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Lot #112
Nikola Tesla Autograph Letter Signed

Tesla writes from his Fifth Ave laboratory

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Estimate: $30000+
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Description

Tesla writes from his Fifth Ave laboratory

ALS signed “N. Tesla,” one page, 8 x 10.5, November 29, 1894. Handwritten letter to "Mrs. Johnson," probably the wife of his close friend, the poet and diplomat Robert Underwood Johnson. In full: "Very sorry for missing the pleasure last night. I was unable to free myself from other obligations. Your letter was unanswered as I expected to call. Please express my thanks to Mrs. Anthony for her kind letter. There is a lady who can make nice compliments." In fine condition, with a rusty circular paperclip impression to the top edge.

In August 1892, Tesla moved his lab to 33-35 South Fifth Avenue where he took up the fourth floor; he remained there for two-and-a-half years before the building burnt down. The New York Times quoted Tesla when reporting on the fire: 'I am in too much grief to talk. What can I say? The work of half my lifetime, very nearly all my mechanical instruments and scientific apparatus, that it has taken years to perfect, swept away in a fire that lasted only an hour or two. How can I estimate the loss in mere dollars and cents? Everything is gone. I must begin over again.'

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring John F. Kennedy
  • Dates: #647 - Ended November 09, 2022





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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