Century Ribbon Mills, Inc. Stock Certificate (1943) | “Ernest & Hermann Levy” Subtitle
Bring home a standout example of American industrial paper with this
Century Ribbon Mills, Inc. stock certificate, issued in 1943.
The document features the historic “Ernest & Hermann Levy” subtitle—an ode to the
German-immigrant brothers who built the company from early silk operations into a major wartime supplier.
Why This 1943 Century Ribbon Mills Certificate Is a Great Find
- Issued in 1943—a peak WWII-era collecting timeframe
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Original company identity shown: “Ernest & Hermann Levy” appears on the certificate design
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Tied to a leading silk ribbon and industrial webbing manufacturer
- Collector favorite: Century Ribbon Mills certificates are admired for their engraving beauty
From Levy Silk Mills to Century Ribbon Mills
Century Ribbon Mills was founded by brothers Ernest Levy and Herman Levy.
The business began in 1882 in New York as the
Ernest & Hermann Levy Company, then expanded across Pennsylvania with additional silk mills
and dedicated ribbon production.
Company Milestones
- 1882: Established in New York as Ernest & Hermann Levy Company
- 1906: Large mill opened in Portage, PA
- 1908: Ribbon plant opened in York, PA
- 1922: Reorganized and renamed Century Ribbon Mills, Inc.
WWII Wartime Production (and the “E” Award Moment)
During WWII, Century Ribbon Mills shifted its manufacturing entirely to the war effort.
By 1941, the company operated nine factory locations across
Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia.
On April 7, 1943, the company received the prestigious
U.S. Army–Navy “E” Award for excellence in wartime production—
and it was the only ribbon mill in the United States to receive it.
Notable Wartime Products
- Parachute components (webbing, threads, and tapes for flare, bomb, and aerial delivery chutes)
- Ammunition belts and helmet webbing
- Camouflage net tapes
- Military service ribbons
Display & Collectibility
If you collect scripophily, American industrial history, or beautifully engraved WWII-era certificates,
this 1943 Century Ribbon Mills, Inc. piece is a meaningful addition—mixing
aesthetic appeal with real historical importance.
Product Details
- Company: Century Ribbon Mills, Inc.
- Issue Year: 1943
- Certificate Subtitle/Theme: Ernest & Hermann Levy Company
