bearer bond issued for the construction of the railway line from Lucca to Pistoia. Below is a detailed description:
Document Details:
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Title:
- Public Debt of the Kingdom of Italy.
- Railway Line from Lucca to Pistoia.
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Date of Issuance:
- February 19, 1856, as specified in the heading.
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Bond Details:
- Bond number: 007,352.
- Nominal value of 420 Tuscan Lire.
- Annual interest rate of 3%, payable semiannually on March 1st and September 1st each year.
- Repayment scheduled through a lottery draw.
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Bilingual Text:
- The bond is written in both Italian and French, reflecting the international nature of railway financing at the time.
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History and Context:
- The debt related to the railway line was assumed by the State under the Law of January 29, 1880.
- The Lucca to Pistoia railway line was part of an important infrastructure project during the pre-unification and post-unification periods of Italy.
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Stamps and Annotations:
- There are cancellation stamps and validation marks indicating the bond’s repayment.
- Various signatures of officials, including that of the General Director and other responsible officers.
Historical Significance
This certificate reflects the importance of railway infrastructure during the 19th century, which was crucial for economic development and the unification of Italy. The issuance of bonds was a key tool for financing large-scale projects such as railways, involving both national and foreign investors.