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THOMAS EDISON

$7000

AMAZING HANDWRITTEN LETTER FROM THOMAS EDISON REGARDING THE CONDUCTION OF ELECTRICITY FOR ELECTRIC CAR BATTERIES OVER 100 YEARS BEFORE THE ADVENT OF EV’S

Thomas Edison Autograph Letter Signed. One page, on New Jersey and Pennsylvania Concentrating Works stationery, 8 x 10 inches, Orange, New Jersey; February 5, 1898. Letter, marked “personal”, from Edison to Frank L. Perry of the Western Electrician concerning the conducting power of electricity through a wire. Signed, “Thomas A. Edison.”

It reads in full: “The most curious thing in the electrical line that I know of is the instantaneous control of mechanism at a distance over a wire by currents extremely weak, when passed through a cylinder of compressed Calcium Phosphate upon which the electrodes rest.”

By 1898, Edison had moved his laboratory from Menlo Park to West Orange, New Jersey. Within the next year, he was working on an improved storage battery for electric cars and he is probably referring to the electric battery in this letter to Frank L. Perry, who was a journalist for the Western Electrician, a periodical devoted to the latest news in the field of electrical engineering. Edison put a decade of work into perfecting the battery, but during that time cars designed to run on gasoline took over the market. Edison’s batteries found many uses, especially the storage battery.

Frank L. Perry was for many years connected with the editorial department of the Western Electrician in Chicago. He also managed the Baltimore Sun for a while before returning to Chicago, where he continued his journalistic activities.

The New Jersey and Pennsylvania Concentrating Works was established by Edison in 1888. Among Edison’s varied and extensive interests was an ore-milling process that would extract various metals from ore. In 1881, he formed the Edison Ore-Milling Co., but the venture failed, as there was no market for it. In 1887, he returned to the project, thinking that his process could help the mostly depleted Eastern mines compete with the Western ones. Thus, in December 1888, the New Jersey and Pennsylvania Concentrating Works was formed to engage in large-scale magnetic separation of iron ore in New Jersey. Edison became so immersed in its operations that he began to spend much time away from home at the mines in Ogdensburg, New Jersey. Although he invested much money and time into the project, it proved unsuccessful as demand dropped and additional sources of ore in the Midwest were found. Edison’s New Jersey and Pennsylvania Concentrating Works closed in 1900.

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FAQ

Authenticating an autograph is a complex process that entails numerous factors such as the paper, ink, and penmanship. Comparing these elements to known examples is crucial in determining authenticity. If you lack experience in this area, it is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of professionals who can handle the task with expertise.

The value of an autograph is influenced by various factors, including rarity, condition, content, and association. Accordingly, assigning a general value to letters can be challenging. This uniqueness is what adds thrill to autograph collecting and makes pricing a demanding task.

The autograph market is subject to fluctuations like any other market and is sensitive to factors such as supply, demand, and the overall state of the economy. The autograph market differs from other markets as the availability, or supply, of autographs stops after an individual’s death. With the growth of the internet increasing the number of collectors and erasing geographical boundaries, there has been an upsurge in demand for autographs worldwide. Due to ongoing demand and limited supply, autograph prices have inevitably risen over the years, as witnessed by the Brams Collection. It is not advisable to invest in autographs for financial gain, as the autograph market is not especially “liquid” and does not pay dividends. Nevertheless, we believe that autographs are a stable financial investment that should increase in value over time. However, the rate of increase cannot be predicted or guaranteed with precision.

We have a vast collection of autographs and items that are currently not uploaded on our website. If you do not find what you are looking for, please get in touch with us and we will be delighted to search our inventory for you.

Many advise collectors to specialize in a particular area of interest. However, your collection should provide you with personal satisfaction, and not focus solely on making a profitable investment or following the current trend. Always aim for top-quality pieces within your budget, recognizing that items not reaching your standard will remain mediocre. As a collector, it is essential to understand the market and ask pertinent questions before purchasing. Forming a trusted relationship with dealers can help them find desirable pieces to add to your collection.

At Brams Collection, we pride ourselves on our extensive collection of authentic source materials. Our founder, Daniel Brams, is an expert in ink, paper, and penmanship, and has a deep understanding of the history of autographs and authentication techniques. We offer an unconditional guarantee of authenticity to the original purchaser, with no time limit. In addition, we promise competitive prices, prompt and courteous service, and a satisfaction guarantee.

If you have conducted a thorough search using accurate spelling of the name or subject, and are unable to locate the item you desire, please reach out to us via our contact page. Our team will diligently search our inventory for autographs or items that may align with your interests.

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