Pullman Company stock certificate 1925 (Illinois)

Luxury railroad passenger cars! Nice vignette of George Pullman at the bottom. Issued and cancelled. Dated 1925. Measures approximately 12 x 8 inches.   

The Pullman Company, founded by George Pullman in 1867, was a legendary American manufacturer and operator of luxurious railroad sleeping cars, revolutionizing luxury travel with its opulent cars and creating a model company town, Pullman, Illinois, but it eventually ceased operations in 1968 due to the rise of air and road travel.

In April, 1863. Pullman built the Springfield, named after the town it was built in and President Lincoln's hometown, and the Pioneer. The cars were costly, comfortable, clean, and beautiful; the Pioneer alone cost $18,000 to build.He created his first hotel on wheels, the President, a sleeper with an attached kitchen and dining car. The food rivaled the best restaurants of the day and the service was impeccable. A year later in 1868, he launched the Delmonico, the world's first sleeping car devoted to fine cuisine.

In January, Benjamin Field dissolved the partnership and the company became known as the Pullman Palace Car Company. The company charter was approved by the Illinois Legislature on February 22, 1867. The board of directors of the company elected Pullman as president and general manager.

In 1869, Pullman bought the Detroit Car and Manufacturing Company to consolidate all his manufacturing operations into one facility. He built 5 classes of cars: hotel cars, parlor cars, reclining room cars, sleepers, and diners. Pullman also bought out the Central Transportation Company, his main competitor, in 1870. By 1875, the company had built a successful business model, of leasing Pullman cars to railroads and providing complete service for the traveling public.

After the death of George M. Pullman in 1897 Robert Todd Lincoln (1843-1926) assumed the presidency of the Pullman Palace Car Co. Lincoln remained president of the company until 1911.

Decline & End:
The company's dominance waned with the growth of air travel post-WWII, leading to its eventual shutdown on December 31, 1968.

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.