Radio Corporation of America - RCA - Specimen Stock Certificate

Specimen Stock printed by Security-Columbian Banknote Company. Available in Blue, Brown or Green. Please specify color.

The RCA Corporation emerged as a prominent American electronics enterprise, originally established as the Radio Corporation of America in 1919. Initially functioning as a patent trust, it was owned by General Electric (GE), Westinghouse, AT&T Corporation, and United Fruit Company. In 1932, RCA attained independence when the partners were compelled to relinquish their ownership due to a settlement in a government antitrust lawsuit.

As an innovative and forward-thinking organization, RCA maintained its position as the leading electronics and communications company in the United States for more than fifty years. It played a pivotal role in the burgeoning radio industry during the early 1920s, becoming a significant producer of radio receivers and the sole manufacturer of the first superheterodyne models. RCA also established the first nationwide American radio network, known as the National Broadcasting Company (NBC). Furthermore, the company was instrumental in the introduction and advancement of television technology, including both black-and-white and, notably, color television. Throughout this era, RCA was closely associated with the leadership of David Sarnoff, who served as general manager at the company's inception, became president in 1930, and continued to be active as chairman of the board until the end of 1969.