Sterling Gum Company Inc. stock certificate 1914

Great vignette of a stylized version of the state seal of New York.  Issued and cancelled. Dated 1914.  

Incorporated in 1914, Sterling Gum Co. was organized by interests connected with the American Tobacco Company to manufacture and sell chewing gum and other confections. The company took over the plants of the Autosales Gum & Chocolate Co. at Long Island NY, Louisville KY, and Toronto Canada.  Products included Sterling gum in two flavors, Dentyne, Bloodberry, Frozen Mints, Bradshaws, Red Heather, Sweet Pea and Colgans Taffy Tolu brands. They even had early inserts to mimic the success that tobacco companies had in the era.

The Sen-Sen Chiclet Company, was organized in Maine, the American Chicle Company (Chiclets) acquired controlling interest in Sen-Sen, which ultimately led to their buy-out as well in 1914. As these buy-ups continued, the Sterling Gum Company, Inc., Long Island City, New York was bought in 1916. “Dentyne” chewing gum (“The Gum That Cleans the Teeth”) was acquired in the purchase of Sterling Gum Co.

Such economic success for the American Chicle Company continued for a few more years