Bearer share Coal mines of Along Dong-Dang 1920s vintage financial document

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This is a vintage financial document, a bearer share certificate issued by the Société Française des Charbonnages d'Along et Dong-Dang (Tonkin), as shown in the photograph. The certificate features a layout typical of the 1920s, with a blue geometric border framing the main text. The central inscription, in dark blue capital letters, specifies the company, the share amount (2,500 francs to bearer), and the registered office in Paris, 16 avenue Bosquet. The typography and presentation are characteristic of French financial documents from the first quarter of the 20th century.

The document is displayed open, showing a series of detachable coupons on the right-hand page. Each coupon bears a serial number identical to the share certificate and a red "SFAD" stamp. These coupons, numbered and aligned in columns, are used to collect dividends. The visible side shows a clear print, with well-preserved colors: off-white background, blue frame, dark blue text, and red stamps. The original handwritten signatures of the president and an administrator are visible at the bottom of the document.

The general structure follows the codes of bearer shares of that era, with a main section dedicated to legal and financial information and a coupon section on the right. The document is printed on thick, matte-textured paper, with no apparent shine. The share certificate number ("N° 003.175") and the mention "fully paid-up" are also legible. The document bears a circular red stamp "SFAD," typical of mining companies of the colonial era in Tonkin.

The graphic style, composition, and typography are faithful to the production of the 1920s, a period when many French mining companies issued this type of security to finance their activities in Indochina. No details of the reverse side or other sides are visible in the photo, in accordance with the current presentation.

Condition

The item is second-hand and sold as-is. The image shows a clean document, without visible tears or major stains, with well-preserved colors and good legibility of texts and signatures. Some traces of use or handling are possible (corners, slight creases), consistent with the age of the document.

Did you know? Bearer shares were commonly used until the mid-20th century to allow the anonymous transfer of financial securities. The Société Française des Charbonnages d'Along et Dong-Dang operated significant coal mines in Tonkin (present-day northern Vietnam) during the French colonial period, actively contributing to the economic boom of the region.

AFW Reassurance

Your purchase will be carefully prepared, shipped quickly, and professionally packaged to ensure its safety until receipt.

Keywords: antique share, bearer certificate, financial document, mining share, Tonkin share, colonial share, 1920s share, scripophily, stock certificate, French company share, paper share, retro share, historical document