Lot 237

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Description:

South Sea Company Archive, 1714-1730, 6 Pieces

A small archive related to the South Sea Company, the infamous joint stock company that would later become the textbook example of a speculation bubble. The lot includes five signed documents, 1714-1730, as well as an early engraving. Expected wear including overall toning, folds, wrinkles, and isolated loss. Many pieces have been professionally repaired. Else very good to near fine. The largest document measures 8.25" x 13.25" excluding the edges of its mount.

Two of the pieces in the archive relate to women, illustrating that they too were active participants in eighteenth-century financial investment. The lot includes, from most recent to oldest:

1. A partly printed and partly handwritten document authorizing Elizabeth Lady Hinchingbrooke, Francis Seymour's wife, to receive dividends from "Seven hundred & Fifty Pounds South Sea Capital Stock" on December 5, 1730. Signed by five individuals including the original investors. Embossed revenue stamps found at upper left, and traces of red wax seals at lower right. Docketed verso. Weathering including folds and scattered soiling. Holes have been infilled with tissue, and the document is laid on a stock mount with a cut-out revealing the docket verso. 8.25" x 13.25".

2. A handwritten document written in Oxford, England on August 13, 1730 confirming that Ralph Hall should be paid 6% principal money on £600 worth of "capital Stock in my name in the books of the South-sea Company". Encased within tissue.

3. A handwritten document written in Northampton, England on January 2, 1724/5 directing that Simon Eynard receive dividends from "South Sea Stock". Encased within tissue.

4. A handwritten document dated March 29, 1715 signed by Margarett Catesby authorizing her "Midsomer & Christmas" dividends to be paid out to Ralph Freeman, Esq. Encased within tissue.

5. A handwritten document dated May 13, 1714 confirming that George Wanley should be paid the dividends of "South Sea Stock". Encased within tissue.

6. An early engraving of "His Most Sacred Majesty George the Second" after W. Proud (fl. 1760).

Founded in 1711, the South Sea Company was enriched by the transatlantic slave trade and endorsed by the British monarchy. In 1718, King George I became governor of the company, thereby giving investors even more confidence in the company, and encouraging speculation of shares now paying 100% interest. By September 1720, the market had collapsed, and shares dragged down government stocks with them. Interestingly, the company survived its temporary ruination; it operated until 1853. The phenomenon known as the South Sea Bubble continues to fascinate modern investors since it clearly demonstrates the underlying economic, cultural, and psychological mechanisms behind speculations.

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.

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June 24, 2020 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
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$50,000 + $5,000