5% sinking fund debenture. A great airplane, aviation, aircraft collectable. Beautiful certificate printed by American Bank Note Company. The Boeing Airplane Company, now a major player in the global aerospace industry, has a rich and complex history dating back to the early 20th century. Here is a detailed look at its evolution. Founding and Early Years. 1916 : The Boeing Airplane Company was founded by William Edward Boeing, a timber merchant who became interested in aviation. The company’s first plane was the B&W Seaplane, built with the help of Navy engineer George Conrad Westervelt. 1917 : The company was incorporated as Boeing Airplane Company. World War I provided an early boost as the company received orders for the Model C seaplane from the U. 1920s : After World War I, Boeing diversified into other areas, including furniture manufacturing, to survive the post-war downturn in aircraft demand. 1930s : Boeing continued to innovate with models like the Monomail, a single-wing airplane, and the Model 247, considered one of the first modern airliners due to its all-metal construction, retractable landing gear, and twin engines. 1940s : Boeing played a significant role in World War II, producing large quantities of the B-17 Flying Fortress and the B-29 Superfortress bombers. The company’s workforce expanded dramatically to meet the wartime production demands. Post-War Era and the Jet Age. 1950s : Boeing entered the jet age with the development of the B-47 Stratojet and the B-52 Stratofortress, which became mainstays of the U. In the commercial sector, Boeing introduced the 707, the first successful commercial jetliner, which revolutionized air travel. 1960s : The 727 and 737 models were introduced, both becoming extremely popular. Space Exploration and Defense Expansion. 1961 : Boeing became involved in the space race, developing the first stage of the Saturn V rocket, which eventually took humans to the moon. 1960s-1970s : Boeing continued to diversify, expanding its footprint in the defense and space sectors, including the development of the Lunar Roving Vehicle for NASA. Wide-body Era and Global Expansion. 1970 : Boeing introduced the 747, known as the “Jumbo Jet, ” which became iconic for its size and capacity, further cementing Boeing’s dominance in commercial aviation. 1980s-1990s : The company continued to develop new models, including the 757, 767, and later the 777, which became known for its long-range capabilities and fuel efficiency. 2000s : Boeing continued to innovate with the development of the 787 Dreamliner, which featured advanced materials and technologies to improve fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.