DS, signed “Thomas Alva Edison,” one page both sides, 9 x 14, November 22, 1881. In full: “I, Thomas Alva Edison, of Menlo Park, in the state of New Jersey, United States of America, Electrician, do solemnly and sincerely declare, that I am in possession of an Invention for ‘Improvements in Carbon Burners for Incandescent Conductors for Electric Lamps and in the means and methods of manufacture and treatment thereof partly applicable to the manufacture of other Carbon Articles,’ British Patent dated February 9, 1881, No. 562, that I believe the said Invention will be of public utility; that I am the Inventor thereof, and that the same is not publicly known or used in India to the best of my knowledge and belief; and that to the best of my knowledge and belief my said invention is truly described in my petition for leave to file a specification thereof.” Signed in black ink, “Thomas Alva Edison,” and notarized beneath Edison’s signature by George T. Pinckney on November 22, 1881. The reverse of document bears a signed statement from William Simmons, written in another hand, stating, “I, William James Simmons, of Hastings Street in Calcutta a member of the firm Harris and Company, do solemnly and sincerely declare that the members of … Harris and Company have been justly and severally appointed by the said Thomas Alva Edison his agents for the purpose of obtaining an exclusive privilege for him under Act XV of 1859 of the Legislative Council of India in his invention above stated and I verily believe that the declaration of the said Thomas Alva Edison on the other side hereof written was signed by him and that the contents thereof are true. Dated at Calcutta this 31 day of January 1882.” Affixed to the front of the document’s bottom edge is a smaller one page document, 7.5 x 8, signed by Her Britannic Majesty’s Consul-General, attesting to the signature of Pinckney, signed by E[dward] M[ortimer] Archibald. Edison’s genius extended to his business acumen, and a number of his patents were first obtained overseas to ensure international ownership. In very good condition, with light toning and soiling (a bit heavier at the edges), light show-through from ink on reverse (not affecting Edison’s bold 3.5″ signature) and a few small pencil notations. Very rare opportunity to acquire a full Edison signature, enhanced by its association on a lightbulb patent, making this an almost-must have for the serious collector. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
