COLYEAR, DAVID, Earl of Portmore
Autographed document signed ("Portmore"), one sheet (13 x 15 inches), with red wax seal, dated 1726. Additionally signed by two witnesses, "Sealed and delivered in presence of us being...first duly stamped with three Sixpenny stamps." The document concerns the nature of stock in the South Sea Company, a financial scheme enacted by the Tories to help alleviate the national debt. Backed by the government, the scheme was initially successful. Although the stock crashed in 1720-1721, the company continued to exist and function until 1853 when the last of the South Sea annuities were converted into government stock. With large watermark of two lions supporting a shield and crown and three embossed tax stamps at the left margin. Tipped to mat with archival tape. Folded in fourths; marginal chipping; light foxing.