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Historical Article: The Great Russian Railways Company (Главное Общество Российских Железных Дорог)
Historical Profile of the Company
The Great Russian Railways Company was one of the most important financial and industrial institutions in the Russian Empire at the end of the 19th century. Founded in 1857 in St. Petersburg, the company played a crucial role in developing the empire's railway infrastructure, connecting its vast regions and facilitating trade and mobility.
The company issued several series of bonds to finance the construction and expansion of the railway network. These bonds, like the one depicted, were issued in multiple currencies, demonstrating international trust and a broad subscription market.
The 1890 bond represents a period when Russia was experiencing significant economic growth, driven partly by industrialization and economic reforms of the era. However, it was also a time of social and political tensions, with growing discontent among the working classes and political pressure from emerging revolutionary movements.
Historical Data of the Company
| Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Year of establishment | 1857 |
| Headquarters | St. Petersburg, Russian Empire |
| Initial Capital | 15,625,000 metallic rubles |
| Year of bond issuance | 1890 |
| Capital in 1890 | 15,625,000 metallic rubles |
| Bond value | 625 metallic rubles, 100 pounds sterling, 1200 Dutch guilders |
| Interest rate | 4% per annum |
| Year of stock exchange listing | Not available |
| Year of company dissolution | 1917 (Russian Revolution) |
| Last available data | 2,500,000 pounds sterling |
Historical Context
This bond was issued during the reign of Tsar Alexander III, a period of relative political stability but increasing economic and social pressure. Industrialization was advancing rapidly, and railways were the backbone of this growth. Russia was seeking to establish itself as an industrial power, and these bonds were one way to finance this development. However, the political landscape was complex, with growing opposition to the Tsarist regime that would culminate in the Russian Revolution of 1917.
Artistic and Typographic Details
The 1890 bond is characterized by an elegant green border with intricate decorations, typical of late 19th-century financial design. The text is in Cyrillic, with elaborate fonts that emphasize the document's solemnity and importance. The word "Облигация" (Bond) is prominently displayed in the center, while at the top is the official seal of the company, authenticating the document. The entire structure is enriched with artistic details that reflect the Imperial Russian era.
Provenance of the Bond
This bond has been preserved in private collections and has changed hands several times over the decades. It has been acquired by passionate scripophiles and collectors of financial history. An official certificate of authenticity, including a detailed historical register of the document, can be requested for an additional fee.
Valuation and Rarity
Bonds of the Great Russian Railways Company are considered relatively rare, especially in good condition. Similar documents have reached considerable values in recent auctions, with a growing trend due to interest in the financial history of the Russian Empire. This document is therefore a sought-after piece for scripophily collectors.
The Importance of Scripophily Collecting
Collecting scripophily not only offers a tangible link to economic history but also the opportunity to own unique pieces from the past. These documents are excellent for personal collections, but also as valuable gifts, stylish décor, or artworks that celebrate history. Scripophily is a fascinating way to explore history through documents that have had a real impact on the world.
All historical documents for sale are for collection purposes. 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 and the historical period of reference, they are not provided but can be freely downloaded from the website and printed.
