Lot 1338

Description

Great Britain, The Commonwealth Oil Corporation Limited, share certificate no.1077 for fifty preferred ordinary shares named to Arthur Scott Dunkin Francis Esq, dated 25 June 1907, signed by directors including D. Elliott Alves, with endorsement on back following additional payment and also at the top front noting holder is deceased and security now derelict. With pin holes at left corner, folds and creases and small tear at bottom edge, otherwise fine.

Together with research on D. Elliot Alves who was born in Dunedin, New Zealand in 1870. He founded the scheme for building great oil reserves in England. He owned Bryn Bras Castle in Caernarvon, Gwynedd, Wales. He was also mayor of Caernarvon for six years and High Sheriff of the county in 1931-32. Arthur Francis' daughter, Joan Francis, apparently inherited the shares. She married Lt-Col Charles Edward Hamill-Stewart DSO, a descendent of 1st Baronet of Edinburgh Sir William Arbuthnot and Lord Provost of Edinburgh by King George IV.