Lot #401

Linus Yale, Jr

Description

Yale signs and titles an illustration of his “Burglar-proof Chilled iron for Doors & Safes,” adopted by the U.S. Treasury Department for all their new mints, custom-houses, and sub-treasuries, and tells his wife in a letter on verso “Got orders from Hall & Dodds for two more locks”

American mechanical engineer and manufacturer (1821–1868) best known for his inventions of locks, especially the cylinder, or pin-tumbler lock. Yale was also the inventor of the Yale Magic Bank Lock, Yale Double Treasury Bank Lock, Monitor Bank Lock, and the Yale Double Dial Bank Lock. ALS signed “Linus,” one page on the reverse of a 9.5 x 7.75 printed illustration of one of his safe designs, January 9, 1856. Yale writes to his wife, Kate. In part: “Here I am at Johnson’s Hotel 9 o clock Wednesday evening. Got along tolerably well on the only train through from Philada. Left at 2 P.M. Found the MS. and brot [sic] it on asked John to send the note which accompanied it out to you - Did you get it? What do you think of the modification? Don't it show the way the wind blows? I think it is clear he thinks well of it or is at least anxious it should not come to N. York. But I shall take it up to the Fowlers and try them. I had much rather they would publish it. I am sorry we can not push it although it will by management go without. Got orders from Hall & Dodds for two more locks. Oscar is not in yet. So don’t know what is the news. My appointment with the Bank of Commerce is for tomorrow—Hope to succeed. Morris thinks it’s a good idea to keep Remington in the business.” In a postscript to the left of his letter, Yale has added “Tell Johnny I have had very pleasant thoughts about his learning to read so well-lately they all seem to be learning very fast.” The reverse bears three printed illustrations captioned by Yale: “Yale’s Burglar-proof Chilled iron for/Doors & Safes. Address/Linus Yale Jr/13 Chesnut [sic] St. Philada. Pa.” Matted and framed together with two engraved plaques and a color portrait, in a hinged presentation allowing viewing of both sides of letter, to an overall size of 40.5 x 23. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, scattered toning and staining (touching signature on letter), and faint show-through of printed side behind signature. RRAuction COA. Oversized.

Auction Info

• Auction Title:
• Dates: #345 - Ended May 13, 2009