1948 Belgian Congo, Africa - railroad stock certificate

The Belgian Congo was a Central African colony of Belgium between 1908-1960. Colonial rule began in the Congo in the late 19th century, with the formation of the Congo Free State by King Leopold.  By the turn of the century, however, the violence used by Free State officials against indigenous Congolese and a ruthless system of economic extraction led to intense diplomatic pressure on Belgium to take official control of the country, which it did in 1908, creating the Belgian Congo. During the 1940s and 1950s, the Congo had extensive urbanization, and the colonial administration began various development programs aimed at making the territory into a "model colony". As the result of a widespread and increasingly radical pro-independence movement, the Congo achieved independence in 1960.

Railroad development in the Congo was organized by Belgium, which raised private capital to fund the construction of the system. For auction is a stock certificate for the Belgian Congo's railroad, "Compagnue des Chemins de Fer du Congo Superieur Grands Lats Africains". The certificate, issued in 1948, was for 250 Belgian francs; the total offering was for 124-million francs.

The certificate measures appx 12 1/2 x 8 3/4 inches and is printed on a mid-grade paperstock. It is in very good condition, with no rips or tears, and all writing/markings are from its issuance and use. It is hand-signed and bears a rubber stamp impression related to its processing. Attached are 3 interest payment coupons; the removal of prior coupons was done in a ragged fashion, and the coupons are somewhat irregular.

This is a rare and fantastic item for the collector of foreign railroad stocks.