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Lot #129
Wilhelm Rontgen

Rare letter to the first producer of radiographic plates, only months after discovering the X-ray

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Estimate: $3000+
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Description

Rare letter to the first producer of radiographic plates, only months after discovering the X-ray

Distinguished German physicist (1845–1923) who discovered X-rays in 1895, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1901. ALS in German, signed “Dr. W. C. Rontgen,” one page on a 5.5 x 3.5 postcard, April 3, 1896. Letter to Carl Schleussner, saying that he would check the photographic plates sent to him right after his return from Sorrento, where he was spending his holidays. In fine condition, with a crease to the upper left corner tip. Schleussner, the world's first photographic materials manufacturer, worked with Rontgen to develop the first X-ray plate. Rontgen had taken the first-ever X-ray photograph—an image of his wife's hand—just a few months earlier on December 22, 1895, shortly after his discovery of X-rays. Upon viewing the image of her hand's skeleton, his wife exclaimed, 'I have seen my death!' Thanks to his collaboration with Rontgen, Schleussner soon obtained a worldwide reputation as the leading producer of radiographic plates.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs And Artifacts
  • Dates: #497 - Ended April 12, 2017





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