Description:

CHARLES DURYEA
(1861 - 1938) American inventor and manufacturer who, with his brother, built the first gasoline-powered automobile, won the first automobile race, and sold the first commercially-produced American car. Very rare T.L.S. 1p. 4to., New York, Oct. 18, 1930, on letterhead of Museums of the Peaceful Arts to Charles F. Splitdorf. Clearly typed by Duryea himself, with idiosyncratic spelling and diction not altered, in part: "…I think yu wer the first American coil maker to build a coil specifically for auto work. I remembering ordering a short wire hot spark one about 1897. So ur ar the man to present to our Museum something that wil remain there as a monument to yu for centuries to come. Long after yur tombstone in a graveyard has tumbled over and been stolen for a building block. Back in 1836 Thos Davenport gave us the rotary armature that made electricity our servant. His first patent application was lost in the Pat Office fire but he got a patent in 1837 and I wish you wud make up a copy of that machine and give it to us with yur name attach. In connection with yur presentation write up yur story of that first coil and later work in theauto line. Make it brief. Long stories are not read. This will go into the Library….With best wishes for historic truth…. Boldly signed in pencil, adding in a typed postscript: "If this meets yur approval I wil send yu a copy of the patent. & any other need information". With original envelope. Small ink stain to top left corner, very light toning, otherwise very good condition.

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October 9, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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