1883 Eastern Bengal Railway Company 44 Gresham Street London Fiftieth Report
An original 1883 Fiftieth Report from the Eastern Bengal Railway Company, issued from their offices at 44, Gresham Street, London, E.C.. This comprehensive 31-page document, dated 28th May 1883, contains the "Report of the Directors for the Half-Year ended 31st December, 1882," providing an exhaustive look at the company's colonial operations in India. The booklet includes detailed accounts of revenue, passenger statistics across four classes, and "The Agent's Report" from Calcutta, which highlights significant traffic in jute and the opening of the Dum-Dum Section of the Bengal Central Railway. It further features technical tables regarding capital authorized, stock and share capital, and a complete statement of rolling stock including passenger engines, saloon carriages, and various goods wagons.
The Eastern Bengal Railway was a major undertaking in British India, primarily serving the regions of Bengal and Bihar to facilitate the transport of agricultural products like jute to the port of Calcutta. By the time of this fiftieth report in 1883, the railway was a mature and vital infrastructure asset, as evidenced by the high volume of traffic and complex rolling stock inventory. The company operated under a guaranteed interest system, a common Victorian financial arrangement where the Indian government guaranteed a return to British investors, making such companies a staple of the London Stock Exchange. This specific report captures a period of expansion and transition, just a year before the railway was fully taken over by the state in 1884.
This 31-page report, measuring 10 by 20 cm when folded, is in good condition with its original paper covers. The document shows typical age-related toning and some light handling wear to the exterior, including a small red circular "681" mark on the front cover. The internal pages are well-preserved with sharp printing and clear numerical data, though original mailing folds are present throughout. There is a small minor tear on the bottom edge of the central fold on page 9, which does not affect any text. See Photos for Condition.
Carefully packaged in a protective sleeve to ensure safe delivery. Shipped securely in a rigid mailer to prevent bending or damage during transit.
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