Tuolumne Copper Mining Company Stock Certificate – Arizona

Description

Tuolumne Copper Mining Company Stock Certificate – Arizona
Offered for your consideration is an interesting stock certificate issued in the 1920’s by a prominent mining company. The central vignette features a scene depicting two miners flanking a jack-type brace, with a drill pointing into the rock behind. One of the miners holds a wrench, while the other has his hand on the back of the drill. A dark area below the rock face seems to indicate a deep shaft or chasm. Immediately below, presented in bold letters, is printed
“TUOLUMNE COPPER MINING COMPANY”
, with the smaller notation that the company was
“INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE TERRITORY OF ARIZONA”
. A financial obligation, printed predominantly in lovely italic script, dominates the central portion of the certificate. The signatures of the secretary and president of the company appear at the lower center, with signatures of two bank officials at the left and right. A decorative border encloses all of the aforementioned elements, with the imprint of the
“WESTERN BANK NOTE & ENG. CO., CHICAGO”
below. The border and decorative elements are printed in brown ink, while the vignette, name, and financial information are presented in black. The back of the certificate features a partly printed transfer form, this particular one being unaccomplished. It is interesting to note that though the company was incorporated in Arizona, this certificate was signed and sealed in
“… Butte, Montana, this JUL
2-1923 …”
. A bank cancellation stamp at the right center seem to indicate that the certificate was redeemed on
“JUL. 5 1928”
.
An interesting and attractive certificate, depicting as it does a part of the mining operations. Would look great framed with a contemporary illustration of a mine or local camp.
The presently offered certificate exhibits signs of period use and long-term storage. Toning is present across the entire surface, imparting an off-white to beige hue to the document, especially noted on the back. The edges have toned a darker hue, a common situation on many items of the era due to the type of paper being used at the time. Minor wrinkling is noted, especially near the edges, with two diagonal corner folds noted for accuracy (none of these issues have weakened the paper). Three circular and six star-shaped punch-out cancellations are present, as are two ink bank stamp cancellations. Two small pinholes and a slightly larger additional hole can be seen within the decorative border. The left edge appears perforated, while the other three are sharp and straight. This historic piece measures approximately 8.00 x 12.00 inches and as stated above, this would look great framed and displayed in an office or den.
A .95 charge for postage and insurance will be added to the purchase.
If you have any questions concerning this piece, please inquire before purchasing.
American Coins and Collectibles
Shreveport, LA