Helouan (Egypt) Development Company Limited was established at the beginning of the 20th century, specifically in 1907, with an initial capital of £250,000, divided into 250,000 ordinary shares of £1 each. The company focused on the development of Helwan (Helouan), a locality south of Cairo that was emerging as a renowned spa and resort destination for the Egyptian and foreign elite. The Helouan Development Company invested in infrastructure, real estate, and other tourist facilities, aiming to capitalize on the growing popularity of the region.
Company Historical Data
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year of Incorporation | 1907 |
| Registered Office | London, United Kingdom |
| Share Capital at Incorporation | £250,000 |
| Share Capital at Cessation | N/A (latest available data) |
| Year of Stock Market Listing | 1907 |
| Year of Delisting | N/A |
| Year of Company Cessation | N/A |
| Annual Revenue (estimate 1908) | N/A |
| Name at Stock Delisting | N/A |
Document Characteristics
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Serial Number | E59 |
| Number of Shares | 100 ordinary shares |
| Value per Share | 1 £ sterling |
| Date of Issue | 26 March 1907 |
| Signed by | Director: M.C. FitzGerald |
| Printed by | N/A |
| Typographic Elements | Decorative frame with Egyptian-style architectural elements, with a central motif depicting a stylized falcon wing. |
| Artist (hypothetical) | Probably an artist commissioned by the company's board of directors |
Historical Context
The certificate was issued in March 1907, during a period of great European interest in the development of tourist areas in Egypt. Helwan, originally known for its thermal springs, was becoming a luxury destination, and the Helouan Development Company played a key role in this transformation. Egypt, under British control, was experiencing a period of modernization and infrastructural investment, with a strong influx of foreign capital.
Artistic and Typographic Details
The document features an elaborate frame that echoes Egyptian architecture, with neoclassical elements reflecting the exotic allure of early 20th-century Egypt. The central motif represents a falcon wing, a symbol of protection and royalty in Egyptian tradition, integrated into a refined design that combines modern and ancient elements. Although the specific artist is not identified, it is likely that it was a professional commissioned by the company itself to create a document that represented the importance and ambition of the enterprise.
Provenance of the Title
This certificate was originally issued to an investor who believed in Helwan's potential as a premier tourist center. Over the years, the certificate has been carefully preserved and has changed hands several times, remaining in excellent condition. It is currently available for purchase through our portal dedicated to scripophily collecting.
Valuation and Rarity
This title is rare and particularly sought after by collectors for its connection to a historical period of great interest. The rarity is accentuated by the fact that few similar documents have survived, and even fewer in such good condition. This makes it a valuable piece for anyone interested in the history of tourism and real estate development in Egypt.
Importance of Scripophily Collection
Collecting scripophily is not only a way to own pieces of economic history but also an opportunity to appreciate the artistic beauty and typographic craftsmanship of vintage certificates. Each document tells a story, not only of finance but also of culture, art, and aspirations of a bygone era. Displaying these certificates in quality frames not only preserves their condition but also transforms them into fascinating works of art suitable for any environment.
These documents, besides being for personal collection, are perfect to be used as a gift, as a piece of interior decor, or as a piece of historical and modern art. Their uniqueness makes them particularly valuable and suitable for those who wish to own or give something truly special.
All historical documents for sale are intended for collection purposes only. The documents have no economic or financial value (no economic or financial value), images that are not the historical document are representative of the company's object and the historical period referenced, they are not provided but can be freely downloaded from the website and printed;
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