. The company issues an early stock certificate signed by the company co-founders. Stock Certificate signed: "Henry Wells" as President, "Wm G. Fargo" as Secretary and "Alex Holland" as Treasurer of the American Express Company, and "Wm R. Osborn". one page partially printed front and verso, 10¼ x 6½, April 20, 1857. The American Express Company was formed in 1850 with the merger of three competing companies engaged in the transportation of goods and valuables between the East and the new banking and express demands brought on by the gold rush of the West. Included in the merger was one company each headed by Henry Wells and William Fargo. This unincorporated group of investors started the company with a company has since had a long history of mergers and acquisitions. This stock certificate, number 2020, issued 10 shares of a capital stock of 7,500 shares to William R. Osborn, with a value of $100 per share. The certificate features an engraved vignette of a train and steamboat, which salutes transportation. It was published by Baker and Duyckinck of New York. Osborn signs on verso indicating his receipt of the stock: "Wm R. Osborn." In black ink. Fine condition. Minor chip at lower front area of framing.

George Eastman responds to a Charles Edison regarding music selections Typed Letter Signed: "Geo Eastman" as Chairman of the Board of Eastman Kodak Company, ¾p, 8x7¼. Rochester, New York, 1929 February 5. On letterhead of Eastman Kodak Company to Charles Edison, son of Thomas A. Edison. In full: "I return herewith the lists of musical compositions which were enclosed in your letter of February 2nd, having marked eight of them as requested: Ave Maria (Schubert), Evening Star from Tannhauser, Largo-Xerxes (Handel), Londonderry Air, Marche Militaire (Schubert), Meistersinger - 'Prize Song' (Wagner), The Swan (Saint-Saens), Traume (Wagner). The compliment implied in your request is greatly appreciated." At the time of this letter, THOMAS ALVA EDISON (1847-1931) was continuing to perfect his favorite invention, the phonograph (he had first recorded sound in 1877, but put his invention aside the following year to work on the incandescent light), and was manufacturing and marketing a new line of radios. In the summer of 1929, he would also offer lateral cut records and accompanying players, but the company would cease recording operations in October 1929. Thomas' son, CHARLES EDISON (1890-1969), who was then Chairman of the Board of Thomas A. Edison, Inc.

SIR WALTER SCOTT 1823 promissory note signed by Sir Walter Scott highlights relationship with publisher James Ballantyne. Promissory Note signed: "Walter Scott", 8x3¼. Edinburgh, 1823 May 3. The great Scottish poet and novelist agrees to repay his publisher in twelve months. In full: "Twelve months after date, pay to our order, at our Printing Office here, eight hundred and seventy five pounds sterling, for value received. James Ballantyne & Co." Sir WALTER SCOTT (1771-1832), considered to be the father of the historical novel, had first met JAMES BALLANTYNE (1772-1833) in 1783 while attending Kelso Grammar School. In 1799, Ballantyne privately printed the two pamphlets with which Scott began his writing career, An Apology for Tales of Terror and The Eve of St. John, a ballad, beginning a literary and business partnership that would last throughout Scott's lifetime. The greatest success of James Ballantyne and Co. came in 1808, when Scott's second narrative poem, Marmion, was printed by Ballantyne for publisher Archibald Constable (Scott's first narrative poem, The Lay of the Last Minstral, had been published by Constable in 1805). Scott's romantic work, Rob Roy (1818) was also published by James Ballantyne and Co.

The famed mathematician sends a dinner invitation. Third Person ANS: "Mr. Babbage", 1p, 3½ x 3¾. Dorset St., (no year) May 23. In full: "Mr. Babbage will have the honor of dining with Mr & Mrs Strutt on Saturday the 11th June". Charles Babbage (1791-1871) is known as the "Father of Computing" for his ideas about building an analytical engine, the predecessor of the digital computer. He proposed operations research that involved the idea of using machines to perform routine mathematical operations, eliminating errors in human calculation. By 1825, he had developed a machine that was capable of calculating up to 20 decimals. Plans formulated by Babbage in the mid-1830s became the basis for the computers that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s. Lightly stained at upper right blank corner. Fine condition. Framed to an overall size of 27½ x 16¼. Frame exhibits wearing at corners.

Typed DS: "Thos A Edison" as Director, 1¼p, front and verso, 8x11. West Orange, N.J., 1925 June 11. Countersigned: "Charles Edison" as Chairman, "Fred W. Roh" as Assistant Secretary (initialed "HE" by Howard Eckert, Secretary) and "H.F. Miller", "J.V. Miller" and "Henry Lanahan" as Directors. "Minutes of a Meeting of the Board of Directors of/the Edison Storage Battery Company". Two resolutions were passed, one concerning the leasing of a portion of the second floor at 702 Beacon Street, Boston for three years at $170 per month, the other relating to tax audits and Internal Revenue Laws. The Edison Storage Battery Company was organized in New Jersey on May 27, 1901 to develop, manufacture and sell Edison's alkaline storage batteries. It produced batteries for mining lamps, train lighting and signaling, submarines, electric vehicles and other uses. The company had its own research department and sales force, but it also sold batteries through separate sales companies, including the Edison Storage Battery Supply Company and Miller Reese Hutchison, Inc. Thomas A. Edison, Inc. was incorporated on January 27, 1896 as the National Phonograph Company, then reorganized and newly incorporated as Thomas A. Edison, Inc.

Fulton signed this document - buying 32 lots of land in the town of Jersey, New Jersey for $1,000 - in 1809. He signed it the same year that he filed his first patent for improvements in navigation by steam and one year after marrying his wife Harriet Livingston. Pieces by Fulton are rare in any form, and legal documents, like this, are doubly so. Accompanied by an unsigned engraving of Fulton based on an Alonzo Chappel portrait. Manuscript document signed "Robert Fulton". 3 pages plus docket, 7½x12¼, 2 sheets front and verso, with embossed Jersey Company seal and 1-inch square paper seal on page 3 by signatures. Nov. 3, 1809. This document was signed between Fulton and the president of the Jersey Company. Fulton agreed to buy a block of land containing 32 lots in the town of Jersey in Bergen County, New Jersey for $1,000. Fulton signed this document one year after marrying Harriet Livingston, his partner's niece, and the same year that he filed his first patent for improvements in navigation by steam. Fulton is scarce in any form and this is a fine example suitable for framing and display. Lightly toned, stained, soiled and creased. Random ink stains. Edges are torn. Pinholes in both sheets. Corners are rounded Folded thrice and unfolded. Worn, torn, toned and with pinholes along folds.

The businessman signed this letter that's beautifully framed with an image of him! Typed Letter Signed: "F. O. Stanley" on an 8½x11 sheet of paper (8¼x10 visible). One page. Dated October 9, 1911. Message in Part: "I am enclosing checks amounting to $3000. In reference to lease of the State land you mention, I have no objection to having it transferred to you, provided it is agreeable to Mr. Young, and I am writing him in reference to the same". Freelan O. Stanley (1849-1940) and his brother Francis E. Stanley became businessmen who developed the Stanley Motor Carriage Company, eventually building the Stanley Steamer. Their steam-powered automobiles grew extremely popular, although it was eventually superseded by the Model T. Steam engine vehicles gradually became obsolete technologically. After Stanley was diagnosed with a life-threatening case of tuberculosis in 1903, Stanley resolved to get some fresh air. Until his death in 1940, Stanley for the most part resided in Estes Park, Colorado. Through his investment in the fledgling town, Estes Park grew significantly.

Rare manuscript letter written from his estate in England to Inslee Hopper, his successor as head of the Singer Manufacturing Co. in New York. Hopper has added his receipt acknowledgement in purple ink! Manuscript Letter signed: "I M Singer", 1p, 5x8. Paignion, South Devon, England, 1873 July 8. To The Director of the Singer Manufacturing Co., New York. In full: "On receipt of this letter, please send me sight Bill of Exchange for Five thousand pounds (£5000) but should Gold and Exchange exceed 125 you may wait until you are able to buy at that price. I have telegraphed to Mr. Hawley to come out, and write to you as I expect he will sail before this letter arrives." Ink note receipt acknowledgement by Singer President Inslee Hopper: "July 23 73". Singer received his first patent for a commercial sewing machine in 1851. Three years later, he introduced a domestic model that made him one of the wealthiest Americans of the century. In late 1857, Singer opened the world's first mass production facility for something other than firearms in New York. I.M. Singer & Company was soon able to cut production costs to a little more than $10.00 per machine. Singer sold his new machines for 50% less than his first, yet had increased his profit margin to 530% per machine.

Signed autograph letter (1871) to an experimenter, in which Morse discusses "the present Science of Electro-Magnetism." ALS: "Saml F.B. Morse". 1½ pages, 5 x 8, front and verso. New York, 1871 February 22. The inventor of the Morse Code and the Electromagnetic Telegraph writes to G.W. Varnum, M.D., Montgomery City, Mo. In full: "I received yesterday through my friend & your Cousin J.B. Varnum, Esq your letter of the 16t. instant. In regard to the experiment mentioned in your letter, it is by no means new. Indeed it was from observing this effect, upon a needle, of the magnetism of an electric current (not indeed upon the modern electromagnet, which was the result of his observation,) that Oersted founded the present Science of Electro-magnetism. The use made also of this effect of the magnet upon the needle, to indicate the presence of an electric current upon the telegraph wires, is almost universal in the Offices in Europe; every instrument being furnished with a Galvanometer for the purpose, So although although (sic) not new, you have at least the satisfaction of having independently Suggested a valuable use of the magnetic needle. With respect Yr. Ob. Serv."  G.W.

His handwritten March 1783 letter as Governor of Massachusetts, instructing a garrison commander to forbid a ship full of Tories to disembark, requiring them to sail instead for New York (still in British hands) Autograph Letter, unsigned, 1 page, 7¾x12. Written as Governor. Boston, Massachusetts, 1783 March 27. To William Gordon, Commander of the Garrison in Dartmouth. In full: "I have this moment received your Letter by Express, giving information of the arrival of a Flag with a Number of Persons on board who were desirous of remaining some time at Dartmouth. I have laid the state of this Flag before the Council, & in consequence of their advice you are hereby Directed upon no pretense whatever, to suffer any of the Persons or any of the Effects brought in the Flag to be Landed at Dartmouth, or in any other place, but that you give immediate Directions for the Departure of the Flag with the Persons, & their effects to New York, and that after the Receipt of this Letter you make a point of Embracing the first fair wind to put her under Sail for New York, as no circumstance can possibly induce me to Deviate from this order. I am Sir your very humble servant.…"

Pierre G. T. Beauregard signs a war dated manuscript letter of thanks for forwarding the letter from his wife. War-dated Manuscript Letter Signed: "G.T. Beauregard", 1p, 8x7¼ lined sheet. Charleston, South Carolina, 1863 September 16. On letterhead of Headquarters, Department of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida to "Dear Sir". In full: "I have received the letter from Mrs. B[eauregard] you have been kind enough to send me; please return my sincere thanks to the parties connected with it's (sic) transmission. Hoping that before very long our troubles will be at an end, & that I shall be able to acknowledge personally this favor. I remain Yours very truly & resply". At the time of this letter, Confederate General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard (1818-1893) was Commander of the Confederacy's Military Department of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida (1862-1864) and was defending Charleston from attacks by the Union Army and Navy. Beauregard, who had shortened his name to G.T. Beauregard while a student at West Point, had been named a Brigadier General in the Confederate States Army on March 1, 1861 and just a month later, on April 12, 1861, gave the order for Confederate troops to fire on Ft.

The developer of the internal-combustion machine that uses oil as a fuel writes to a grieving acquaintance. Rare ALS: "Diesel," 2pp, 3¾x5½, separate sheets. Haus Diesel, 1909 April 14. In German with English translation to Dr. Bloch. In full: "I did not completely understand your telephone message yesterday and that you were personally grieved; and only today I learned about the facts. I ask you to accept my expression of heartfelt sympathy. I would have expressed the same to you yesterday at the cemetery if I had been informed." Diesel patented his engine in 1892. Diesel engines are less smooth-running, heavier, and initially more expensive than gasoline engines but make more efficient use of cheaper fuel. They are widely used in ships, heavy vehicles, power installations and in passenger cars. Diesel signed material is rare in any form. Fine condition. Framed to an overall size of 35¼x20.