United States Lines Company Stock Certificate

 The United States Lines Company was originally created in 1921 by the U.S. government in order to operate German ocean liners seized by the United States during World War I. Initially a government run operation, all the ships were owned by the United States Shipping Board and the finances were overseen by the Emergency Fleet Corporation. 

During World War II, the company was infiltrated by German agents of the Duquesne Spy Ring. These agents worked as crew members aboard the SS America, and passed along information about U.S. defense preparations near the Panama Canal. In total, 31 German agents of the Duquesne Spy Ring would be uncovered by the FBI in the largest espionage conviction in U.S. history.

The company was eventually sold into private hands, and continued running passenger voyages until 1969 and transatlantic shipping routes until 1989.

The stock certificate comes with a rigid archival document holder for preservation and handling. A Certificate of Authenticity is also included.

NOTE: This certificate has no value as a financial asset, and will not be honored by any extant company today.

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