British engineer and physicist (1849–1945) who invented the “oscillation valve,” the first vacuum tube, one of the pioneering developments in the history of electronics. ALS, one page, 7 x 8.75, personal letterhead, May 12, 1939. Fleming writes to an unnamed gentleman. In part: “I regret I cannot sign the enclosed picture because if I did it would amount to agreeing that the picture is a portrait of me. But no one who knows me would recognize it as a valid representation of me….” Light foxing along right edge (touching a few words), otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
