Lot 274

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

James Roosevelt I, FDR's Father, 2x Signed Midwestern Railroad Certificate Worth Equivalent $150K Today!

A stock certificate twice signed by James Roosevelt I (1828-1900), father of future 32nd U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945), both times as "James Roosevelt" recto, at upper right and at lower right respectively. Signed in New York, New York on July 19, 1860. Partly printed, partly handwritten, and cosigned by a transfer clerk, cashier, and witness. Certificate No. 2029 granted 50 $100 shares of Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail Road Company stock to James Roosevelt I, who transferred it to Weeks & Company on the same day (verso). Bearing a green wax paper seal recto at lower right, one sawtooth point just touching the "t" of "Roosevelt" in the second signature. Docketed along a vertical orientation recto and bearing the usual perforated cancellation marks. A few pin holes and isolated edge darkening, else near fine. 7" x 5.625." Provenance: Offered at R.M. Smythe & Company (New York, New York) at their February 10, 1994 auction as Lot 5143.

In part:

"This is to Certify, that James Roosevelt is entitled to Fifty Shares, of One Hundred Dollars each in the Capital Stock of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail Road Company…"

James Roosevelt I came from a prominent Knickerbocker family in Dutchess County, New York. As this stock certificate attests, the Roosevelt family was already extremely wealthy in 1860. Other family traditions--including a background in business and loyalty to the Democratic Party--would be passed along to only child Franklin, born to James Roosevelt I and second wife Sara Ann Delano in 1882.

The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad would enjoy a 151-year-long history (1849-1970) of providing passenger and freight train service to thirteen Midwestern states from Montana to Texas. The company was reorganized as the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad in 1855, during development in Illinois and Iowa. James Roosevelt I's transfer of $5,000 in 1860 currency is the equivalent of over $156,000 in 2020 money.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice, unless you inform us otherwise, immediately upon your receipt of invoice***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party Please copy and paste this following link into your browser: http://universityarchives.com/UserFiles/ShippingInfo.pdf. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.


After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item.


Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

September 30, 2020 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000