A fabulous stock with large historical significance. No. 277. Issued April 10th, 1792 for one share to Joseph Ball. Signed by the company president William Bingham and the treasurer (illegible). Reverse has notations about transfers. Features a beautiful vignette of a Conestoga wagon approaching a toll gate. Accompanying research with this lot says this is the first use of a vignette on an American stock certificate! 7.5 x 9" Folds, some reverse toning/soiling. Printed on thick paper. The Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike Road was the first long distance stretch of broken-stone and gravel surface built in the country in accordance with plans and specifications. It was the first important turnpike road in the United States and the most important section of the famous of the Pennsylvania Road (which ran to Pittsburg). This road provided cheap transportation between the populous coast regions and the "bread basket" of the newborn Republic, situated in the vicinity of Lancaster. It was the first privately built road of importance and the beginning of organized road improvement after a long period of economic confusion following the American Revolution.Date: 1792Country (if not USA): State: PennsylvaniaCity: PhiladelphiaProvenance: Ken Prag Collection