LS signed “Thos. A. Edison,” one lightly lined page, 6 x 9.5, personal letterhead, October 8, 1884. Edison sends his compliments to sculptor Rupert Schmid after seeing a bust of himself. In full, “A number of my friends have seen the bust of myself which you executed and they all state that it is a very striking likeness of me. Personally I am very pleased with it & have great pleasure in testifying to my satisfaction.” Boldly signed at the conclusion by Edison. Schmid was a sculptor who was the son of a stone carver. He studied at the Royal Academy in Munich, and in 1884, immigrated to the United States. The next year he exhibited at the National Academy of Design, and by 1890 had settled in San Francisco where he established a studio and got many important commissions including the decorations for the Spreckels and Chronicle buildings as well as portraits busts of many prominent persons of San Francisco. In very good condition, with scattered toning and soiling, overall creasing and wrinkling, expected folds, some slight separations along mailing folds. Edison’s signature still remains bold and prominent. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA. Featured collection item.
