2506

San Francisco,CA - January 28, 1869 - American Merchants Union Express Company :

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Documents Start Price:250.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 750.00 USD
San Francisco,CA - January 28, 1869 - American Merchants Union Express Company :
Certificate from the American Merchants Union Express Company dated January 28, 1869. This historic document is hand signed by company president William G Fargo. It has an ornate border and is printed on John H. Duyckinck Stationary. There is a vignette in the center of horses pulling a stage coach of three men next to a sea side industrial factory. The certificate is numbered 2705 and was issued to William M Odell (not listed in 1869 directory) for 100 shares of capital stock. At the time of issue, the American Merchants Union Express Company had capital stock of 180,000 shares and each share was valued at $100 each. On the left margin of the certificate there are two smaller vignettes. The above is circular and features and eagle and a dog with the phrase “safety & dispatch.” The lower vignette depicts two people shaking hands. There is a 25 cent revenue stamp dated January 29 on the reverse along with witness signatures. Never Cancelled. Very Fine Condition.
The American Express Company was formed by Henry Wells, William G Fargo and John Butterfield in 1850. In 1868 the company merged with Merchants Union Express Company to become American Merchants Union Express Company but reverted to the name American Express. William Fargo was co-founder of Wells Fargo & Co.