April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/13/2023
A historic lot of ephemera from American engineer, inventor, and developer of the world's first commercially successful steamboat, the North River Steamboat, Robert Fulton. The lot consists of a letter written in pencil regarding a structure signed "R Fulton". Interestingly, the reverse of the letter displays a pencil drawing of that structure with notes and calculations in ink. The letter measures 13" x 7 - 1/4". The letter is accompanied by a receipt dated January 8th, 1812 in which Fulton is paying Robert Livingston 8000 dollars and is signed in ink "Robert Fulton". Livingston's political influence enabled Fulton to secure a monopoly on steamboat navigation. The receipt measures approximately 7 - 1/4" x 3 - 1/8". There is also a copy of the book "The Elements of Natural or Experimental Philosophy" by Tiberius Cavallo. that is signed "Robt Fulton, London / June 15th 1805" on the title page. There is also a circa 1860s engraving of Fulton from the original painting by Alonzo Chappel. Lastly, the lot comes with an October 8, 1810 issue of the Portland Gazette and Maine Advertiser that contains a front page article concerning Fulton's torpedoes and a controversy with Commodore Rodgers over a torpedo defense. These pieces were all once part of the renowned collection of Dr. John K. Lattimer. The lot comes with a James Spence Authentication Auction Letter of Authenticity. CONDITION: All pieces exhibit blemishes typical of old paper including foxing, creasing, edge wear, yellowing, etc. The book exhibits remnants of an old rubber band, but is otherwise intact.
CORRECTION: Title updated.
Item Dimensions: 15" x 10" x 2"
Paperwork
JSA ALOA, old auction description