All margins are present (the piece is too large for scanner). Here you have an exceedingly rare, historic, valuable and artistic scripophily masterpiece that puts the thrill back into collecting antique stock certificates, beautifully 19th Century engraved material, and telegraphy memorabilia. Its virtues are so many and so exceptional that mere words can scarcely describe them, but here’s an attempt.. This is a guaranteed authentic, original and genuine stock certificate issued by the Rochester District Telegraph Co. It is stunningly engraved in the ornate manner found on the finest of mid to late 19th Century currency and securities, most evident in the intricately decorative border, counters (number & share displays), and typography, which utilizes no less than 6 different antique fonts. The elegant shaded title reaches all the way across the certificate, undulating with fancy flourishes. It features a one-of-a-kind multi-vignette design that brilliantly capitalizes on the theme of telegraphy. Telegraph poles linked by wires running to 5 telegraph coils frame the entire perimeter. As if ready to propel the telegram boy forward on its starry edges, a large, unblemished gold corporate seal appears directly in his path. The fierce spread wing eagle clasping a U. Shield at the center adds just the right patriotic touch to this early capitalist venture into the realm of telecommunications. It measures an impressive 8.25″ x 15″ in size. It is signed by the Company’s President, Secretary and 3 most prominent Shareholders, all of whom were movers and shakers in the world of early telegraphy it is noteworthy that Western Onion was founded in Rochester and that Rochester District Telephone became a part of the former!! It bears SERIAL NUMBER 1 and is the FIRST and ONLY stock known from the issuer! Therefore, this single certificate held 97% of the entire value of the Rochester District Telegraph Company! It remains in super choice, crisp condition for its age with just 2-3 whisper light folds that will not show after matting and framing but without a single other imperfection but for a couple of tiny edge dings in the wide bottom margin. This is a veritable museum piece – one of the finest pieces in our archive that has taken 50 years to assemble. Don’t dare let it pass into the hands of another! Only ONE , only NOW , only from Collect-a-thon! Opportunity of a lifetime! A short history of finger tapping devices…. The item “SERIAL #1 1883 ROCHESTER NY TELEGRAPH STOCK! 97% OF CO. Historic Rarity CV $5000″ is in sale since Sunday, June 12, 2011. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Advertising\Communication & Utilities\Telegraph & Telegram”. The seller is “collect-a-thon” and is located in New York, New York. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Type of Advertising: Original Stock Certificate
• Date of Origin: 1883
• Brand: Rochester District Telegraph Co.
• Original/Reproduction: Original