New York and Pennsylvania Blue Stone Co. signed by James Fisk, Jr. known as "Diamond Jim" or "Jubilee Jim"

James Fisk Jr. (1834-1872) "The New York and Pennsylvania Blue Stone Company" stock, certificate #10, 50 shares, September 20th, 1870. Boldly signed as President by James Fisk Jr. at the front along with Mortimer Smith as Secretary. Issued to J. F. Kilgour and signed at back, also witnessed. A bright orange imprinted revenue adds a splash of color along with a blue under printing. The condition is superb! Regarding Rarity: The great rarity of anything signed by Fisk is legendary. Few stocks are known signed and nearly all are issued to and signed at the back. Several inquiries with the most advanced collectors and research indicate thus far that no other examples of this stock have ever surfaced. It is entirely possible that it is unique. In my 27 years of specializing in collectible stocks and bonds, I have owned only 1 stock signed by Fisk. Auction records exist for lesser pieces well in excess of $20,000. The condition of this stock is exceptional in every way! As a bonus, this classic autographed stock is accompanied by four other pieces that will add to the story. These 5 pieces are the start of a collection that will tell an interesting story of this turbulent but exciting time in New York City history. All 5 pieces for $20,000.

James Fisk (1834-1872) Known variously as "Big Jim," "Diamond Jim," and "Jubilee Jim," was an American financier. Fisk was born in Bennington, Vermont. After a brief period in school, he ran away and joined a circus. Later, he became a hotel waiter, and finally adopted the business of his father, a peddler. He then became a salesman for a Boston dry goods farm, his aptitude and energy eventually winning him a share in the business. By his shrewd dealing in army contracts during the Civil War, and, by some accounts, cotton smuggling, he accumulated considerable wealth, which he soon lost in speculation.

In 1864 he became a stockbroker in New York and was employed by Daniel Drew as a buyer. He aided Drew in his war against Cornelius Vanderbilt for control of the Erie Railroad, which resulted in Fisk and Jay Gould becoming members of the Erie directorate. Subsequently, a well-planned raid netted Fisk and Gould control of the railroad. The association with Gould continued until his death. They carried financial buccaneering to extremes, their program including an open alliance with Boss Tweed, the wholesale bribery of legislatures, and the buying of judges. Their attempt to corner the gold market culminated in the fateful Black Friday of September 24, 1869.

Fisk had several extramarital affairs. His wife spent the years of their marriage living with a woman friend, suggesting that she was a homosexual and had no sexual relationship with her husband. Fisk became involved in a dispute with business associate Edward S. Stokes over money and Broadway showgirl Josie Mansfield, and Stokes shot and killed him in New York City on January 6, 1872.

Actor Edward Arnold portrayed Fisk in the 1937 movie The Toast of New York, which starred Arnold and Cary Grant. The movie was a fictionalized account of the lives of Fisk and Stokes.

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