Henry Wells & William Fargo Signed 1866 American Express Stock with Uncommon Non-Cancelled Signatures

Lot description

Henry Wells & William Fargo New York, NY, May 18, 1866 Henry Wells & William Fargo Signed 1866 American Express Stock with Uncommon Non-Cancelled Signatures DS A partly-printed document signed by Wells as President and "Wm G. Fargo" as Secretary, together with "Alex Holland" as Treasurer. New York, May 18, 1866. A stock certificate no. 553, issuing one share of the American Express Company to Abel B. Buell of Utica. Cancelled five cent revenue stamp affixed at upper left. Printed transfer form at verso not completed but signed by recipient. A small tear at top margin and a bit of wrinkling; else, very good condition. Scarce with the founders' uncanceled signatures. 1p. 12" x 8.5". Henry Wells (1805-1878) and William George Fargo (1818-1881) were American businessmen responsible for founding what would become modern-day firms American Express Company and Wells Fargo. The American Express Company originated in 1845 under the name of Wells & Co. It was consolidated in 1850 with competing companies Livingston, Fargo & Company, and Wells, Butterfield & Company, to become American Express Company. The pioneer service transported valuables, currency, mail and commodities across the country, expanding to banking and tourism after 1869. This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses. WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!