Description:

Rockefeller John 1874 - 1960 Unique Standard Oil Trust certificate with no cancellations of any kind through the signature of John D. Rockefeller, or the other signers, Henry M. Flagler and J. F. Freeman -- on every other certificate we have encountered, the signature of Rockefeller has been machine canceled, canceled with a pen line, or has had both forms of cancellations

One of America's greatest industrialists, who controlled the oil industry. He organized the Standard Oil Co. in 1870, gained a monopoly in the oil business and organized the Standard Oil Trust in 1882; it was dissolved by court decree in 1892. Ornate, partly engraved Stock Certificate for 100 shares of the Standard Oil Trust, oblong folio, New York, June 16, 1887. Issued to Geo. W. Hamilton. Signed by John D. Rockefeller as president, Henry M. Flagler as secretary, and J.F. Freeman as treasurer.


THIS CERTIFICATE IS UNIQUE IN THAT THERE ARE NO CANCELLATIONS OF ANY KIND THROUGH ANY OF THE THREE SIGNATURES. ON EVERY OTHER CERTIFICATE WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED THE SIGNATURE OF JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER HAS BEEN MACHINE CANCELED OR CANCELED WITH A PEN LINE THROUGH THE SIGNATURE. SOMETIMES THE SIGNATURE HAS HAD BOTH FORMS OF CANCELLATION. WE HAVE NEVER SEEN A CERTIFICATE AT AUCTION OR IN A DEALER'S CATALOG WITHOUT THE SIGNATURE CANCELLATIONS.

The certificate is green, black and white in color with an engraved vignette of the U.S. Capitol building. The stub is attached, with a form for transfer on the reverse. A Rockefeller certificate that has not been signature canceled is extremely rare and probably unique. When a stock was sold the signatures on the certificate were canceled. It would be an extremely remote error in the processing of a certificate for this not to be done. We note on this certificate that there is no name of a new owner on the reverse transfer form. There is only an appointment of A.W. Kidder Co. (the stock broker) as attorney on Oct. 25, 1892, the year that the Standard Oil Trust was dissolved. The error in not canceling the names might have something to do with this set of circumstances. Exceptionally fine condition with excellent dark signatures. This certificate would be a highlight of any collection.

From the Robert Batchelder collection, priced by him at $4,900.

Provenance:


This remarkable piece is offered directly from the estate of Robert Batchelder, among the most important dealers of the 20th century who began his passion in autographs and historical documents in the late 1960's. Each piece will include Robert's original description indicating the noted retail price which could have been 20 years ago. in addition to his inventory folder containing his handwritten notes. Robert's highly diverse background and amazing achievements include a long list of important sociÕ©tal memberships, examples worthy of noting include an honorary member of the Society Cincinnati, a member of the Manuscript Society, the ABAA (Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America), the ANA (American Numismatic Association), the PAGCA (Pennsylvania Antique Gun Collectors Association), the PADA (Professional Autograph Dealer Association), and the UACC (Universal Autograph Collectors Club). He was a graduate of University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and served in the U.S. Army Air Force.

A portion of the commission on Batchelder lots will be donated to the Alzheimer's Foundation.

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Shipping

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000