Description:

South Sea Company Archive, 1710-1725, 7 Pieces

A small archive related to the South Sea Company, the infamous joint-stock company that would later become the textbook example of a speculation bubble. The lot includes six signed documents, 1710-1725, as well as approximately 37 clipped signatures of various Lords of the Treasury. Expected wear including overall toning, folds, wrinkles, and isolated loss. Many pieces have been professionally repaired. All with bold signatures. Please refer to photographs for further condition information.

The lot includes:

1. James Brydges, Duke of Chandos DS. London, dated February 22, 1710/11. Transferring "all Right, Title & Interest" to Harry Mordannt Esq. the principal sum mentioned in the printed order on verso. Chandos had become incredibly wealthy but lost most of his livelihood when the South Sea bubble burst in 1720.

2. John Langham Autograph Document Signed. Cottesbrooke, dated April 7, 1725. A handwritten document requesting to pay to Mr. Jonathan Payne the £343 and 15 shillings which had been transferred to his account in the South Sea Company the month prior by Joseph Coysgarne. The money was to act as a sufficient warrant.

3. Joseph Palmer Document Signed. Northampton, dated August 21, 1716. A document requesting that Mr. Jonathan Grigsby, the accountant of the South Sea Company, pay the dividend on £5,753.2.5 to William Sherwill as a sufficient warrant.

4. J. Isham Signed Document. N.p., dated April 22, 1721. Isham makes a claim to the Justinians on accounts paid to the South Sea Company - £1000 in his name, £1000 in his son's name, and £1000 in a fictitious name. He also promises to indemnify the Company from all other claimants in those names.

5. An issue of "The White-hall Evening-Post", No. 320. Dated September 29-October 1, 1720. With a lengthy report on the proceedings of the General Court of the South Sea Company.

6. A Signed Act of Parliament. London, dated June 26, 1679. Pass "for Granting a Supply to His MAJESTY of 2064621. 17s. 3d. for Paying off, and Disbanding the Forces Raised since the 29th of September 1677. Signed by five Lords of the Treasury, including Lord Essex and Lawrence Hyde, later Earl of Rochester.

On verso are six clipped sheets with several more signatures by Lords of the Treasury.

7. 21 Clipped Signatures of Various Lords of the Treasury. A large sheet with clipped sheets containing the signatures of twenty-one members. Dating ca. 1700-1750.

Founded in 1711, the South Sea Company was enriched by the transatlantic slave trade and endorsed by the British monarchy. In 1718, King George I became governor of the company, thereby giving investors even more confidence in the company, and encouraging speculation of shares now paying 100% interest. By September 1720, the market had collapsed, and shares dragged down government stocks with them. Interestingly, the company survived its temporary ruination; it operated until 1853. The phenomenon known as the South Sea Bubble continues to fascinate modern investors since it clearly demonstrates the underlying economic, cultural, and psychological mechanisms behind speculations.

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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.

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August 17, 2022 10:30 AM EDT
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University Archives

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