Belmont Sr. August

August Belmont Signed Stock Certificate from the NY Academy of Music

Stock certificate for the New York Academy of Music signed by August Belmont, Sr. (1813-1890), its president, as "August Belmont" at center right. Signed on April 23, 1883. Also signed by the organization secretary at center. Transfer details from April 25, 1883 can be found at bottom. A minor closed tear located at lower right. Light overall toning and scattered discoloration, including a light blue water stain affecting the "Aug" of Belmont's signature. Professionally restored; repairs visible verso. Else very good to near fine. 9.875" x 8.125". Also including a silver gelatin print photograph of Belmont's second oldest son, August Belmont, Jr. (1853-1924), mounted on a stock card, 5" x 8".

The handsome certificate, number 168, features the state seal depicting a mariner conversing with an Indian at center. Other lovely vignettes include a lyre bedecked with flowers at upper left, and a Liberty figure holding a harp, staff with Phrygian cap, and American flag at left.

In part:

"This Certifies, that J. Coleman Drayton is entitled to one Share of ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS, each in THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF MUSIC, (with the right of admission to all Concerts or other Entertainments given in the Academy subject to the regulations of the By Laws)Transferable on the Books of the Corporation on the surrender of this certificate…"

August Belmont, Sr. was a German Jewish immigrant who established the August Belmont & Company in the aftermath of the Panic of 1837. His spectacularly successful firm dominated foreign, corporate, and private banking. Belmont, Sr. had many interests, first among them horse racing and horse breeding. Between 1878-1884, Belmont, Sr. served as director and president of the New York Academy of Music, a prestigious opera house that had opened in 1854. A major social meeting place among New York's elite, the New York Academy of Music was also used for rallies, masked and charity balls, and fairs.

The New York Academy of Music was financed through fundraising efforts of $1,000 shares like this one, purchased by Princeton-educated New York lawyer and socialite James Coleman Drayton (1852-1934) in 1883. Drayton later transferred his share to mother-in-law Caroline Webster Schermerhorn Astor (1839-1908), one of the leading society matrons of turn-of-the-century New York. In the 1890s, Drayton divorced Astor's daughter, Charlotte Augusta Astor, on suspicions of infidelity.

This amazing stock certificate is thus signed by August Belmont, Sr., and relates to two other members of the haute ton of Gilded Age New York--Caroline Astor and J. Coleman Drayton!

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.