100 Shares Bath Iron Works Corporation Certificate – SPECIMEN

Description

100 Shares Bath Iron Works Corporation Certificate – SPECIMEN
Offered for your consideration is a 100 share Specimen stock certificate issued by one of the more prolific ship builders since its founding in 1884. The central vignette depicts a ¾ view of a destroyer, proceeding at full speed, a large bow wake being an indication of the action. Though most of the last digit is covered by the water, enough is visible so that the ship’s identity can be determined. It is the USS
Drayton
(DD-366), a Mahan class destroyer that participated in the battle of Tassafaronga and the action around the Philippine Islands (this can help date the certificate, as the
Drayton
was laid down in 1934, this piece could not have been prepared before then). Flanking this scene are design elements for the serial number and share amount. Immediately below the vignette, in large letters, is printed “
BATH IRON WORKS CORPORATION
”, and in smaller letters, “
INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF MAINE
”. The body of the document states (in part) that “
This Certifies that _________________ in the owner of ONE HUNDRED full paid and non-assessable shares of the par value of one dollar each of the Common Capital Stock of the Bath Iron Works Corporation …
”.
The purchasers are told that “
… This certificate is not valid unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent and registered by the Registrar.
”. They are further instructed to “
Witness the facsimile seal of said corporation, and facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers.
”, followed by a blank line for the date. The engraved signatures of “
S. L. Eaton
” and “
W. S. Newell
”, in their capacities as “
TREASURER
” and “
PRESIDENT
”, respectively, appear at the conclusion (though over-printed with the word “
SPECIMEN
”), neatly separated by a facsimile of the company seal. Blank lines can be seen at the left and right, ready for the signatures of the “
REGISTRAR
” and “
TRANSFER AGENT
” to make the document valid. All of the foregoing elements are enclosed in a decorative blue border, with the share amount in each upper corner. The back features a partly-printed transfer form, completely unaccomplished on this Specimen document. This piece was printed by the “
AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY
”, as evidenced by their imprint at the bottom center of the front. An attractive certificate, produced for one of the more important ship builders during World War II. This piece would look great if framed with a photograph of the USS
Drayton
as it appeared during the war (it would also look good with a view of the shipyard in operation).
The Bath Irons Works was founded in 1884 by General Thomas W. Hyde on the Kennebec River in Maine. During their history, they have built private, commercial, and military vessels. During World War II, ships built by this firm were valued for their superior toughness by sailors and naval official alike. During that same period, its peak, the yard was launching a destroyer every 17 days. Since 1995, Bath Iron Works has been a subsidiary of General Dynamics. Among their recent projects are many of the Arleigh Burke and Zumwalt class destroyers.
Specimens are actual certificates that were printed in very limited quantities for trial or display purposes. Some printers retained them within their permanent archives as the only example of a particular certificate (a sort of template), while others would produce a few examples to be shown to the prospective client to show the quality of work that they could produce. These certificates would normally be stamped “SPECIMEN”, usually in red, and bear a “00000” serial number. They would also feature numerous punch cancellations, generally in sensitive areas involving regular issues (signature lines, coupons). These issues are rare and desirable within the collector’s community.
Though this piece was never issued, it has suffered slightly from storage following its production. Minor paper wrinkling is noted along the left and right edges, possibly from the introduction of a small amount of moisture. As previously noted, two cancellation holes can be seen on the signature lines on the principal instrument, as well as the over-print “SPECIMEN”. Measuring approximately 8 x 12 inches, this piece would make a great addition to any stock collection, especially one relating to shipping or World War II. A wonderful opportunity to add one to your collection.
A .95 charge will be added to the winning bid for postage and insurance.
A .00 charge will be added to any item picked up in person at our physical location.
If you have any questions regarding this item, please ask before purchasing.
Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2
nd
Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows.
American Coins and Collectibles
Shreveport, LA