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Lot #205
Thomas Edison

Edison sells his movie studio, home of the very first Frankenstein film

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Description

Edison sells his movie studio, home of the very first Frankenstein film

DS, signed “Thos. A. Edison,” one page both sides, 8 x 11, September 23, 1919. Minutes of a meeting of the Board of Directors of Thomas A. Edison, Inc. held in West Orange, New Jersey. After minutes of the previous meeting were approved, discussion moved on to the “resumé of matters connected with Sale of Bronx Studio and Negatives,” for a total of $135,000 to R. L. Giffen. Minutes also state that “Mr. Giffen does not enter into possession of any of our negatives until he has paid a total of $60,000, under the terms of this agreement. When he has paid this sum, we surrender to him all our right, title and interest in the so called ‘Lincoln & Parker Negatives.’ This lot includes all motion picture material except the Kleine subjects and the lot sold to Giffen last March.” Signed at the conclusion in black ink by Edison. In very good condition, with Edison’s signature a few shades light, but completely legible, mild toning and adhesive remnants to front of document. Following the closure of Edison's Black Maria studios in West Orange, New Jersey, he had new facilities built on Decatur Avenue and Oliver Place in The Bronx, New York. The studio made close to twelve hundred films for the Edison Company and the Edison Manufacturing Company until its closing in 1918. Some of the studio's notable productions include the first Frankenstein film in 1910 and the first ever serial made in 1912 titled What Happened to Mary? LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #318 - Ended February 14, 2007