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Historical Profile of Banco Comercial de Barcelona
Banco Comercial de Barcelona was one of the leading financial institutions operating in Spain during the first half of the 20th century. Founded in 1920, with headquarters in Barcelona, it became a cornerstone in the Catalonian banking sector, playing a key role in the local economy by issuing bonds and granting credit. The institution is remembered for its contribution to the development of Catalan trade and industry.
During its years of operation, the bank issued numerous securities, such as the one seen in the image. This document, a Resguardo del Depósito de Valores from 1933, is a testament to the bank's activity in managing and securing deposits and assets for its clients.
Despite its early success, the bank faced difficulties during the economic crisis of the 1930s and the Spanish Civil War. Its activity eventually ceased in the post-World War II era, with the bank’s liquidation and removal from the stock exchange.
Historical Data of Banco Comercial de Barcelona
| Historical Data of the Company | Information |
|---|---|
| Year of Establishment | 1920 |
| Headquarters | Barcelona, Spain |
| Year of Stock Exchange Listing | 1925 |
| Year of Delisting from Stock Exchange | 1945 |
| Year of Dissolution | Around 1950 |
| Share Capital at Incorporation | 25,000,000 pesetas |
| Share Capital at Dissolution | Not available |
| Annual Revenue (1933) | 8,000,000 pesetas |
Certificate Characteristics
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Certificates | 16 certificates of Cédulas de Crédito Local |
| Class and Serial Numbers | 1931736 to 1931742 and 2610950 to 2610966 |
| Nominal Value | 8,000 pesetas |
| Document Issue Date | December 18, 1933 |
| Issuer | Banco Comercial de Barcelona |
| Signed by | Chief Accountant and Auditor (illegible names) |
| Transaction Location | Main Branch, Barcelona |
| Document Condition | Excellent preservation state |
| Authenticity Status | Authentic |
Historical Context
This document was issued during a period of intense economic and social tensions in Spain. In 1933, Spain was severely impacted by the consequences of the Great Depression. This led to a decrease in industrial and commercial activity, increased unemployment, and widespread discontent. In the same year, the Second Spanish Republic was formed, but tensions between the political left and right escalated, setting the stage for the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939).
The Banco Comercial de Barcelona managed to survive in this difficult economic and political environment, continuing to issue securities and support local trade, but eventually succumbed to the financial and political crises that culminated in its post-war closure.
Artistic and Typographical Details
The document is a fine example of the typographic art of the period. The floral ornamentation framing the certificate reflects the stylistic refinement typical of the 1930s. The design may have been created by a local artist specializing in bank graphics, though there are no precise details regarding the document's artist.
The typography is elegant, with serif fonts used for the main text in contrast to thinner fonts for technical details. The printing uses two dominant colors: blue and green, giving the document a distinctive and visually appealing look.
Provenance of the Certificate
The certificate was originally issued to Ana Forment Olivares, an important figure in the Catalonian community of the time, who deposited her securities with the Banco Comercial de Barcelona. The document's subsequent history has been reconstructed through inheritance papers, indicating that it came from a private collection acquired by a Spanish collector in the 1970s.
Evaluation and Rarity
The certificate issued by Banco Comercial de Barcelona is rare, as many similar bonds were lost during the Spanish Civil War. Documents of this kind, in excellent preservation condition, can be valued between 200 and 500 euros, depending on condition and provenance. Its historical significance, rather than its economic value, gives this bond particular interest for collectors.
The Importance of Scripophily Collecting
Collecting historical certificates like this means owning a piece of a nation's economic history. These documents, in addition to representing past financial interests, are genuine works of art and testimonials of the socio-political context of their era. Scripophily offers collectors the opportunity to explore history from a unique and fascinating perspective, bridging economics, art, and culture.
To preserve these certificates, it is recommended to store them in protective frames or special albums, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Not only do they make valuable additions to any collection, but they can also be used as décor in offices or homes, adding a touch of class and history to any environment.
These documents can also represent a unique and refined gift for history enthusiasts or collectors, as an author’s gift, historical decoration, or modern art expression.
All historical documents for sale are considered collectible. They have no economic or financial value (no economic or financial value), and the images that are not of the historical document are representative of the company's object and the historical period. They are not provided but can be freely downloaded from the website and printed.
