French engineer (1832–1923) best remembered for designing the tower that bears his name. ALS in French, signed “G. Eiffel,” on a 5.5 x 3.5 postcard, December 8, 1907. Letter to Hans Kaempfer. In full (translated): “Since you are interested in the Tower, you were no doubt pleased to learn that due to its exceptional antenna the tower is providing outstanding services to Wireless Telegraphy. These signal services will soon become even more important thanks to a new installation which will make it the No. 1 station in the world.” A small clipped photo of Eiffel has been affixed to the left side. In fine condition, with some light corner and edge creases, and a few small ink marks from postal cancellations, in no way affecting any of the text.
When Eiffel’s design for the Tower was selected to be the entrance arch to the 1889 World’s Fair, it was under the condition that after twenty years its ownership would revert to the City of Paris and, in response to heavy public opposition to the ‘eyesore,’ it would be dismantled. Aware of the tower’s fate, Eiffel began adding radio antennae at the start of the 20th century; as Marconi made advances in long distance wireless telegraphy, Eiffel kept pace with the developing technology. By the time the twenty-year contract was up in 1909, the tower had proved its utility as a telegraphic transmission station and the city decided that it should remain. The decision was solidified in the opening weeks of World War I, when the Tower played a key role in blocking German communication, hindering their advance on Paris and contributing to the Allied victory at the First Battle of the Marne. An extraordinary letter from the brilliant architect regarding his world-famous creation, praising the communication capabilities that prevented its destruction. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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