Remarkable archive related to the original issue of stock by the Edison Portland Cement Company, 1899. The company, founded by Thomas Edison in the spring of that year, was one of many “offshoot” enterprises the inventor organized to profitably exploit improvements and discoveries he had made in the laboratory and to consolidate and centralize the manufacture of materials and supplies that were necessary to his other business interests. The present archive offers an unusually comprehensive view of the steps involved in the company’s issue of stock certificates, from the most preliminary design elements to the finished certificates themselves. A survey of the items included: 1) Unsigned early “temporary” certificate for 100 shares of common capital stock in the Edison Portland Cement Company, issued to Edison. 2) Unsigned partially printed order form submitted to the American Bank Note Company, requesting the production of 500 examples each of preferred and common stock certificates. 3) Unsigned original typed copy of the text to be used on the certificates. 4) Unsigned original photo of Edison submitted for use in the production of the portrait engraving that would appear on the certificates. 5) Unsigned original proof engraving made from the above photo bearing company approval notations in the margins. 6) Unsigned original color paste-up of the “specimen” preferred stock certificate. 7) Unsigned original “face plate” proof of the common stock certificate, affixed to its original backing, bearing ink-stamped and pencil approval notations to the “received” tab. 8) The unsigned first (“Number 1”) preferred stock certificate issued by the company, granting 100 shares to S. Boyd Carrigan (tab detached but present) 9) Certificate for 5,000 shares of common stock issued to Edison himself and signed by him on the tab with his “umbrella” signature, “Thos. A. Edison” 10) Two unsigned certificates for common stock, issued to A. H. McNeal (120 shares) and E. C. Miller & Co. (100 shares). 11) Unsigned certificate for 90 shares of preferred stock, issued to Chester R. Baird. 12) Three-page handwritten letter from head mechanical engineer William E. Simpkin to Herman E. Dick, on Edison Laboratory letterhead, May 16, 1902, outlining in detail internal conflicts over plans and designs for “conveyors, blowers, bins, screens” and the like at the company cement plant and overseas operations. Simpkin was fired as a result of company losses at Edison’s plant in Dunderland, England, and later committed suicide. In very good to fine condition overall, with scattered light toning and soiling, expected handling wear (a few creases, folds, punch cancellations to certificates, and marginal adhesive stains), a few chips and small tears, and partial separations along folds of letter. The certificate signed by Edison is fine, with light toning and soiling to edges, punch cancellations, and a hint of mild wrinkling. Edison’s signature is clean, distinct, and unaffected. A one-of-a-kind opportunity for the Edison completist! LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
