Auction Date:2013 Feb 28 @ 19:00 (UTC)
Location:5 Strand House, The Strand, St. Peter Port, GY11LJ, Guernsey, Bailiwick Of
Measuring approximately 8" x 16" this share certificate for Standard Oil Trust, issued to James Corrigan in 1888, represents a significant piece of perhaps the most powerful company in history.
Created in 1870 in the US State of Ohio by six individuals, it grew to become the largest oil refiner in the world, aggressively eliminating competition.
The certificate is personally signed by JD Rockefeller, Standard Oil's leading share owner at its conception, who was then the richest man in the world. It's been calculated that his wealth would have been equivalent to $633bn in 2007.
Rockefeller became a philanthropist in his later life, and made grand donations to medicine, education, and scientific research, the like of which had never been seen. One of the pay offs was the elimination of yellow fever.
The certificate is countersigned by HM Flagler, whom also made his mark on American history.
Falling in love with Florida, but frustrated by its lack of development, Flagler established hotels and then the Florida East Coast Railway. This ended at a little town which Flagler also developed.
He dredged a channel, built streets, instituted the first water and power systems, and financed the city's first newspaper. Though many wished to name the place 'Flagler', the man himself refused and instead the old Indian name, 'Mayaimi' was used, now known as Miami.
The certificate is also signed by Louis Severance, the Treasurer of Standard Oil Trust.
Standard Oil Trust began with just 10,000 shares, and its wealth and power at its peak are hard to comprehend. James Corrigan, the recipient of the shares, became rich from Standard Oil. The certificate marks out 100 shares at $100 each, accounting for 1% of the company.
Finally broken up by the US Supreme Court in 1911, the Standard Oil Trust was then divided into what are today the most powerful oil companies in existence: Exxon, Mobil, Shevron/Texaco, Amoco, Sohio (now run as BP) and Conoco. Today these companies have a combined value of $1trillion.
Had this share certificate not been cancelled in 1895 it would today be a ticket to rub shoulders with the top 10 of Forbes' rich list... it's theoretical value stands at $10 billion.
A truly fantastic piece of Americana, the like of which you will rarely see.
This will be a true joy to own and display.
Auction Location:
5 Strand House, The Strand, St. Peter Port, GY11LJ, Guernsey, Bailiwick Of
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
0% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
No Info Available
Payment Details:
No Info Available