Invented in 1861 by Richard Jordan Gatling, the "Gatling gun" was a massive leap forward in firearms technology. Boasting a rate of fire of approximately 800-900 rounds per minute, the Gatling gun quickly became a weapon that could dominate a 19th century battlefield. This is a stock certificate that appears to be part of an initial public offering for The Gatling Gun Limited, a British company established to acquire the rights and facilities to manufacture the Gatling gun in Britain and market it to Europe and beyond. The certificate indicates that the initial offering was for 80,000 shares at £10 per share. It is made out to Maude Alice Short and is for the purchase of 20 shares. The certificate is dated 1 November 1888, and is signed by the secretary and directors of the company. Also included is some documentation pertaining to the initial public offering of the company and their prospectus.