Original Meteor Crater Exploration & Mining Company Stock Certificate. ...

Description

Meteorites

Original Meteor Crater Exploration & Mining Company Stock Certificate

One of the most fascinating of all characters in the history of meteorites was surely Daniel Moreau Barringer. Truly ahead of his time, Barringer had surmised that the astounding geological feature in northern Arizona known as "Coon Butte" was, in fact, the result of an extraterrestrial object, rather than various theories being embraced by geologists at the time, who seemingly must have chosen to 'ignore' the Nickel-Iron fragments lying around the rim of the crater. D. M. Barringer then formed The Meteor Crater Exploration & Mining Company to drill into the floor of that impact site - with the goal of finding and unearthing the expected enormous mass that would be below it. While modern science proved that there was no big meteorite underneath the crater floor, the visionary Barringer was correct that a meteorite had indeed formed the crater. An extremely uncommon piece related to meteorite, and mining, history, this rare certificate represents Common Stock ownership in the now defunct Meteor Crater Exploration & Mining Company, that was founded by Barringer in 1903. Certificate C71 validates that an investor Butcher & Sherrerd was issued four (4) shares registered on January 27, 1928, with Integrity Trust Company, by H. Carlesberg acting as Assistant Treasurer. This stock certificate was signed by Brandon Barringer as Treasurer AND by the legendary Daniel Moreau (as D. M.) Barringer himself as Vice President! (The "President" title was struck above the line for "Vice President" below the signature). Common Stock certificates feature a very intricate orange border as with this document in excellent condition, whereas Preferred Stock certificates exhibit a contrasting blue colored border. The Corporate Seal of the company with the date 1925 has been stamped on the center of the certificate, resulting in embossed validation of the paper. The land containing the famed Meteor Crater is still owned by the same Barringer family through Barringer Crater Company, and the museum and tourist center at the site is operated by Meteor Crater Enterprises, attracting over 200,000 visitors annually. This is a superb and singular piece.
Measurements: 11.12 x 7.5 inches

More Information: Please note the image of the Meteor Crater does not accompany the Lot.


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