$299.00
“In 1897, industry pioneer George M. Hendee founded a bicycle production company called the Hendee Manufacturing Company. Along with co-founder and chief engineer Oscar Herdstrom, Hendee opened the company’s first factory in downtown Springfield in 1901.
What followed was half a century of unparalleled growth in motorcycle production, innovation, and foundational leadership in curating a true American riding culture. In 1923, the company changed its name from The Hendee Manufacturing Company to The Indian Motocycle Company.
Over its early years of existence, the company displayed extraordinary resilience as its trailblazing success in innovation and on the racetrack continued despite the advent of the Great Depression and two world wars. In fact, not only did the brand survive these tumultuous times, but its considerable contribution to the war effort during WWI and WWII provided essential vehicles to both the American and French troops on the ground.” (indianmotorcycle.com)
Indian Motocycle Company Stock Certificate
Dated: June 14, 1942
Brown Eagle vignette includes the word "Motocycles" leaving out the ’r’ when first used with the name Indian (term used to described any motorized vehicle in the 19th century). Early company seal at the bottom. Signature of E. Paul DuPont as president.
In 1930, industrialist E. Paul Dupont sold his share of Dupont Automobile to Indian Motorcycle, buying a large share in Indian Motorcycle stock. During his tenure he led a period of formidable growth for the Indian Motorcycle Company. Models of DuPont Era had Indian's famous war bonnet logo on the gas tank. Indian's huge Springfield factory was known as the Wigwam, and native American imagery was used in advertising.
In 1940, Indian sold nearly as many motorcycles as its major rival, Harley-Davidson. Indian Motorcycle dedicated a majority of its production to the war effort, focusing virtually the entirety of their production from 1940 to 1945 to the Allied cause in WWII. Indian also manufactured other products such as aircraft engines, bicycles, boat motors and air conditioners.
Encased in a glass floating frame soldered with brass with hanging chain.