Description:

South Sea Co.
n.p., ca. mid 1800s
Print "South Sea Bubble - An Allegory" with Related Publications
Archive
An allegorical print of the South Sea Bubble, together with two printed publications related to the financial crash. The print measures 12.25" x 9.75", n.p., n.d. [ca. mid 1800s]. A copy of William Hogarth's original engraving entitled "The South Sea Bubble - An Allegory", published ca. 1721. Depicting the London crowds chaos in the wake of the South Sea Bubble. Paginated no. 18 and marked Moore & Williamson at the lower left corner. Very fine.

The print is accompanied by a descriptive sheet and poem entitled "Emblematic Print of the South Sea", along with an unidentified publication containing an article on the South Sea Bubble, dated January 22, pgs. 145-150. Minor paper loss to the publication, affecting no text. Both overall very fine.

The South Sea Company was founded in 1711 to trade with Spanish America. Although the company described itself rather grandly in contemporary documents as the Company of Merchants of Great Britain Trading to the South Seas, and other Parts of America, and for Encouraging Fishery, its main business was slave-trading. The company's stock, with a guaranteed interest of 6%, sold well initially. In 1713, the Treaty of Utrecht signed between Great Britain and Spain proved detrimental to the company's interest since it imposed an annual tax on imported slaves. Yet confidence was restored when George I took the throne in 1714, and acquired large holdings in the company. In 1718, King George I became governor of the company, thereby giving investors even more confidence in the company, and encouraging speculation of shares now paying 100% interest. The peak came in early 1720, partly as a result of the company's proposal to take over the national debt. After a decrease in stock price in April, the company rallied and speculation again became rampant. Stock prices soared in July 1720. Unhappily, by September 1720, the market had collapsed, and shares dragged down government stocks with them. Interestingly, the company survived its temporary ruination; it operated until 1853. The phenomenon known as the South Sea Bubble continues to fascinate modern investors since it clearly demonstrates the underlying economic, cultural, and psychological mechanisms behind speculations.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 12.25" x 9.75"
  • Medium: Archive

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