SAMUEL F. B. MORSE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED - HFSID 350481

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. On a trip to Europe in 1830, while observing French semaphores, he realized that messages could be sent even more quickly using an electrical spark.

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ENZO FERRARI - PAMPHLET SIGNED - HFSID 350506

The framed race car engineer signs a biographical page from a pamphlet. Pamphlet signed: "Ferrari", 8 x 11¼. Enzo Ferrari (1898-1988), whose name is synonymous with quality engineering, began his racing career in 1919 and soon became a test driver for Alfa Romeo. About 1939, Ferrari organized his own factory but was prevented from producing his own automobiles for four years because of a contract with Romeo, which feared competing against the famed Ferrari name. During WWII, Ferrari's factory was converted to produce ball bearings and other equipment. In 1947, however, Ferrari's first car with the prancing horse insignia debuted. A lifetime racing enthusiast, Ferrari produced few automobiles for private consumer sales until the 1953 debut of the 250 Europa, the first of the long line of Ferrari street cars that to this day remain highly valued as collectibles. Ferraris excelled on international racing circuits and garnered ten wins in the Formula One Constructors' Championship from 1956 to 1983 - more than any other make. Surface creases, otherwise fine condition. Framed to an overall size of 15 x 25¾. 8 photocopied pages of the pamphlet included on back of frame.

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SAMUEL F. B. MORSE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 02/03/1854 - HFSID 40983

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.…"

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GUGLIELMO M. MARCONI - DOCUMENT SIGNED - HFSID 350436

Beautifully framed display of a Marconi signed NAWA certification. Partly Printed DS: "G Marconi" 1p, 10¼ x 8. National Amateur Wireless Association certification to James P. Buxton. Expiration date October 1922. Marconi (1874-1937) carried out successful experiments with wireless telegraphy near Bologna, Italy in 1895. Two years later, he erected a wireless station at La Spezia at the invitation of the Italian government. In 1898, Marconi established communications across the English Channel between England and France. He was awarded the 1909 Nobel Prize in Physics in recognition of his "contribution to the development of wireless telegraphy". In 1914, Marconi was appointed a Senator in Rome. While in England in 1924, Marconi signed contracts with the British Postal service to set up radio communication with all parts of British Commonwealth. Toned, creased and stains throughout. Framed to an overall size of 19½ x 29½. Frame exhibits wearing at corners. Left knob was cracked and repaired.

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HENRY FORD - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 350483

HENRY FORD - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH CO-SIGNED BY: HARRY G. - HFSID 350483

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. Portions of 3 middle letters of Ferguson's signature on dark portion (adequate contrast). Minor surface blemishes at blank margins. Fine condition. Frame has minor surface ships and wearing at corners.

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SAMUEL F. B. MORSE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 11/22/1863 WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 31729

SAMUEL F. B. MORSE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 11/22/1863 CO-SIGNED BY: SARAH - HFSID 31729

The two sign a 3-page, handwritten 1863 letter to their son Willy, away at school Autograph letter signed: "Yr Affectionate Father/Saml F.B. Morse" and "Your loving mother/S.E. Morse", 1 page, 4½x7½. 5 West 32nd Street, 1863 November 22. To their son Willy. Samuel F. B. Morse married his second wife, Sarah Elizabeth Griswold, in 1848. In a three-page letter, Mrs. Morse writes about family affairs, about his pet "Spottie is full of mischief. He tears many things that comes in his way." She tells him she is "going to have somethings on Christmas" wanting to know if he has "enough handkerchiefs…." Beneath his wife's signature, Morse writes, in part: "I add a few lines to your dear mother's letter. She says the truth when she says she thinks of you every day. Both you & dear Arthur are constantly in our thoughts…You must do all you can to please Mrs. Charles, Mrs. Fay and the other teachers and be diligent in your Studies…." Samuel Finley Breese Morse (1791-1872) was an American painter and inventor. While attending Yale College Morse painted for a living and later studied art in Europe.

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HENRY DERINGER - AUTOGRAPH NOTE SIGNED CIRCA 1833 - HFSID 286029

Rare handwritten note to his son saying "keep steady to your business and all will go right and straight" Autograph Note signed: "HD" and "H Deringer" in his hand as part of his son's name in the address, 2p, 7¼x9¾, front and verso. No place, no date, but circa 1833. Postscript written on verso of an address leaf addressed in his hand to his son: "John H Deringer Esq/Tioga Village/Tioga County/Penna". In full: "P.S. I am pleased to hear that you have commenced selling goods and that you are coming on so well, keep steady to your business and all will go right and straight." Ink note (unknown hand) on address side: "Henry Derringer [sic]/1833". Henry Deringer (1786-1868) invented the short barreled, heavy caliber pocket pistol that still bears his name. (The pistol type is spelled "Derringer"; only those of his manufacture are spelled with the single "r".) The popular weapon, easily concealable but packing a wallop, was "the weapon of choice of riverboat gamblers". John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Lincoln with an original Deringer. Deringer autographs are rare. Mailing fold at the "HD". Fragile. Moderately soiled, light show through of ink. Sporadically stained.

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ALBERT EINSTEIN - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 08/01/1940 - HFSID 347947

This typed letter is signed by the physicist and framed in the Gallery of History style to a size of 34x20 Typed Letter Signed: "A. Einstein" in ink. 6½x8½ letter. One page. Letterhead from Knollwood, Saranac Lake, New York. Dated August 1, 1940. Sent to Dr. Alvin Johnson. In Full: "Mr. Hermann Broch has informed me that I may be asked about Professor Karl Feldmann of Leyden(Holland). My knowledge of Professor Feldmann's work, however, is not sufficient to give a valuation of it. I should be grateful if some papers by him would be sent to me. / With the expression of my highest appreciation of your admirable activities". Framed with two plaques and a 7x9 color reprinted painting by Rick Parks to a total size of 34x20. Albert Einstein (1879-1955) was born in Ulm, Germany. When he was a teenager, his family moved throughout Europe due to his father's work. At various times in his life, he held citizenship from Switzerland, the Weimar Republic, and the United States. Most of his ground-breaking work in physics came well before WWII in the form of his special theory of relativity and his studies in the general theory of relativity. In 1921, he received a Nobel Prize for his work on the law of photoelectric effect, which is applied in quantum theory.

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CHARLES BABBAGE - AUTOGRAPH NOTE SIGNED 5/23 - HFSID 350482

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.

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PIERRE CURIE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 05/29/1904 - HFSID 350478

The Nobel Peace Prize winning physicist apologizes for a missed appointment due to having been in his lab. Rare ALS: "P. Curie", 1½p, 5¾x4¼, front and verso. Faculté des Sciences de Paris, Cours de Physique, Paris, 1904 May 29. To an unnamed woman. Written from the Curie home at 108 Boulevard Kellerman. In French, translated. In full: "We sincerely regret Mme Curie and I having missed your appointment yesterday, which you granted us. I was in the laboratory yesterday at 5:30 in the evening. I found your letter but it was already too late and Mme Curie does not go to the laboratory at this time. Please excuse us and accept our sincerest best wishes." Five months earlier, Pierre and Marie Curie shared the 1903 Nobel Prize in Physics with Antoine Henri Becquerel for discovering radioactivity and studying uranium. The Curies continued their work on radioactivity, but Marie did not go to the laboratory as often as before. She was then three months pregnant and radioactive material was not something of which to be in contact. The Nobel Prize brought the Curies overwhelming public popularity, to their dislike. The volume of visitors made it impossible for them to work with the reclusiveness they so much enjoyed.

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WERNHER VON BRAUN - AUTOGRAPH MANUSCRIPT SIGNED - HFSID 350447

The man who pioneered the concept of the space shuttle writes about space travel. Autograph Manuscript signed: "By Dr. Wernher von Braun" in title, 1p, 8¼ x 10½ ruled sheet. Manuscript page, which is written in pencil, is part of a longer manuscript ("1" written by von Braun at upper margin). Headed: "Space Travel/by Dr. Wernher von Braun/Chief, Guided Missile Development Division//Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Ala." In full: "There are few dreams of the future which have woven so fascinating a web around human fantasy as flight through space. Since the first, epoch-making experiments of the great American pioneer of rocketry, Robert H. Goddard; since the days when Hermann Oberth, the German, and the Russian Constantin E. Ziolkovsky published their startling writings on rocket propulsion, a veritable spate of literature has overwhelmed the public. This has covered the entire field ranging from serious, scientific dissertations to comic strips. Thus, the intelligent layman outsider who is at tempting to sift the actual promises of space flight from idle conjecture frequently finds himself more confused than before he began to [word crossed out] study space flight literature.…"

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THOMAS A. EDISON - AUTOGRAPH DOCUMENT UNSIGNED 09/27/1879 - HFSID 348032

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. Edison dictated his answers to an assistant who handwrote his replies in a hand resembling Edison's.

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SAMUEL F. B. MORSE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 02/22/1871 - HFSID 350580

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.

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RICHARD J. GATLING - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 04/14/1885 - HFSID 269335

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. He is best known for inventing the rapid-fire Gatling gun, the first practical machine gun, patented in 1862, the year The Gatling Gun Company was founded in Indianapolis.

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FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 07/29/1891 - HFSID 350577

"The Lady of the Lamp" thanks a patron for gifts of food and details plans for her summer holiday. Autograph Letter Signed: "F. Nightingale" in pencil, 4p, 4¼ x 7. 10 South Street,/Park Lane W. [London], 1891 July 29. To Mrs. Robertson. In full with grammatical errors: "I was so sorry for Mr. Robertson's Influenza -- I trust he is quite recovered - & that you are pretty well. Thank you for all the Hampers. Every thing has done well but the cream, for which the weather was too hot. Thank you for everything. After Saturday please not to send anything here unless you are so good as to send grass & a few flowers. I am going to Embley, my old home for 2 or 3 weeks And then Sir Harry & Mrs Verney are so good as to press my coming to Claydn But don't let the eggs you have been so good as to collect run down, if that is inconvenient to you. If more convenient to you, they might still come here. & be given away from here, till further notice - I am thankful Sir Harry is so well - I can have the usual Bank Holiday & School doings. The Nurses were so pleased with their day. God's blessings on you all." This letter references the Nightingale School for Nurses, which Florence Nightingale had founded in London in 1860.

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ROBERT FULTON - MANUSCRIPT DOCUMENT SIGNED 11/03/1809 - HFSID 278467

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.

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SAMUEL F. B. MORSE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 07/23/1849 - HFSID 36927

The artist and inventor signs this letter recommending that Congress purchase letters of General Henry Knox owned by a lady and wishing the courts would effectively put an end to the pirating of his telegraph invention. ALS: "Saml. F.B. Morse", 2p, 7¾x10. Po'keepsie, N.Y., 1849 July 23. To C.S. Daveis, Esq., Portland, Me. Daveis (1788-1865) was a prominent Maine attorney. In full: "Yours of the 17th inst I received on Saturday evening & this morning I called on Mrs Beekman and read her your letter. She feels that she has (as she undoubtedly has) a valuable deposit of papers, which ought to belong to the State or the United States Government. She is well disposed towards accommodating you with the sight and use of the letters of Gen. Knox. She says that the papers are contained in several boxes, and the search will be attended with some labor but that she will select out those of Gen. Knox and lay them by themselves. That she should be desirous of reaping pecuniary benefit from papers possessing so much value to the state, is both natural and proper, and she felt gratefully that part of your letter which promised her you did. Why cannot something be done at the next session of Congress for their purpose? Should you be in Washington, please think of it.…"

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FRANCIS DOUBLIER - AUTOGRAPHED INSCRIBED PHOTOGRAPH 04/20/1941 - HFSID 350393

Inscribed and signed photo of the film pioneering showing off photographs of the Lumière brothers and some early pieces of movie equipment. Photograph inscribed and signed: "To Mr. Marx Reimers/From/Francis Doublier/1894./Motion Picture Pioneer/April 20th 1941/Fort Lee, N.J." B/w, 7¼ x 9½. Doublier, who is surrounded by relics from the early days of motion pictures, has also initialed: "F.D." under a description of several pieces of equipment. In full: "Camera, printer,/projector used/in 1895 to 1900". He has also identified two photographs displayed around him: "Louis Lumière" and "Auguste and Louis Lumière". FRANCIS DOUBLIER (1878-1948), the first to see moving pictures projected onto a wall, signed and dated this photograph while Vice President of Major Film Laboratories, Inc. of New York. His photographic career began in 1894, when the 16-year-old became associated with brothers AUGUSTE MARIE NICOLAS LUMIÈRE (1862-1954) and LOUIS JEAN LUMIÈRE (1864-1948) and their experimentation with motion picture photography.

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Scientists, Inventors & Medicine | Programs

DR. WALTER M. HOHLWEG - PROGRAM SIGNED CIRCA 1982 - HFSID 16850

The Austrian endocrinology scientist signs his name above his biography, written in German Program signed: "Prof. Dr. Walter Hohlweg" in black ink. 4 pages, 6½x9.

Sale Price $126.00

$140.00
CHARLES F. KETTERING - PROGRAM SIGNED CIRCA 1948 - HFSID 174501

He signs on this program titled: "Preview Ride of the General Motors Train of Tomorrow, Miami to West Palm Beach and Return" Program Signed: "C.F. Kettering/(Ket)", 8p, 6¼x9. Florida, 1948 February 24.

Sale Price $324.00

$360.00
ORVILLE REDENBACHER - INSCRIBED PROGRAM SIGNED 05/29/1994 - HFSID 214476

Shown enjoying a handful of his "gourmet" popcorn, Redenbacher signs and inscribes in red ink Inscribed photograph signed: "Ethel/Cerera/Orville/Redenbacher/5/29/94". B/w, 8x10.

Sale Price $81.00

$90.00
JU-YING SONG - PROGRAM SIGNED 04/20/1996 - HFSID 312738

Program for her classical piano recital at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center Program inscribed and signed: "For Charles Lucas,/Best Wishes,/Ju-Ying Song/IV 20-96", full program (56 pages) 5½x8¾.

Sale Price $108.00

$120.00