User:Sjmaier/sandbox/International Bond & Share Society

International Bond & Share Society

The International Bond & Share Society (IBSS) is a non-profit, unincorporated association, founded in the United Kingdom. The Society exists to serve the interest of its members in the field of scripophily, i.e. the study of collectable bond, stock and share certificates.

History
The society (originally known as "The Bond & Share Society") was formed in London in October 1978. The prime mover was Donald Ross (Commander R D Ross, RN) and the first Committee comprised Patrick Berthoud (Chairman), Donald Ross (Secretary), Brian Mills (Treasurer / Membership Secretary) and Michael Moule. In 1980, Richard Jackson (Functions Secretary) became a Committee member while the American Chapter, headed by Wilmer Roberts as President, came into being in 1980.

In August 1979, the Society held its first postal auction. Membership grew from an initial 61 to about 250. Monthly meetings were held in the basement of Basildon House, Moorgate. Mini-auctions were held at these meetings with Mike Veissid acting as Honorary Auctioneer. In 1980, the Society’s meetings moved to the Ski Club of Great Britain, 118 Eaton Square and these sessions were very well attended. Also, in 1980, the US Chapter of the Society formed with Will Roberts as President and Diana Herzog as Secretary. At that time it had 35 members.

During 1982, Mike Veissid became editor of Scripophily (later supported by Tim Robson) and Keith Hollender took on responsibility for publicity, joining Jonathan Lyttleton as Auctioneer. In 1982, membership had grown to 582. Additional overseas chapters were formed in South Africa, headed up by Tony Ross, and Canada, headed by Robert Mahler. In 1990, the Society added ‘International’ to its name, to reflect the worldwide nature of membership, activities and research.

The decision of various countries, e.g. Bulgaria, China, Russia, to eventually honour their outstanding international debts, generated an increasing interest in the field. The IBSS became a central point of contact for journalists and new collectors. There were numerous articles in publications ranging from the Financial Times to Railway Magazine promoting the hobby. The subject also appeared on BBC TV and radio.

Organisation
IBSS membership comprises individual collectors, dealers, and educators who are interested in financial history and currently has about 400 members in 35 countries. The Society’s officers and a Committee of Members, who are all unpaid volunteers, govern the Society.

Activities
The Society holds online auctions (for members only) three times a year. In addition, IBSS-sponsored bourses (open to the public) are held periodically in locations around the world and members meet to trade certificates and share research. The Society believes that studying financial history through old bonds and shares is essential learning for the modern day financier; history often repeats itself both in mistakes and opportunities.

Publications
Since its very beginning, the Society has published a high-quality, printed journal, Scripophily. The Society published issue number 100 in April 2016. The journal appears three times a year, produced by current editor, Max Hensley. The journal includes articles examining specific aspects of financial history and makes a link with the related share and bond certificates. The journal also covers recent auction results from around the world and updates in the field of scripophily.

The Society has also produced these publications:


 * Number One: Gregor MacGregor Cazique of Poyais 1786 - 1845, Richard Gregg, 1999
 * Number Two: The Emergence of the Railway in Britain, Udo Hielscher, 2001
 * Number Three: The Scripophily Guide, Howard Shakespeare, 2002
 * Number Four The Value of America’s Great Fortunes, Udo Hielscher, 2010

In addition, several members have written books covering their area of expertise.