Banking House Founder Joseph W. Drexel

1860, Pennsylvania. 8 ¾”x 5 ¼” stock certificate for one share of "The Natatorium and Institute for Scientific Instruction in the Improvement of the Physical Powers." Vignette of a spread-eagle feeding its young in a nest at top center. Litho. A natatorium is an indoor pool. Signed as treasurer of the company by JOSEPH W. DREXEL (1833-1888), banker and philanthropist. Drexel started in his father's bank by representing the business in Germany. There, he forged some strong European ties and later, with J. P. Morgan, formed Drexel Morgan. He built his great wealth by linking banking houses with investment banks and brokerage houses. Drexel is rare on stocks. Uncancelled and very fine.