Exceptional piece: Bearer Founder's Share bearing the PRESTIGIOUS NUMBER 1 of the Société des Pêcheries Maritimes du Nord & de l'Ouest, a public limited company whose head office was established in Paris at the Bourse du Commerce. Articles of association drawn up by Maître Delplanque, notary in Lille, on 9 and 11 July 1899, published in accordance with the law. The share capital was set at 450,000 francs divided into 4,500 shares of 100 francs, supplemented by the issue of 4,800 founder's shares with no nominal value giving entitlement to a share of profits. Magnificent green Art Nouveau design: two female allegorical figures holding attributes (fishing net and trident), sailing ships and steamers in the background, marine motifs. Lower band with abundant coupons. Number 1, exceptionally rare, adds significant added value: it is the very first share ever issued. Two handwritten signatures of directors. A document for discerning collectors of maritime scripophily or enthusiasts of "first number" pieces. A witness to the rise of French industrial fishing in Boulogne-sur-Mer and La Rochelle at the end of the 19th century. Good condition.