Lancaster Caramel Company stock certificate c1886 (Pennsylvania)

Very rare Hershey candy stock certificate!  Nice center vignette of the Pennsylvania state seal. Unissued and not cancelled. Dated 18__. Circa 1886 from company records. Measures approximately 12 x 9 inches. Certificate #391 with stub attached.

We have only seen 3 of these - this one, one in a personal collection, and one at The Hershey Story Museum in Hershey PA. No issued examples are known to exist.

Founded in 1886 by Milton S. Hershey in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the Lancaster Caramel Company was a highly successful enterprise that dominated the US candy market. Due to the success, Hershey sold the company for $1 million in 1900 to the American Caramel Company to focus solely on milk chocolate production, paving the way for the Hershey Chocolate Company. 

Establishment & Success:
After previous business failures, Hershey created this company as his first major success, growing it to employ 1,300 workers by 1894.

Products:
The company specialized in high-quality caramels (notably the "Crystal A" brand), with operations expanding to factories in Illinois and other Pennsylvania locations.

The Sale:
On August 10, 1900, believing caramels were a passing fad, Hershey sold the factory, machinery, and formulas to the American Caramel Company for $1 million.

Impact on Hershey:
While he sold the caramel business, Hershey intentionally kept his chocolate-making equipment and personnel, allowing him to launch the Hershey Chocolate Company.

Legacy:
The Lancaster Caramel Company provided the capital and manufacturing experience that enabled the founding of the Hershey Chocolate Company, which is now a global brand. Today, Lancaster-branded caramels (as well as modern, artisanal versions) often feature as a tribute to this heritage.

Product descriptions and images

Please note that some pictures may only be representative of the inventory available.  If we have more than one piece, we are unable to scan and display every piece.  Unless otherwise noted, that there are variations for signatures, cancellation marks/holes, serial number, and dates.  Colors will be as noted and pictured.