Great Britain, Sunderland, Sir James Laing and Sons Limited Preference Share Certificate for 100 shares at £10 (shares number 101 to 200) issued 21st January 1899, Number 2, red and orange, to Sir James Laing of Thorncliffe (son of the founder Phillip Laing 1770-1854), and Ordinary Share Certificate for 100 shares at £10 (numbered 1308-1407) 21st January 1899, green and yellow, to Mr. Arthur Laing, this cross cancelled by hand 9th September 1904. Both certificates About UNC and unique items. James Laing took over the business from his father Phillip Laing in 1843 aged just 20 . The business prospered and subsequently became the first shipyard on the Wear to build iron ships, the first the 'Amity' being launched in 1853. The most famous ship, built in Deptford, was the Torrens in 1875. The novelist Joseph Conrad sailed on this ship as the second mate between 1891 and 1893. James Laing went on the be knighted in 1897, the following year the company was renamed Sir James Laing & Sons Ltd. Comes with copies of images the shipyard and of Phillip Laing, the founder, and of Sir James Laing. A most interesting group of great interest to shipping enthusiasts.