Lot 233
Edison, Thomas. Includes collateral material. (1847- 1931) Inventor and physicist. He developed the Edison Universal Stock Printer and manufactured telegraphs until 1876 when he began his research. He invented the phonograph (1877), the carbon- filament light bulb (1879) and motion picture equipment. Altogether he held patents for over 1000 inventions.
Typed Letter Signed Four pages, Quarto. On "From the Laboratory of Thomas A. Edison" stationery. Watermarked. October 7, 1916. To Lamar Lyndon.
Fascinating letter giving us a glimpse of Edison at work on problematic batteries used in WWI submarines.
In part: …"As perhaps you know, I have been engaged, since 1910, in the adaptation of my storage battery for use in submarines and other heavy duty service… In due time, these batteries were installed… the ventilation was defective in that the cooling air was not properly distributed… An effort was made to improve on the ventilation and, the E-2 having gone to the dry dock… While this discharge was being made on January 15th, 1916, at 1.12 P.M. or thereabouts, an explosion occured within the boat… A Board of Inquiry was appointed… for the purpose of investigating all makes of storage batteries used in American submarines… On the understanding that you will treat this entire matter as confidential, I am sending the following:…"
He goes on to include documents and plans for Mr. Lyndon to persuse before he joins Edison in Orange, NJ.
He finishes the letter in part: "… I want to get to the bottom of this matter in a broad minded, unbiased manner. If the battery is inherently wrong… I want to know it. If it is primarily correct in theory and faulty in design for such service, I want to know it. It is not my desire to sell anything unsuited to the work to which it is put… I feel that you are eminently competent to advise me in this matter, and will govern myself accordingly. / Yours truly / Thomas A. Edison".
The piece is signed in black ink with his famous full umbrella signature.
Very slight foxing along top edge of first page. Standard fold creases and a few minimal tears.
Fine.
Estimated Value $1,500-UP.
Acquired directly from Lamar Lyndon's nephew. Unpublished and never before offered for public sale.
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| Realized $1,725 |
