American industrialist (1892–1976) and billionaire who at one time was considered the world’s richest private citizen. ALS signed “Paul,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8.25, American Express letterhead, June 24, 1932. Letter to his mother, Sarah Getty. In part: "I hear from the office that you didn’t think I wrote often and were worried about me. Darling, I have written you about every two weeks since I left. Haven’t you received my letters? I might add that I have written you oftener than you have me. I love to hear from you—do write whenever you feel able to…I suppose the bank has told you that Mr. Andreson, the Gov’t valuation man in Washington, has cut down the estimated inheritance tax from $2,600,000 to about $1,390,000. I am keeping in close touch with this matter and will leave for Washington as soon as they are ready for me. I expect to finally settle the tax within the next two months unless unexpected obstacles develop…This afternoon I am going out to see the Prix des Drags—the great society event of the Paris season. As you know this is the climax of the social year in Paris—la grande semaine—Sunday will be run the Grand Prix and then the fashionables will leave Paris for the summer." In fine condition, with slight show-through from writing on opposing sides. Getty’s father, George Getty, has passed away in 1930 and left the estate to his wife in the form of a controlling interest in the family’s oil company with a value of $10 million and $15 million; he left very little to his son, and despite the cordial tone of this letter, J. Paul and Sarah Getty had an often tense relationship and would soon be openly at odds over these financial matters. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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