September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2023
Fascinating World War II Army Service Forces documents marked "CONFIDENTIAL" and addressed to theoretical physicist Albert Einstein. The documents were sent to Dr. Einstein and are regarding a personnel security check that was conducted by the War Department in order to screen subjects for National Defense work. Einstein's name was given as a reference and he was instructed to return answers for this document regarding the character of his friend and fellow scientist Dr. Rudi Welt Mandl, who persuaded Einstein to explore the phenomenon of gravitational lensing. "As a patriotic citizen" Einstein was obligated to mail his answers back to the government. The document is dated 3 March 1944 and is signed "Albert Einstein" on the second page where he is listed as the "Person Supplying Information". The signature was verified and comes with a James Spence Authentication Full Letter of Authenticity. Also included in the lot is a reproduction of Einstein's famous letter to President Roosevelt regarding the possibility of constructing an atomic bomb. The letter is signed at the top by Roosevelt's Secretary of State James Byrnes. Einstein stamp is affixed to the top border of the letter with official first day of issue cancellation Princeton NJ March 14, 1966. A very interesting set of documents related to one of the most pivotal moments of American history. This lot is former Dr. John K. Lattimer Collection. Document exhibits fold lines with light wear and legible signature. CONDITION: Good.
CORRECTION: Photos updated.
Item Dimensions: 10 - 1/2" x 8 - 1/2"