Old Urban Lighting Company share 1906 Paris vintage retro

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This document is an old bearer share issued by the Compagnie Urbaine d’Éclairage par le gaz acétylène, based in Paris. The upper part features an elaborately printed ornamental frame, characteristic of early 20th-century administrative documents. At the top are the company name, the share capital of 1,000,000 francs, and the mention of the registered office in Paris. The legible issue date is May 2, 1906. The share certificate states: Action de Cent Francs au Porteur (Bearer Share of One Hundred Francs), with share number 02534.

The document displays elegant typography, typical of the era, on a slightly ivory background. The intricate border pattern and floral frames attest to a refined administrative style from the 1900s. Two printed signatures of administrators appear at the bottom right.

The lower part of the share is composed of several detachable coupons, numbered 1 to 40, arranged in a grid. Several coupons bear a violet stamp "COMPAGNIE URBAINE D'ÉCLAIRAGE PAR LE GAZ ACÉTYLÈNE", attesting to their use. Each coupon includes the company name, the share number, and the mention "Action de Cent Francs au Porteur".

The visual condition of the share shows some folds, due to old storage, but the whole remains legible and decorative. No chips or tears are visible on the presented face. The printing quality and thick paper reinforce the authenticity of this historical document.

This type of old share, with its attached coupons, is typical of financial securities from the Belle Époque, often sought after for their retro aesthetic and documentary value.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Visible folds, partially used coupons, period stamps on several coupons. The overall condition remains good for a document of this age.

Did you know? Bearer shares were common in early 20th-century France. They allowed their holder to remain anonymous, unlike registered shares. The Compagnie Urbaine d’Éclairage used acetylene gas, a major innovation for urban lighting before the widespread adoption of electricity.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging and fast shipping are provided by a professional seller specializing in antique documents and financial securities.

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