A magnificent unissued share certificate of the Real Compañía de Comercio de Barcelona, circa mid-18th century (likely 1750s), printed on laid paper in black ink with elaborate baroque border and allegorical maritime engraving.
The vignette shows a grand panoramic view of the port of Barcelona, sailing ships at sea, and a divine allegory of trade and prosperity in the heavens above. The border includes symbols of maritime trade, agriculture, cherubs, heraldic crests, and Catalan-Baroque style cartouches. Inscription in Spanish explains the rights of the shareholder and mentions dividends and accounting procedures.
Details:
Text: “Acción de la Real Compa de Comercio establecida en Barcelona”
Engraved by: Ignacio Vallés, Royal Engraver, and printed in Barcelona
Unissued (blank fields for shareholder name and number)
Printed signature blocks for company officials
Printed on watermarked paper, lightly folded with minor edge wear
Size approx: 32 × 44 cm
Historical Context:
The Royal Company of Commerce of Barcelona was established in the 18th century under the Spanish Crown to promote Catalan commercial interests in the Americas and Mediterranean. Its formation marked a major push for mercantile modernization and economic expansion during the Bourbon Reforms in Spain. Share certificates like this represent some of the earliest corporate securities in Iberian history.
