Old stock certificate, Société des Mines de Ras El Ma, bearer shares, 1920s

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This vintage document is an old share certificate issued by the Société des Mines de Ras El Ma, clearly identifiable by the header printed in black characters on a white background, surrounded by a wide ornamental frame in dark green. The document features a typical 1920s print, with an aesthetic characteristic of financial securities from this period, recognizable by its decorative motifs and classic typography. The share is designated as a Bearer Founder's Share, a mention readable at the top of the main page.

The visible side shows the main part of the certificate, richly framed, as well as a sheet of coupons attached to the right. The coupons bear the mention "SOCIÉTÉ DES MINES DE RAS EL MA - FOUNDER'S SHARE" and each include a number, a green frame matching the main document, and a red stamp affixed to each coupon. The overall presentation reveals a high-quality print, with fine details all around the border and dense printing of the contractual text in small characters.

The graphic style, choice of fonts, and arrangement of elements are typical of French shares from the early 20th century, confirming the vintage authenticity and age of this financial security. No major defects are visible on the exposed side: the sheet appears well-preserved, with no apparent signs of marked creases, stains, or significant tears, although the natural patina of old paper is perceptible, testifying to its age.

The main inscriptions are perfectly legible, including the company name, the mention "Siège social à Alger" (Registered office in Algiers), and the designation "Part de Fondateur au Porteur" (Bearer Founder's Share). On the coupon part, each section is sequentially numbered, and the red stamps add an authentic dimension to the whole. The document is presented flat, placed on a dark wooden piece of furniture, which highlights its generous dimensions and decorative appearance.

This type of old share certificate is an emblematic example of historical financial paper, also called "old stock certificate" in international terminology. The decorative green style, the sheet of coupons, and the meticulous calligraphy are sought after for vintage decoration, economic history, or heritage documentation.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The visible side shows good overall preservation, with no apparent major defects. Natural patina of old paper.

Did you know? Bearer shares like those of the Société des Mines de Ras El Ma were commonly used in France and Algeria in the early 20th century. They allowed for easy transfer of ownership without nominative registration, thus promoting the liquidity of securities on the financial market.

AFW Reassurance

Careful and fast shipping, professional packaging suitable for old documents. Professional seller specializing in historical objects and financial papers.

Keywords: old share, financial security, old paper, founder's share, stock certificate, vintage share, bearer share, mining company, early 20th century share, historical document, old stock, decorative share