Expert: Doug Ingram - 5/3/2007

Question
How could find out about if they keep records of stocks & bonds in peoples names that were issued 50 or more years ago when the original certificates have been lost. My question is can I find a record of the issued stocks & bonds? Thank you.

Answer
When you go back that far you will find severe limitations.
Over the past 20 years bonds and stocks have been easier to track because the brokerage companies held the records.
Before that, there were certificates for stocks and bearer bonds for which people actually had to clip coupons and send them in.
Your best hope is to search old brokerage records you might have or to go see an expert in such things at an older brokerage firm.  The newer ones wont be much help.  
I would call some firms like AG Edwards and Merrill to see what they say.  You might talk to a back office person that has been there a while.