipment. Under Wilson's leadership, the company pioneered the use of gut strings for tennis rackets and developed innovative leather treatments for footballs and basketballs. By the 1970s, Wilson had become synonymous with professional sports equipment, supplying gear to major league teams and championship athletes. The company went through several ownership changes in the 1980s, including acquisition by Beatrice Companies and later by AMER Sports, while maintaining its position as a premium sporting goods manufacturer.

Stock warrants from major sporting goods companies represent a unique niche in scripophily, capturing the evolution of American sports culture through corporate finance. This 1985 warrant dates from Wilson's transition period as the company navigated changing ownership while maintaining its reputation for quality athletic equipment. The purely typographic design reflects the streamlined corporate aesthetics of the 1980s, when functionality took precedence over the elaborate vignettes of earlier eras. Offered as a collectible.

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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