News from Spink

FORD MOTOR COMPANY STOCK CERTIFICATE FROM 1908

On the 16th & 17th of July 2008, Spink Smythe will auction the Frederick Forbes Angus Collection and other Numismatic properties which will feature a superb collection of American banknotes. Included within the sale is an extremely rare Stock Certificate from the Ford Motor Company of Canada dated 10th December 1908, signed by Henry Ford himself. The certificate is expected to fetch between $20,000 and $30,000 at auction.

Henry Ford was one of America’s greatest automobile manufacturers. In 1903, Ford and 11 business associates filed incorporation documents in Michigan and created a company that is thought to be one of the greatest success stories in American history. The company had humble beginnings, launched in a converted factory with only $28,000 cash, but its future expansion was fast and furious. One year after the Michigan factory opened its doors, Ford craved a foreign market and created a parallel company named the Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. The company would later expand even further a field to Europe and Australia in the first quarter of the 20th century.

Caleb Esterline, Auction Manager of Spink Smythe, stated:
“There are only 16 known Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited certificates signed by Henry Ford. To the best of our knowledge, there are no early Ford Motor Company of Michigan certificates available outside of the Henry Ford Museum Collection. This is the ultimate stock certificate for any advanced collection of the shares of the companies of great American capitalists issued to and signed by their founders. We are very pleased to have the opportunity to sell such a rarity here at Spink Smythe.”

About Spink

Spink is the world’s leading auctioneer of coins, stamps, medals and banknotes with offices in London, Singapore, New York and Dallas.  Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holders of three royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, Spink offer an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide.

Public Enquiries:  020 7563 4000 – www.spink.com or info@spink.com

Images:  Spink Press Office on 020 7563 4009