Rare 1871 mortgage bond issued by the New Haven, Middletown & Willimantic Railroad Company of Connecticut.

This railroad was part of the ambitious effort to build a direct “Air Line” railroad route between New York and Boston, running inland across Connecticut. Chartered in 1867, the line opened in stages beginning in 1870 and was completed in 1873. Heavy construction costs and difficult terrain led the company into bankruptcy in 1875, after which it was reorganized as the Boston & New York Air-Line Railroad and later absorbed into the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad system.

The bond is signed by Julius Hotchkiss, President of the railroad. Hotchkiss was a prominent Connecticut political figure who served as a U.S. Congressman (1867–1869) and Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut (1870–1871). His signature adds historical significance to the document.

Also signed by the company Treasurer and Assistant Controller.

Mortgage bonds like this were issued to finance railroad construction and were secured by the railroad’s property and assets. These documents represent the massive investment required to build railroads during the expansion of the American rail network in the late 19th century.

Condition: I am not a professional and this comes from my father’s collection of antique stocks and bonds. Given its age, it shows signs of toning, foxing, edge wear/folds, holes along some fold but overall looks good with 16 coupons attached. The certificate does have folds and comes folded as it was found like this.

Please see photos and ask questions. I will combine shipping so see other listings or follow as I add more.

This unique and rare collectible is for:

• Railroadiana collectors

• Scripophily (historic stock and bond certificates)

• Connecticut and New England railroad history

• Early railroad finance documents