SAMUEL F.B. MORSE The famed inventor sends a letter to an influential Kentucky congressman. Autograph Letter singed: "Saml F.B. Morse". 1p, 7¼ x 10. No place, no date. Morse writes to a Kentucky congressman instrumental in getting congress to appropriate $30,000 for an experimental line between Washington and Baltimore upon which, in May of 1844, he transmitted, using a code of dots and sashes that he developed (The Morse Code), his famous salutation “What Hath God Wrought”. 1 page, 7¼ x 10. Written and signed in black ink “Saml F.B. Morse” to: William P. Thomasson (congressman from Kentucky) from the telegraph room 9:30 P.M. In full: “Dear Sir / If there is any thing of interest / in the house to send to Baltimore / I will send it / Respectfully / Yr. Mo. Ob. Servt” Kentucky (1843-1847). Fine condition. Framed to an overall size of 32¼ x 21¾. Minor chip on frame left front, minor wearing at frame corners. Samuel F. B. Morse (1791-1872) was an accomplished portrait and mural painter and founder of the National Academy of Design.
SAMUEL F.B. MORSE Signed, handwritten letter to telegraphic expert Robert Sabine (1868), insisting that he be given journal space to refute "Hamel's calumnious paper read before the Society of Arts". ALS: "Saml F.B. Morse, 3 pages, 5x8. Po'keepsie, N.York,1868 August 8. The inventor of the Morse Code who established a telegraph line between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore in 1844 writes to Robert Sabine, Westminster, London. In full: "I began a letter to you on the 18th July in reply to your valuable letter of the 18th of June. I have had so many interruptions since my return that I must defer its completion, until I have finished by Report as Commissioner for my Government. I write now simply to acknowledge your kindness and to thank you for your courtesy, and to promise you at no very distant day the finished letter on Hamel's calumnious paper read before the Society of Arts. The part in which he refers to me, requires a thorough exposure. I do not ask to have it published entire, but I do ask that it be read to the Society, 
WALT DISNEY and RAYMOND DISNEY Planning to buy insurance from his older brother Raymond, Walt signs an application for a life insurance policy (also signed by Raymond). Framed by the Gallery of History with an unsigned picture of Walt Disney with Mickey Mouse. Partly Printed DS: "Walter E. Disney", "Geo. E. Morris" as Secretary of Walt Disney Productions and "Raymond A. Disney" as Soliciting Agent, 1 page, 9 x 13¾. Framed to overall size of 33¼ x 22¾. No place (probably Los Angeles), no date (c. 1938-1943, the tenure of Morris). "Application for Insurance in/Connecticut General Life Insurance Company". Other than the signatures, the application has not been filled out. Walter Elias Disney took out insurance policies as he became more successful with Walt Disney Productions. Disney Productions developed in the 1930s. Disney would use his insurance policies as collateral to raise cash in 1952 in order to plan and build Disneyland (1955). Walt purchased his policies from his older brother, Raymond.
DAVID D. BUICK Stock certificate, bearing Buick's signature, that was issued for one of his few later enterprises connected with the automobile industry. Stock Certificate signed: "D.D. Buick" as Presidentand "F.O. Patterson" as Secretary of the David Buick Carburetor Corporation, 1p, 10¾ x 8¼. No place, 1921 August 20. Certifying that F.U. Wells "is the owner of one hundred Shares of Ten Dollars each of the Capital Stock of the David Buick Carburetor Corporation…." The corporation issued capital stock of $3 million, and the embossed corporate stamp indicates the company was formed in 1919. Buick (1855-1929) formed Buick Co in 1902 and invented the valve-in-head engine. He built his first car in 1903. Printed yellow seal at lower left. By 1927 Buick, poverty-stricken and in ill health, returned to Detroit, where he took a position as an instructor at a trade school. That year, a million cars bore his name on their radiators, but Buick died a virtual unknown in 1929. Buick is one of the scarcest of all automotive signatures.
BUGS MORAN The Chicago gangster and target of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre adds his very rare signature of "George Moran" to this petition in 1938. Documents signed by Moran with his birth name are extremely scarce in the public market. Document signed "George Moran" and by "Lillian E. Cohen" as Notary Public. 1 page, 8x3¾ (visible), framed to 29x19 with b/w photos of Moran and the aftermath of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre and a 5x8 bio plate. November 28, 1938. In full: "GEORGE MORAN being first duly sworn, states that he has read the above and foregoing petition, signed by him, and that the same is true except for those matters stated by him to be upon information and belief, and that as to those matters this affiant states that he believes them to be true." This document appears to be related to a forgery trial that, according to the Nov. 28, 1938, Chicago Daily Tribune, included Moran and nine other defendants. Moran was accused of forging American Express checks, New York Central railroad bonds and cigarette revenue stamps. The trial started on Jan.
AL CAPONE, PANCHO VILLA and others Mexican 5-Peso Note, signed by attendees at a gambling party organized south of the border by the Chicago gangster in the early 1920s to evade Prohibition. Currency signed: "Al Capone", "Pancho Villa", "Edna Lovell", "Governor Ralph J. Marilyn", "Lloyd C. Pawley, "Mayor Rossi", "R. Mack Reid", "Shanty Malone" and other unidentified signatures, 6x2¾. Mexican 5-Peso Note, issued January 1, 1915. Also signed on obverse of the bill: "Harry Lloyd Kayan, "Ozzie", Betty Porter", "Barbara Briggs", "H. W. Pennington", "Jane Martin" and others. Alphonse "AL" CAPONE (1900-1947), expelled from school at 14, joined New York criminal gangs and became a trusted lieutenant of Johnny "The Fox" Torrio, leader of the Five Points Gang, acquiring his nickname of "Scarface" after gaining the scars in a fight. In 1918, Torrio moved to Chicago at the invitation of mob boss "Big Jim" Colosimo, and Capone - fleeing murder charges in New York - soon followed.
THOMAS EDISON This rare document is a patent drawing, signed by Edison, for a Bolivian patent on the incandescent bulb. This patent was to protect Edison's rights to design of the bulb in Bolivia and has his full "umbrella" signature - a rarity. Rare Patent Drawing signed: "Thomas Alva Edison". 1 page, 16x22, 12x18 visible. Headed: "Lamina 3/Bolivia" at upper right corner. This patent, which was filed in Bolivia, features two imprinted drawings for one of Edison's actual patents relating to his incandescent lamp.Also signed: "Chas H. Smith" and "Geo. T. Pinckney" as "Testigos" [Witnesses]. Edison (1847-1931) patented more than a thousand inventions, including the incandescent electric lamp, the phonograph (his favorite invention), the mimeograph, the alkaline storage battery and the microphone. Edison also filed and received patents in other countries. Most of them, such as this patent filed in Bolivia in 1880, duplicated the U.S. patents, but they protected his work in those countries.
HENRY WELLS, WILLIAM G. FARGO and ALVIN ADAMS Amazing collection from the founders of the great “Express” companies. Comprises (1) Partly Printed Check endorsed: "Alvin Adams" on verso, 7½ x 3. San Francisco, California, 1877 August 14. Wells Fargo & Company check, payable to Alvin Adams for $46.10. Secretary Signed: "William G. Fargo" on front. (windowed to show both sides of certificate) Lightly soiled. Fine condition. (2) Stock Certificate signed: "Henry Wells" as President, "Alexander Holland" as Treasurer and "Jas. C. Fargo" as Secretary of the American Express Company, 1p, 11¾ x 8. New York, 1866 May 28. Issue of 18,000 shares of Capital Stock; each share was worth $100. Certificate No. 661, certifying "that R. A. Porter of Keenu New Hampshire is entitled to One Share in the American Express Company...." On verso, the certificate has been transferred on June 28, 1866, the date of its issue (windowed to show both sides of certificate). Lightly creased. Light show through of revenue stamp affixed to verso. Fine condition.
THOMAS ALVA EDISON Edison recalls early days of organizing electric light companies. Typed Letter Signed, "ThosAEdison". March 26, 1929, in black ink, one page, on Edison's Orange, New Jersey Laboratory letterhead, 8 x 10 7/8. Edison shares memories with Judge Henry A. Clark, one of his compatriots who helped install electric light systems with the Edison Company for Isolated Lighting in Erie, Pennsylvania during the 1880's. The former employee of the Edison Electric Light Company, briefly returned to Edison's fold after World War I to advise him regarding patent infringement litigation. Strikingly unique in that Edison used an early dictation recording machine. In part: “I greatly enjoyed reading your interesting reminiscences of those early and strenuous pioneer days of the electric light system, and remember quite well the important part you played in organizing some of those early companies, which have turned out so successfully. The thought of these things brings back to memory a very important and interesting period of my life.”. Slightly soiled, creased at folds, three-inch vertical tear at upper left corner, otherwise fine condition. Framed to an overall size of 31x21.
ROBERT MORRIS Morris writes about impending financial ruin; a month later, he was sent to Prune Street Debtor's Prison. Autograph Letter Signed: "Robert Morris", 3p, 7½x10. Philadelphia, 1798 January 1.To JohnNicholson, his partner in land speculation, Hills. Begins: "Dear Sir". In full: "I send herewith a Copy of Mr. Burds Official list of the Actions in which Geo. Eddy became Special Bail for me. I have marked those that are settled and amongst them those of Myers Musgrove & Ketland which you wrote me you had settled. Of these that remain I expect I can settle with Steinmetz and Newhold, but how the rest are to be managed I do not yet know, and shall be glad to receive your Sentiments with any information you can give thereon - How comes it to pass that I am in a more responsible situation in these cases than you are. If I had not entered Special Bail I must have been responsible to Jno Baker & he would have taken me instead of Geo Eddy 
JOHN HANCOCK Hancock handwrote, dated and put his "John Hancock" on this letter to the "Gentlemen of the Senate & Gentlemen of the House of Representatives" in 1783, while he was Governor of Massachusetts. He wrote this letter to inform the recipients that he had received an "Application for Sundry Articles for the use of the Tribe" from the Penobscot, which offered their services to the colonies during the American Revolutionary War. This letter was written less than eight months before the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which ended the war between the colonies and England. Draft autograph letter signed "J.H." as Governor of Massachusetts. 1 page, 7¾x6¼. Council Chamber, Boston, Massachusetts, Feb. 7, 1783. Addressed to the "Gentlemen of the Senate & Gentlemen of the House of Representatives". In full: "I have this moment Rec'd a Letter from Colonel Lithgow, by Two Indians of the Penobscot Tribe, these Indians are come to make Application for Sundry Articles for the use of the Tribe. The Letter with the Commissions given one of these Indians by Brigr. Genl.
RUDOLF DIESEL Thedeveloper 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 by the Gallery of History to an overall size of 35¼x20.
SAMUEL F.B. MORSE He signs a glowing (1854) autograph letter, enthusiastically recommending his former assistant Otis Wood to any prospective employer. Framed in a Gallery of History display to 36x22 ALS: "Sam. F.B. Morse," 1½ pages, 7½x9¾. Po'keepsie, 1854 February 3.To Otis E. Wood, Esq., Utica.In full: "Most happy shall I be, if by a simple letter of mine, I can render you or your worthy brothers any service. Your brother Orrin S. Wood was my first Telegraph pupil, after the first (the experimental) line was established between Washington & Baltimore. He will undoubtedly recollect my predictions at that time, for him, that having taken the enterprize at its very commencement, and made himself thus early master of all that pertained to it, he would have an experience, possessed by no other, which would enable him to command any position he might choose, not only one of usefulness but I believed also of fortune. I am gratified in believing that he has attained a position, at least of well earned competence if not of fortune, which he richly deserves for his high and honorable personal character, as well as his eminent Skill & perseverance.
P.T. BARNUM The great showman will send a bear and hyena that died at his circus' winter quarters to his taxidermist to be mounted or "skeletonized" for display at Tufts' Barnum Museum and mentions Jumbo, the giant elephant that the recipient will preserve less than three years later Autograph letter signed: "P.T. Barnum", 1p, 6x9¾. Bridgeport, 1883 January 14.On pictorial letterhead of "P.T. Barnum's Greatest Show on Earth and the Great London Circus" featuring "Sanger's Royal British Menagerie" and "Great International Allied Shows" to Professor Henry A. Ward. Barnum, J.A. Bailey and J.L. Hutchinson are pictured on the letterhead. In full: "Our folks at Winter Quarters lost a bear & I think a hyena this week. I told them to send them to you by freight train. Please tell Prof. Marth of Tufts about them & ask what you shall do - as I present them to their Museum either to sell to you or have you mount or skeletonize them if they desire at their expense. I remove to New York tomorrow - to Murray Hill Hotel & close Waldemere for the season.
WALT DISNEY Vary rare Disney signed Donald Duck comic book. Comic Book signed: "Walt Disney" on the first page, 32p, 7x10. "Walt Disney's/Duck Album/featuring 5 complete duck stories", published by Dell Comics, issue number 611. "Four Color". Copyright 1954 by Walt Disney Productions. Authorized edition. Published and distributed by Dell Publishing Co. in January 1955. Designed and produced by Western Printing & Lithographing Co. Walt Disney's Duck Album was produced between 1951-1957 with 12 different issues. This issue, no. 611, was seventh in the series. American Disney comics started in 1930 when Walt Disney began writing a daily Mickey Mouse comic strip for newspapers. By 1940, Disney, through Western Publishing, was publishing comic books fully dedicated to one of his characters, featuring only a comic strip format. Interestingly an all-Donald Duck comic book was his first of the concept. Original stories exclusively for the comic book (not borrowed from newspapers) was launched in 1941. The comic book 
SAMUEL F.B. MORSE 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.
JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER and HENRY FLAGLER. Stock certificate signed by company founder Rockefeller, not long after the oil giant became a trust. Stock Certificate signed: "J.D. Rockefeller" as President, "H M Flagler" as Secretary and "J A Bostwick" as Treasurer of the Standard Oil Trust, 1p, 11½x7¼ with 4¼x7¼ receipt portion attached at left. New York, 1883 October 13. Certifying that "Frank Edward Bliss is entitled to Fifty Shares in the equity to the property held by the Trustees of the Standard Oil Trust...." Each share was valued at $100. On verso, this certificate was transferred on June 25, 1891 by "Frank Edward Bliss/per Elijah Bliss Atty".Witnessed: "George R. Blair". The Standard Oil Trust, created in January 1882,placed all stocks and properties of over a dozen oil companies (including JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER's Standard Oil Company of Ohio) into a trust, of whichRockefeller owned over a third of the combined holdings, under the control of nine trustees.
HENRY FORD and HARRY FERGUSON Extraordinary photograph capturing the two innovators together. Rare Photograph signed: "Henry Ford" and "Harry Ferguson". Sepia, 13¾ x 11 overall, image 11 x 8 (one surface). HARRY FERGUSON, a manufacturer of tractors in England and Ireland, developed the Ferguson tractor, a scale model of which is shown on the table in this photograph. His system of tractor-implement integration utilized a hitch, the linkages, and controls of which made the tractor and implement work as a single unit operated almost entirely from the seat of the tractor. Seeking an American market for his product, Ferguson entered into an agreement with HENRY FORD and the Ford Motor Company. Ford, who had formed Ford Motor Company in 1903 and was noted for introducing the successful assembly-line method of production, was to manufacture and market the Ferguson tractor in the U.S. The company commenced making the tractors in 1938, but the agreement was terminated after WWII. Ferguson then began manufacturing his own equipment in Great Britain and the U.S.
HOWARD HUGHES and JEAN PETERS Peters complains to her husband that the guards are taking over too much of the house. Autograph Note Unsigned: "J." on verso, 2p, 8¼ x 10¾, yellow sheet, front and verso (hinged to show both sides). Matted and framed to overall size of 41 x 22¼ with three metallic plaques and two unsigned photos (b/w, approximate size 4½ x 6½). No place, no date. In full in Hughes handwriting: "An airplane race is around 3 Pylons [sketch to the left] and the one back of the pilot is called the 4th Pylon or the pilot's pylon-upside down, within note, secretarial-For Mr. Hughes - at bottom, Peters' note, written beneath her husband's, begins -Its OK about the car - But I am Still having my stuff moved out of garage into one of back room off kitchen - which those guards have usurped for their card games & TV viewing - originally they started out using one john (dressing room) they have ended up with more floor space than we have - & it infuriates me.". On verso, Peters has written a note: "Dearest Love- I have gone to Mrs. Brinds for a couple of hours. She has 8mm movies of her trip to Israel.
D. W. GRIFFITH Chastened by a messy divorce from his first wife, the famed director signs a prenuptial agreement with his bride to be, Evelyn Baldwin, who has also signed here. Document signed: "David Wark Griffith", "Evelyn Baldwin", 2 pages, 8½x13. No place, 1936 March 2. In anticipation of his pending marriage to Evelyn Baldwin, Griffith irrevocably transfers to her all rights to an annuity contract with the Aetna Life Insurance Company of Hartford, Connecticut, yielding annual income of $5,632.80 for the rest of her life. In exchange, Baldwin releases Griffith, along with his heirs and assigns, from any additional claims except for assets freely given to Baldwin by Griffith. The agreement is to become effective only on the consummation of the Griffith-Baldwin marriage. David Llewelyn Wark GRIFFITH (1875-1948) directed his first film in 1908, and in 1910 became the first to shoot a film in Hollywood. His Judith of Bethulia (1914) was among the first feature films, and the controversial Birth of a Nation (1915), became the first blockbuster movie hit, inspiring the movie industry that we have known since.
GATLING TELLS COLT PATENT FIRE ARMS THAT THE STATE OF NEW YORK "HAS SENT TWO GATLING GUNS HERE FOR REPAIRS" RICHARD J. GATLING. TLS: "R.J. Gatling", 1p, 8½x11½. Hartford, Conn., 1885 April 14. As President, on stationery of The Gatling Gun Company. To Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company, Hartford. In full: "The Chief of Ordnance, State of New York, advises us that he has sent two Gatling Guns here for repairs, and that if anything is needed in the way of appendages or spare parts, that he be furnished with a list of the same, before he gives the order for them. As soon as the guns are received, please put them in good working order, and furnish us with a list of the articles required as above." Exactly 20 years before this letter was written, John Wilkes Booth shot President Lincoln with a Derringer pistol. Twelve days later, U.S. Cavalry Sgt. Boston Corbett shot Booth with a Colt revolver. By the 1850s, Richard J. Gatling (1818-1903) had become wealthy from agricultural inventions such as machines for sowing rice and wheat.
ARCHIBALD McLEOD and OTHERS. McLeod signs a document detailing the expenses and commitments required of a guide on an upcoming fur trapping trip. Partly Printed DS: "A.N. McLeod", 1p, 6½ x 11¾. Montreal, Canada, 1820 October 20. In French, translated. In full: "BEFORE THE NOTARIES of the Province of Lower-Canada in Montreal, residing there, undersigned: was present Joseph Alexis Jeussaume de Rigaute Who has voluntarily committed himself and commits himself by these presents to Messrs. William McGillivray, Simon McGillivray, Archibald Norman McLeod, Thomas Thain, and Henry Mackenzie, of Montreal, Merchants and associates, under the name of McTAVISH, McGILLIVRAYS & Co. & PIERRE DE ROCHEBLAVE, A N McLeod Esquire here present and accepting, upon their first requisition, to depart from Montreal in the capacity of Bowman in one of their canoes, to make the voyage, and to winter during three years in the dependencies of the North-West in the Upper-Canada, (will not be free of the present commitment until 
WILBUR WRIGHT Rare checks signed by the aviation pioneers. Collection consisting of 1.) Check filled out and signed: "Wright Brothers/W.W.," 8 x 2¾. Dayton Ohio, January 10, 1910. Drawn on The Winters National Bank, payable to M. A. Culp for $78.85. Fine condition. 2.) Check filled out and signed: "Wright Brothers/OW.", 8 x 2¾. Dayton, Ohio, February 1, 1908. Drawn on The Winters National Bank, payable to Ladaskie Miller for $6.00. Fine condition. Framed to an overall size of 31½ x 21½. During 1904 and 1905, the Wrights built and tested new planes and engines. An improved Flyer II was flown near Dayton, Ohio in 1904. They began designing Flyer III. At Simms Station, Ohio, on October 5, 1905, Wilbur flew for 24 miles in 38 minutes, landing only when their new Flyer III gas tank ran dry. The Flyer III was powered by a 15-horse powered engine. This was the Wright brothers' first flight of more than a half hour and renewed their confidence in man's ability to sustain flight. They had invented the first fully practical airplane that could turn, bank, circle and fly figure eights.
WALT DISNEY and HIS ARTISTS Extraordinary collection including a sketch of Mickey Mouse by Walt Disney himself, and another sheet with original drawings of Disney characters by Disney artists, a composer and a business manager. Framed with two photos to an overall size of 25x33. Framed Collection, including: 1) Original Art inscribed and signed: "To John Adrian, Hoping he will be able to draw better than this - Walt Disney", 6¾ x 10½ sheet, upon which Disney has drawn a pencil sketch of Mickey Mouse. Horizontal fold creased at center. Lightly toned and soiled. Otherwise, fine condition. 2) Original Art signed by each of the following: drawing of Goofy, signed "Ted Sears, Santa Clara - 41"; Pluto, signed "Norm Ferguson"; Donald Duck, signed "Franklin Thomas"; Bacchus, signed "Jim Bodero"; J. Thaddeus Toad, signed in pencil "Toad - of Toad Hall, Webb Smith"; Autograph Musical Quotation signed, "I'm the Reluctant Dragon What Ho! Quite So!/Charles Wolcott S. S. Santa Clara, 1941". Also signed by Disney's business manager
SAMUEL COLT Samuel Colt Autograph Letter Signed to Edward Wesson Regarding the Development of a Dragoon Form Revolving Carbine. ALS signed: "Saml. Colt-" on page 1 and "S.C." on page 2. The letter is four integral pages written on pages one and two and addressed on page four, 8" x 9.75", New Haven, Connecticut, April 12, 1847, and postmarked the same day. Very fine condition. Framed by the Gallery of History, 31½x39. Samuel Colt writes asking that Wesson bore and rifle two long barrels that Colt expressed to him that day. Colt explains that "I want them for moddles [sic], & not having as yet any convenience for boring & rifling anything but pistol barrels" he is giving the tooling commission to Wesson. Colt gives specific instructions asking that Wesson make the barrel of one gun to accommodate "a round ball 50 to the pound loading at the britch [sic] & must not be any larger in the bore than the sample pistol barrel I send you." Shortly after this letter was written Colt moved his operations from New Haven to New York and began the production of the Colt Dragoon Revolver.
ORVILLE WRIGHT. Photograph signed: "Orville Wright". B/w, 6¼x4½ overall, image 5x3¼ (one surface). Captioned at lower margin: "First Man-Flight, December 17, 1903/Kitty Hawk, N.C." Orville Wright (1871-1948) and his brother, Wilbur (1867-1912), made aviation history with their Flyer in Kitty Hawk, on North Carolina's Outer Banks, on December 17, 1903. While the Wrights had been testing their gliders on Kill Devil Hill for a number of years, this was their first test of their motorized, heavier-than-air flying machine. At 10:35 a.m., Orville Wright was at the controls of the 21-foot biplane with the 40.3-foot wingspan. The 605 pound craft, powered by a 12-horsepower engine that had four piston cylinders and revved to 1,090 rpm, left the ground, staying aloft for 12 seconds and covering 120 feet at an altitude of ten feet. Later that day, during one of their three test flights, Wilbur also manned the controls, traveling 852 feet in 59 seconds. In 1905, Wilbur and Orville decided to stop flying and tried to market their machine, first offering it to the U.S. government and then flying it in France.
THOMAS A. EDISON The famous inventor penned a section of answers on this questionnaire! Printed Questionnaire filled out by an assistant who has signed: "Thomas A. Edison" at the conclusion, but with 11 words in Edison's hand, 1p, 7¾x10½. J.K. Macomber, Professor of Physics at the Physical Laboratory Agricultural College in Ames, Iowa, sent Edison and other authorities in the field, a printed questionnaire, dated September 27, 1879. Macomber message, in part: "The people of the Western States have been imposed upon by lightning-rod peddlers more, perhaps, than by any other class of swindlers. Among other rods being sold in Iowa is one known as the 'Chambers' rod, widely has been patented by the 'Chambers' National Lightning Protection Company,' of Cincinnati, Ohio. Briefly, this system consists on an Iron rod running along the ridge of the building with points at each end projecting upward…Many public buildings in thus State have been furnished with these rods…I beg leave to submit the following interrogations." Macomber lists seven questions for Edison to answer.
LINUS YALE, JR. The famous lock inventory writes a letter to his wife, complete with printed drawings of some of his locks. Autograph Letter signed: "Linus," (and "Linus Yale Jr." on verso) 1¼ p, 3½ x 8. Johnson's Hotel, 1856 January 9.The inventor of the cylinder lock and combination lock writes to his wife, Kate.In full: "Here I am at Johnson's Hotel 9 o'clock Wednesday evening. Got along tolerably well on the only train through from Philad. Left at 2 P.M.- Found the MS. and brot (sic) it on asked John to send the note which accompanies it out to you. Did you get it? What do you think of the modification? Don't it show the way the wind blows? I think it is clear he thinks well of it or is at least anxious it should not come to N. York but I shall take it up to the Founders and try. I had much rather they would publish it. I am sorry we can not push it although it will by management go without. Got orders from Hull & Dodds for two more locks. Oseur is not in yet so don't know what is the news. My appointment with the Bank of Commerce is for tomorrow. Hope to succeed. Morris thinks it's a good idea to keep Remington in the business.Business & Finance | Baseball Bats
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SOPHIA LOREN - BASEBALL BAT SIGNED - HFSID 278988SOPHIA LOREN Sophia Loren signs a Rawlings Big Stick baseball bat that is engraved with her name. Baseball bat signed: "Sophia Loren", 34 inches long by 2¼ inches at barrel. Rawlings Adirondack Big Stick Professional Model baseball bat with black stripe and Loren's name engraved on barrel.Sale Price $342.00
$480.00
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DON MATTINGLY - BASEBALL BAT SIGNED - HFSID 264839DON MATTINGLY. Baseball Bat signed: "Don Mattingly". Imprinted "Rawlings - Adirondack/Big Stick/Professional Model." First baseman Don Mattingly played his entire Major League career (1982-1995) with the New York Yankees, and donned the pinstripes again as hitting coach (2003) and then bench coach (2006).
Sale Price $378.00
$420.00
