Rare and beautiful partly-printed DS, signed “Geo. W. Hatch,” one page, 11.5 x 6.75, May 26, 1863. Stock certificate for six shares of the American Bank-Note Company issued to Augustus Williams, signed by George W. Hatch as president, Neziah Wright as treasurer, and W. R. Bliss as secretary, all canceled in ink. The beautifully engraved certificate boasts a classic vignette of an allegorical Liberty figure within a red patriotic shield, and portraits of Benjamin Franklin and George Washington in the corners. In fine condition.
Founded in 1795 by Robert Scot, the first official engraver of the young United States Mint, the American Bank Note Company combines talents of the highest artistic and mechanical skill in the production of paper money, securities, stocks, postage stamps, tickets, and other commonly-counterfeited materials. The firm was known to employ the best artists to make its designs and skilled chemists to devise inks to be both brilliant and ineradicable. A rare and historic offering from one of America's most unique corporations.
