Lot #232

Alexander Graham Bell Signed Check, Handwritten Notebook, and Ephemera

Description

Alexander Graham Bell's pocket notebook, with scientific notes on "shallow draft propulsion," "photo-telephoning," and "suicide by gold leaf"

Unique lot of Alexander Graham Bell ephemera and autographs, highlighted by Bell's handwritten "Things to Remember" pocket notebook, 73 pages, 2.25 x 3.75, circa 1904–1906, in which Bell had jotted hundreds of words in pencil, with various notes, memoranda, statistics, and a few sketches. In one instance, he writes out the text of a condolence telegram, including his signature, "Graham Bell," in part: "I feel so thankful to have my father with me that I can sympathize sincerely with you in your loss." He also records the New York City address of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, and writes out things relating to his personal life and scientific experimentation, such as, "steam turbine," "Aeroclub," "Bullfight at St. Louis," "Smithson Monument," "Chickens for grubs," "Shallow draft propulsion," "Photo-telephoning," "suicide by gold leaf," "what is the flying weight of a dandelion seed?," "caisson disease—effervescence of blood," mathematical notations, and many more. The miniature notebook offers fascinating insight into one of the great minds of the late 19th and early 20th century.

Additionally includes: a Bank of Nova Scotia check, 7.75 x 3.5, filled out in another hand and boldly signed in full by Bell, "Alexander Graham Bell," payable to L. McFadyen for $61.67; one of Bell's personal visiting card, 3.25 x 1.5, elegantly engraved with her name in a simple, cursive script: "Mr. Alexander Graham Bell"; and an engraved poem for the 1894 'Golden Wedding' of his parents, Alexander Melville Bell and Eliza Symonds, imprinted on a gilt-edged 4.5 x 6.75 card. In overall very good to fine condition, with staining to the check, not affecting its bold signature.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, and Civil War
• Dates: June 21, 2024 - July 10, 2024

This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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