Swiss-born race car driver and pioneering automotive engineer (1878–1941) who founded the company that bore his name and created one of the most familiar and durable brand names in history. DS, one page, 8 x 10.5, June 29, 1908. An agreement related to the sale of a patent. In part: “The Direct Motor-Drive Manufacturing Company, Lewis Ryan, President, and William Phillips, Jr., Treasurer, in Agreement with Geo. A. Buckley, for the sale of certain Patent Rights or certain capital stock ... which is owned by the aforesaid company.... This contract witnesseth that the said Lewis Ryan and William Phillips, Jr. ... enter into an agreement in which they agree ... jointly and separately with Geo. A. Buckley ... to pay him ... ten per cent commission on the gross amount resulting from complete and final sale, directly or indirectly, of their patent which is applied to the governing of speed of Automobiles ... or for the sale of any portion of the Capital Stock....” Countersigned by Ryan and Phillips. Short separations along horizontal folds (not affecting any text; archival reinforcements to reverse) and embossed notary seal touching last few letters of each signature (not affecting legibility in the least), otherwise fine condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
