The International Mercantile Marine Company was the only business venture entered into American financier J. Pierpont Morgan which was not considered a financial success. In 1902 he formed the International Mercantile Marine Company with an investment of $120 million, purchasing Red Star Lines, the Mississippi, the entire capital stock of the White Star, a British company, giving him more than half of the total British Atlantic tonnage. This transaction created the first international corporation of its kind. Although the White Star Fleet continued to be British registered, have British crews and to fly the Red Ensign, it was really an American liner company. The British press became concerned and warned of the "Morganization" of the Atlantic. Perhaps the most famous member of the International Mercantile Marine fleet was the White Star Liner "Titanic." This unsinkable 46,328-ton liner was the largest liner the world had known. On her maiden voyage, bound for New York, it glanced against an iceberg shortly after Sunday dinner, on April 14, 1912. This greatest of all liners became the greatest disaster in maritime history. This beautiful stock certificate was issued by Morgan's company and represented ownership of 100 shares of common stock. On the right hand side of the certificate, it is countersigned by the J.P. Morgan Company as Transfer Agent. The vignette at the upper center of the certificate shows a four stack ship, arguably the Titanic itself. Truly a significant piece of maritime history!

Belarus' Tribute to Dumas' Three Musketeers!