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Lot #482
Gustave Eiffel

"I wish to donate to the Ministry of War the mechanical devices currently in my aerodynamics laboratory"

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Estimate: $700+
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Description

"I wish to donate to the Ministry of War the mechanical devices currently in my aerodynamics laboratory"

ALS in French, signed “G. Eiffel,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8.25, Les Bruyeres letterhead, August 11, 1916. Letter to Mr. Dufour, in part (translated): "I was informed by telephone that Mr. Dufour was drafted and that I should talk to his replacement about the information that I need, which is as follows: I wish to legally donate to the Ministry of War the mechanical devices currently in my aerodynamics laboratory, as well as a sum of money to be used for their transfer to, and installation in some State-owned building. Would this double donation necessitate some filing charges?" In fine condition, with splitting along the hinge. Though best known for his eponymous tower, Eiffel made significant contributions to the scientific study of aerodynamics. Early on, he conducted 'drop tests' of various objects from the Eiffel tower's 377-foot high second platform, and in 1909 expanded his research by building a wind tunnel at its base, where he used fans driven by electric motors to study air resistance in connection with aviation. Known as the 'Eiffel-type' wind tunnel, the designs he developed are still in use today.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #512 - Ended November 08, 2017





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