DS, signed “Frank R. Capra,” two pages, 8.5 x 13, June 30, 1933. Agreement between Capra and Joe Walker and Sheldon K. Johnson regarding Capra’s investment in their invention of “a certain communicating device.” In part: “The party…have now a working model ready to show prospective buyers…further financing is necessary for the disposal of the rights to the communicating device, and…it is necessary to send Mr. Johnson to Washington for the purpose of disposing said rights…It is further understood that [Capra]…shall receive twenty percent (20%) of the gross income from the sale and/or rental leases, or royalties as and when the device is disposed of.” In fine condition, with three horizontal folds, light scattered wrinkling, a paperclip mark and impression to the upper left, and a staple to the top edge.
Walker was a cinematographer who collaborated with Capra extensively throughout his career, including on classics like It Happened One Night, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and It's a Wonderful Life. He also held numerous patents on camera and film related devices that ranged from zoom lenses to a ‘facial makeup meter.’ However, given the date of this document and the fact that Johnson intended to go to Washington to sell the device, it seems that it must refer to his ‘Method and Means of Recording and Reproducing Secret Messages,’ which is the only patent naming both Walker and Johnson that was filed prior to 1933. The patent states that the invention “is particularly useful for diplomatic messages, as it may be readily transmitted over a wire or by radio” and that even cryptographic experts had been unable to intercept and decode the device’s messages during testing. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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