Partially printed DS, boldly signed “Thomas A. Edison,” one page both sides, 11.25 x 5.5, March 31, 1881. Scarce and early certificate for three shares of stock in the Edison Electrical Light Company Of Europe, issued to Miss C. B. Peacock. Edison, whose shrewdness as a businessman matched his genius as an inventor, recognized early on the enormous potential in exploiting foreign markets. In the year he signed this certificate, he opened his first New York offices and devoted much of his effort to laying the foundations for a national power system—and, in his typical tireless fashion, also filed twenty-three patents related to his incandescent light, which he had invented two years earlier. In fine condition, with one bisecting horizontal fold, three vertical folds, one through middle initial of signature and a touch of mild toning to reverse. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
