The Société des Excelsior Hotels was established in 1906 with the objective of developing, managing, and owning luxury hotels in Egypt, a country that at the beginning of the 20th century was emerging as one of the leading tourist destinations for the European elite. The company, approved by Khedivial decree, had an initial share capital of 150,000 Egyptian pounds, divided into 37,500 shares worth 4 L.E. each, along with 22,500 founder's shares with no designated value. This initiative was part of a broader movement of investment in luxury hospitality, driven by the growth of international tourism to Egypt's exotic lands.
Company Historical Data
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year of Incorporation | 1906 |
| Registered Office | Cairo, Egypt |
| Share Capital at Incorporation | 150,000 L.E. |
| Share Capital at Cessation | N/A (latest available data) |
| Year of Stock Market Listing | N/A |
| Year of Delisting | N/A |
| Year of Company Cessation | N/A |
| Annual Revenue (estimate 1907) | N/A |
| Name at Stock Delisting | N/A |
Document Characteristics
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Certificate Number | 113 |
| Number of Shares | 1 ordinary share |
| Value per Share | 4 L.E. |
| Date of Issue | 26 April 1906 |
| Signed by | Administrators: M. Avraam, L. Cosserat |
| Printed by | N/A |
| Typographic Elements | Simple design, characterized by a thin border, predominantly French text, and clear commercial details. |
| Artist (hypothetical) | Not specified, likely a standard typographic layout |
Historical Context
The certificate was issued in April 1906, during a period of significant tourism expansion in Egypt. The Société des Excelsior Hotels was an integral part of this boom, aiming to attract the wealthiest international clientele through the construction and management of luxury hotels. Egypt, under strong European influence, particularly French and British, saw a flourishing of economic initiatives aimed at developing tourist infrastructure, with investments in grand hotels offering all modern comforts to European visitors seeking exotic adventures.
Artistic and Typographic Details
The document features a simple design, with a thin border and clear, readable typographic layout. The text is predominantly in French, the international language of commerce at the time, reflecting French cultural influence in Egypt. The absence of elaborate decorations gives the certificate a formal and professional appearance, typical of early 20th-century legal and financial documents.
Provenance of the Title
This certificate was issued to an investor who wished to participate in the expansion of the hotel industry in Egypt. It has since been carefully preserved and passed down through several generations. The certificate is now available for collectors who want to own a piece of history related to the development of luxury tourism in Egypt.
Valuation and Rarity
This certificate is considered rare, particularly for the historical context in which it was issued and for the role of the company in developing the luxury hotel industry in Egypt. Its rarity is heightened by the fact that few similar examples have survived in good condition. For scripophily collectors, it represents a unique opportunity to acquire a document that testifies to the evolution of tourism and luxury accommodations during a period of significant economic and cultural transformation in Egypt.
Importance of Scripophily Collection
Scripophily collecting offers a unique window into the economic and cultural history of the past, allowing collectors to explore documents that tell stories of investment, growth, and social change. Even simple documents like this certificate represent a window into a bygone era and the economic dynamics that shaped it. Displaying these certificates in appropriate frames not only preserves them but also enhances them as pieces of history and art.
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;
