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, and that it be recorded in their
proceedings, with such remarks of their own as their sense of justice may prompt after a
proper examination of the case.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
He signs a glowing (1854) autograph letter, enthusiastically recommending his former
assistant Otis Wood to any prospective employer.
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.…"
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.…"Scientists, Inventors & Medicine | Tickets
Top Signers
- Thomas A. Edison
- Hyman G. Rickover
- Samuel F. B. Morse
- George Eastman
- George Washington Carver
- Joseph Lister
- Edward Teller
- Richard J. Gatling
- Freelan O. Stanley
- William Hiram Radcliffe
- Frederick S. Duesenberg
- Louis J. Chevrolet
- Charles Goodyear
- Hudson Maxim
- Lee De Forest
- Joseph Henry
- Guglielmo M. Marconi
- Ronald E. Mcnair
- Wernher Von Braun
- Simon Lake
- Robert Fulton
- Humphry Davy
- Glenn T. Seaborg
- Henry Ford
- Linus Pauling
- Judith A. Resnik
- Peter Cooper
- John Burroughs
- Edward R. Squibb
- Henry Deringer
- View More
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HEDY LAMARR - MEAL TICKET SIGNED CIRCA 1949 - HFSID 182266Meal ticket signed by Hedy Lamarr in blue ink features her signature, "Hedy Lamarr", along with an ink note on the verso dated "5-18-49/Hedy Lamarr." The ticket provides a glimpse into her storied career and technological contributions.Price: $260.00
