Clothier, manufacturer, and philanthropist (1862–1932) best known as a part-owner of Sears, Roebuck and Company. DS, signed “J. Rosenwald,” one page, 8 x 13, December 9, 1905. Annual contract of indemnity between Sears, Roebuck & Company and the Maine Central Railroad Company, in the sum of $2,000. In part: "The condition of the above obligation is such, that, Whereas, the undersigned from time to time has and shall submit claim papers against the railroad company, without furnishing the original Bills of Lading; and Whereas, the undersigned has heretofore made and shall hereafter, from time to time, make changes in the consignment of good shipped by the undersigned over the lines owned, leased or controlled by the said Railroad Companies, without surrendering the original Bill of Lading for the said goods, whereby claims for loss or damage may have arisen or are liable to arise against the said Railroad Company caused by the misdelivery of goods so shipped, and resulting from the failure to surrender the original Bills of Lading;
Now, therefore, if for and during the term of two years from the 7th day of December 1905, as to all claims losses, damages, injuries, rates or charges, arising within the period last aforesaid, the undersigned shall indemnity and save harmless the said railroad companies of and from any and all damages, loss or injuries arising from the failure to furnish or surrender the original Bill of Lading in submitting claim papers, or in case of misdelivery of goods shipped by the undersigned shall pay all charges and advances on account of the return of the refused or unclaimed shipments as aforesaid, then the obligation shall be void; otherwise, the same to be binding and of full effect." Signed twice at the conclusion by Julius Rosenwald as vice-president and surety, and countersigned by a secretary. Nicely cloth-matted and framed with a stereoview portrait of Richard Warren Sears and an engraved plaque to an overall size of 26 x 22. In very good to fine condition, with heavy fading to the signatures.
With Julius Rosenwald serving as vice president and treasurer, the company's annual sales climbed from $750,000 to upwards of $50 million. When Richard W. Sears resigned the presidency in 1908, Rosenwald was named president and remained as such until 1924, when he resigned to focus on philanthropic efforts. Publishing the first Sears Roebuck mail order catalog in 1888, R. W. Sears helped change the direction of the worldwide marketplace by offering individuals a wide variety of products at reasonable prices and delivering those items directly to them. This gave consumers a new, convenient way to shop, and was the precursor to the electronic commerce that dominates the world today. This document represents the firm's annual contract with Maine Central Railroad Company for the delivery services that made their entire wide-reaching business possible.
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