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Lot #148
Nikola Tesla Autograph Letter Signed

Rare 1896 handwritten letter by Nikola Tesla, just five days before illuminating the city of Buffalo

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Estimate: $5000+
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Description

Rare 1896 handwritten letter by Nikola Tesla, just five days before illuminating the city of Buffalo

ALS signed “N. Tesla,” one page, 8.5 x 11, November 11, 1896. Handwritten letter to "Mr. Adams," in full: "I have thought that it is better to forward the papers to your home so that you may eventually look over them on your way down town. There is no error of importance only I have made a few insignificant changes or additions." In fine condition, with splitting to the ends of the two mailing folds. Accompanied by a 1973 letter from the Heritage Bookshop in Hollywood, offering the Tesla letter for sale.

It seems likely that Tesla wrote this letter to Edward Dean Adams, the president of Niagara Falls Hydraulic Power and Manufacturing Company which built the first hydroelectric power plants—designed by Tesla—in Niagara Falls, New York. Just five days after this date, at midnight on November 16, 1896, the power plant underwent its first test transfer of electrical power. By the flip of a switch, the Adams Power Plant Transformer House went online and power began to flow into homes nearby in Buffalo. It marked a signal moment in Tesla's quest to illuminate the world.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts, Ft. Science & Tech
  • Dates: #622 - Ended December 08, 2021





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $150.00

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