Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 40

Manuscript and Collectibles Auction

Scientists and Engineers

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 73		Darwin, Sir Francis (1848-1925) English botanist; collaborated with his father, Charles Darwin, in writing The Movement of Plants (1880). Two Autograph Letters Signed "F. Darwin,"6 pp, London and Kent, 1872. Fine; both with transmittal envelopes. To J. G. Rosengarten, both inviting Rosengarten to visit his father's house. Estimated Value $100 - 150. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $144
Lot 74		Edison, Thomas A (1847-1931) American inventor and businessman; one of the most prolific inventors in history; creator of the first industrial research laboratory. Signature on 3 3/8" 4 3/8" paper engraved "Walnut & 22nd Streets," n.d. Very good; some soiling and Edison's beautiful inimitable signature has slight brushing. Estimated Value $300 - 400. Ex Rosengarten family of Philadelphia. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $230
Lot 75		Edison, Thomas Alva. Two letters written in pencil to C.W. Luhr regarding the phonograph: an ALS with no date, 8" x 5" and signed "E", and an ANS written on the bottom of a 1923 typed letter from Luhr to Edison, 11" x 8½", n.p., n.d., signed "Edison." Very good; toning and a few edge chips and splits. The ALS says: "Luhr / I have some Reproducers that the Limiting pin & [a small drawing is here] holder lets weight down lower than others. Also I note that cord apparently varies in length, and some diamond points when playing has the lever at a different angle than others. E." The ANS is a response to Luhr's concern about a complaint "of poor or non-lubrication [that] usually occurs in the Baby Console and not in any of the other models where this single barrel mechanism is used." He asks for a non-lubricated instrument or two for the inspection department to examine. Edison replies: "I will try and get one. Such things will always occur where mfrs do not check everything by Inspection. Edison." Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 76		Einstein, Albert. Letter Signed "A. Einstein," on letterhead with blind embossed name and address, one page, 11" x 8½", Princeton, New Jersey, 28 Dec. 1949. To Mr. Joseph Halle Schaffner in New York City: "Receiving your delicious gift I felt your kindheartedness as I did on every occasion I had the pleasure of meeting you. I thank you very much and I wish you and yours a happy 1950." Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,200. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,610
Lot 77		Einstein, Albert (1879-1955) German-born American physicist; developed the theory of relativity; winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics (1921). Printed Card Signed and dated, "A. Einstein 1947," 3½" x 5", n.p. Thanking a well wisher for "your gracious message of congratulation on the occasion of my birthday. It was most thoughtful of you to remember me." Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,208
Lot 78		Freud, Sigmund (1856-1939) Austrian neurologist; founder of psychoanalysis. He was forced to leave Vienna by the Nazi regime (1938) and lived in London until his death. Autograph Letter Signed "Freud" on stationery engraved "Prof. Dr. Freud, Wien, IX., Berggasse 19," one page (recto/verso), in German, Vienna, 5 Oct. 1917. Very fine. With translation. To "Dear Colleague," describing the symptoms of a patient and recommending psychoanalysis for him. In part: "Dr. Benesch, age 36, from Eger, is suffering from a very interesting periodical affliction which is not melancholia, but certainly neurasthenia and manifests itself by pressure in the head, listlessness at work and cessation of the libido, showing the most distinct connection with his sexual life. In such a way that today normal intercourse does not agree with him any more. His previous attacks were provoked by frequent masturbation. The patient is on a three months leave…I think he should use this period to undergo PS (psychoanalyticial treatment) with you…." Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $7,475
Lot 79		von Braun, Wernher (1912-77) German-American rocket pioneer. He led Nazi Germany's rocket development program, then became the father of the American space program. Typed Letter Signed, on personal letterhead, 1½ pp, Huntsville, Alabama (where he was director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center), 12 October 1965. Fine except for light toning; staple at top left holds sheets together. Untranslated, in German, to Dr. Helmut Graf von Zborowski, breaking the bad news that NASA does not hire people over 60 years of age and neither does private industry in America. He gives more details and regrets if he gave Helmut false hope. Estimated Value $200 - 300. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $483