Product Details

Beautifully engraved antique stock certificate from the Imperial Bottle Cap & Machine Co. dating back to the early 1900's. This document, which is signed by the company President (Jacob Hook) and Secretary, measures approximately 11 3/4" (w) by 10" (h).

Nice vignette shows a large manufacturing plant with two trains crossing a bridge in front.

Images

You will receive the exact certificate pictured.

Historical Context

The Imperial Bottle Cap & Machine Co. was incorporated in Delaware in 1901 and was based in Baltimore City, Maryland.

The company produced a line of bottle caps designed for beer, mineral spirit and other effervescent liquids. The company also produced milk bottle tops.

In 1903, the company was sued by the Crown Cork & Seal Company for patent infringement. The courts ruled in favor of Crown, saying the Imperial Bottle Cap product "added nothing whatsoever to the art." The decision was, however, overturned in appeals court two years later.

This piece is signed by famous Baltimore businessman Jacob William Hook as the company President.

Jacob Hook

Jacob Hook's Signature

Jacob Hook was born in Baltimore, the son of Jacob and Catherine. His parents came from Germany in 1847. He attended private schools in the suburbs of Baltimore until he was fourteen years old, when he entered the employ of a wholesale grocery, commission and brokerage house. When he left there he began his business as a wholesale hide and tallow business which he ran successfully during his lifetime.

In addition to his Presidency of this company, he was President of Old Town National Bank, President of the Provident and Western Maryland Building and Loan Associations, President of the Old Town Merchants’ & Manufacturers’ Association and a Director of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.