1904 Hornsilver Mining and Milling Company Stock Certificate

Description

1904 Hornsilver Mining and Milling Company Stock Certificate
Offered for your consideration is a wonderfully engraved mining stock certificate issued in the first decade of the twentieth century. The central vignette depicts an allegorical young man, classically attired, riding a winged wheel. In his left hand he holds aloft a steam whistle, while in his right he holds what appears to be a flaming torch. A lengthy ribbon is entwined among the wings, with a long section trailing behind. This scene is flanked by the serial number and the number of shares to the left and right, respectively. Immediately below, presented in bold lettering is printed “
Hornsilver Mining and Milling Co.
”, with “
Capital 0,000
” and “
1,000,000 Shares
” in smaller letters below (a floral bouquet appears at the left). This is followed by a financial obligation which states (in part) that “
This Certifies that
T.
A. McNeil
is the owner of
One Thousand
Shares of the Capital Stock of Hornsilver Mining and Milling Company … In Witness Whereof, the said Corporation has caused this Certificate to be signed by its duly authorized officers and to be sealed with the Seal of the Corporation at Wallace, Idaho, this
25
day of
May
A.D. 190
4
.
”. This is followed by the signatures of “
M. L. McNeil
” and “
J F Mitz
” in their capacities as “
Secretary
” and “
President
”, respectively. These signature are separated by an additional vignette, printed in gold, depicting what appears to be a woman suspending a light bulb above a globe (this may represent Electricity Lighting the World). The company seal can be seen at the left. All of the foregoing elements are enclosed in a decorative border, with “
Incorporated Under the Laws of the State of Idaho
” printed at the top and “
SHARES 10¢ EACH
” at the bottom. The back, printed in green ink, features a recapitulation of the front of the document, as well as a partly-printed transfer form (this form has been filled out on the offered document). The identity of the printer is not stated on this document. A great item which would look great framed with an illustration of a period mine (it is possible that a photograph of this mining operation exists).
Cursory research indicates that the Hornsilver Mining and Milling Company was incorporated on May 31, 1901. As noted on the certificate, its capital consisted of 1,000,000 shares of stock valued at 10 cents per share. There were numerous properties included in the original claim, with several others added through the years. The main ore was lead-silver. In 1946, the Articles of Incorporation were amended to increase the capital stock and extend corporate existence in perpetuity. On April 25, 1960, the shareholder approved the sale of the real property to Day Mines, Incorporated, and the company was liquidated on September 6, 1960.
The presently offered specimen exhibits signs of period use and subsequent long-term storage. Minor toning is present across the entire surface, imparting to the paper an off-white hue. Two vertical storage folds are present, neatly dividing the certificate in three equal sections. These folds have weakened the paper at the edges, with small tears present in those areas (these could easily be strengthened with archival tape at the discretion of the purchaser). The contrast of the printed material is sharp and bold, though the manuscript additions are somewhat light (all are, however, legible). Two pen cancellations are present, one on each side of the central vignette. This interesting and historic document measures approximately 8⅜ x 10½ inches. A great item for the stock collector in your life.
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Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2
nd
Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows.
American Coins and Collectibles
Shreveport, LA