Sportsmans Park and Club stock certificate signed by St. Louis Browns owner Chris von der Ahe and team secretary George Munson. Von der Ahe has boldly signed the certificate in black fountain pen along the base, with the signature grading 10/10. The certificate, dated February 7, 1891, grants L. J. Holthous one share of capital stock of the Sportsmans Park and Club at the price of twenty-five dollars. The embossed seal of the Sportsmans Park and Club appears in the lower right corner. This is just the second example of a St. Louis Browns stock certificate signed by Von der Ahe that we have ever seen and the first we have offered. Von der Ahe purchased the St. Louis Browns in 1881 and retained majority control of the club until 1899. During his long ownership tenure, the Browns won four consecutive American Association pennants (1885-88) and one World Championship (1886). He was also one of the most colorful owners of the day, with his Sportsmans Park the epicenter of St. Louis outdoor entertainment at the time. In addition to baseball, his ballpark, which he built next to his saloon, featured a horse racing track, water slides, and even a Wild West show. During its heyday, Sportsmans Park was referred to as the "Coney Island of the West." Unfortunately, for Von der Ahe, his team struggled after joining the National League in 1892 and he was nearly penniless when he was forced to sell the club in 1899. He continued running his saloon until his death in 1913 at the age of sixty-one. The certificate (11x10") displays one horizontal and two vertical fold lines, as well as numerous small edge tears and minor creasing. A few moderate stains affect the upper left quadrant. Full LOA from PSA.