Ringling Bros.

All Categories Ringling Bros. 100-Share Stock Certificate Framed Related: Barnum & Bailey

Ringling Bros.

100-Share Stock Certificate Framed - 1971

Beautifully engraved and hard-to-find “100 Share” stock certificate from the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey circus, issued in 1971 to then-owners Sutro & Company as part of the company’s acquisition by Mattel. Among the most desirable of certificates for stock collectors, these historic documents feature a colorful ornate border with a riotously illustrated vignette of various circus animals, clowns, acrobats, and horse-drawn carriages. Glazed in a simple wooden frame with pin-striped fabric matching the illustrations.

It has been noted that this elaborate artwork wasn’t done simply for the sake of being pretty—it actually helped sell the certificates. In fact, when Mattel took over Ringling Bros. in 1971, many shareholders refused to trade in their circus stock for Mattel shares because they loved the artwork so much.”