Historical Document: Bond of the Compagnie d’Entreprises de Conduites d’Eau

Document Description

• Type of Title: Bearer Bond.
• Issuing Company: Compagnie d’Entreprises de Conduites d’Eau (Water Pipeline Enterprise Company), limited company.
• Headquarters: Liège, Belgium.
• Bond Value: 500 Belgian francs.
• Interest Rate: 4% annually.
• Share Capital: 4,000,000 Belgian francs, fully paid.
• Bond Serial Number: 000.287.
• Decision Date: March 26, 1909 (related to the original issuance).
• Post-War Issuance: The bond is marked as created after October 6, 1944.

Artistic Features

1. Design and Colors:

   • Orange floral frame symbolizing continuity and growth.
   • The center of the certificate includes an illustration of Naples, dominated by Mount Vesuvius, representing the geographical and symbolic connection of the enterprise with Italy.

2. Textual Elements:

   • Primary language: French, with references to the company’s Italian name.
   • Text details statutory amendments, issue dates, and authorization to operate in Belgium and Italy.

3. Emblems and Symbols:

   • Decorative crest at the top represents the company’s visual identity.
   • Stamps indicate official verification and recognition.

Historical Context

The Compagnie d’Entreprises de Conduites d’Eau was initially established as Compagnie Napolitaine des Conduites d’Eau in Liège, Belgium, on January 25, 1894. Its primary mission was to manage water projects and infrastructure in Italy, particularly in the Naples area.

1. Origin and Development:

   • The company was founded to support the improvement of water infrastructure in Italy, a critical need during the late 19th century.
   • It was renamed Compagnie d’Entreprises de Conduites d’Eau in 1898, adopting a more international approach.

2. Post-War Reorganization:

   • The document indicates the bond was issued or revalidated after October 6, 1944, a significant date for Belgium, marking its liberation from German occupation during World War II.

3. Economic Importance:

   • The bond issuance reflected the need to raise capital for large infrastructure projects and represented a secure form of investment for subscribers, thanks to the stability provided by the company’s share capital.

Historical Significance

This bond certificate exemplifies transnational cooperation between Belgium and Italy in developing water infrastructure. It serves as an important testimony to economic relations and the role of international capital in supporting modernization projects during the early 20th century.