Swedish chemist, engineer, inventor, businessman, and philanthropist (1833–1896) known for inventing dynamite and for bequeathing his fortune for the establishment of the Nobel Prize. ALS in Swedish, signed “Alfred,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4 x 6.75, June 30, 1889. Handwritten letter to his brother Robert, the founder of Branobel and a pioneer in the Russian oil industry. Nobel explains that his delayed response is due to his slavish commitment to duty and sends thanks photographs of his son Hjalmar, remarking that Hjalmar seems happiest of the Nobels and speculating that happiness is the greatest virtue. He wonders whether or not a telegram got through to him, explaining that he could not go to Saint Petersburg due to illness and commitments relating to business in Baku, Azerbaijan. Nobel considers discontinuing relationship with Berlin banking firm Disconto-Gesellschaft, and remarks that the largest market for selling shares would be in Russia.
In part (translated): "I'm too much of a philosopher to consider anything to be really imposing, but you get into a certain circle of influence and if you have a trace of the twisted quality of duty, you slave until you drop. Thanks for the photographs of [Robert's son] Hjalmar. The sun has not flattered him: his own appearance is, as I remember it, yet another whole degree…more beautiful and graceful. He is also, I think, the only one truly happy among the Nobels, and in my eyes, it is the highest among virtues, even though it often leads to vice…As to your telegram, I was at a loss as to how to address the reply. Åby, as a telegraph address, is not listed here…Hope it came out anyway. You ask if I am traveling to Petersburg…Lately I have been incredibly tired and by no means in satisfactory health. I've even started taking medication, which I loathe and which I don't resort to without…good reasons. If I felt healthy enough for that, I would certainly have gone. But my presence would be needed to get the Baku actions ready to go…Disconto Ges[ellschaf]t in Berlin…are overly cautious and I assume that one could become independent from them. The biggest market for these shares will certainly be in Russia, but capital increases will hardly exceed…8% dividend." In fine condition.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$150.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
