ALS in French, signed "G. Eiffel," two pages on two adjoining sheets, 4 x 5.25, personal Rue de Prony letterhead, May 1887. Letter to French aeronaut and scientist Gaston Tissandier, in full (translated): "I thank you for sending the very interesting notice on Giffard's balloon and I dream to do something similar for the Tower. I am sending back to you the proof release and appreciate very much your praise for the Tower and it's author; coming from a man like you, it is very precious to me." In fine condition, with a smudge to one word of text. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Eiffel's hand, as well as one of his personal visiting cards with four words penned in his hand.
This letter dates to just a few months after the construction of the Eiffel Tower began on January 28, 1887; it would be officially inaugurated at the Exposition Universelle of 1889. Henri Giffard, a pioneer of the steam-powered dirigible who had committed suicide five years earlier, was so esteemed by his countrymen that he is among the 72 great notables whose names are inscribed on the Eiffel Tower. Eiffel himself was interested in aviation, later dedicating much of his studies to aerodynamics. Excellent overall content.
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