Description:

Field Cyrus

Cyrus W. Field, Atlantic & Pacific Telegraph Cable Pioneer, Archive

 

An intriguing 8-pc archive related to American businessman Cyrus W. Field (1819-1892), including an autograph letter signed as "Cyrus W. Field." With supplemental research material relating to transatlantic cable memorabilia in museum collections, recent auction returns, and Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the designer of the Great Eastern, the ship which laid the first transatlantic cable.

 

The lot includes:

 

1. 1p autograph letter signed as "Cyrus W. Field" at lower right, written in New York City on October 12, 1871 and addressed to U.S. Senator from Massachusetts Charles Sumner (1811-1874). Field wrote in part: "I am glad to find that you see the importance of + necessity for a Pacific Cable, and hope to have some interesting conversation with you on that subject before long." The enormous stylized "C" of Field's signature has been trimmed, and the letter is mounted to a paper backing. Isolated discoloration, else near fine. Overall size: 5.25" x 8.625".

 

2. 1p souvenir celebrating Field's installation of a more durable transatlantic cable in 1866. Entitled "The Gooch Lampson Canning Thompson Anderson Glass Varley Willoughby Smith Cable" (in oddly spaced lettering perhaps reminiscent of telegraphy?), the souvenir reproduced a poem beginning with the stanza, "In yon abyss, in Sub-oceanic bed / Lies safely lodged that justly world-famed thread…" Tipped into a larger sheet. A minor closed tear not affecting the printed green sheet.

 

3. A partly printed invitation welcoming the recipient to Field's Gramercy Park residence on February 24, 1879. Lavishly decorated with allegorical vignettes of four of the seven continents, with a gilt-embossed Field family crest at top. March 10, 1879 was the 25th anniversary of the foundation of the first Atlantic cable, and was probably the reason for the reception. Scattered foxing.

 

4. An 1882 magazine clipping showing a portrait of Field after the photograph by Napoleon Sarony.

 

5. A contemporary print of Field.

 

6. 8" x 10" glossy black and white photograph of Field conversing with members of the "Cable Cabinet", stamped "Pach Bros., N.Y." verso.

 

7. A double-sided book or magazine page showing two prints after Norman Wilkinson, including a view of the steamship Great Eastern.

 

8. A printed pamphlet about gutta percha, the rubber alternative heralded as the "grandest discovery of the age." Loose pages and uneven toning.

 

Cyrus W. Field was a Massachusetts clergyman's son who started out in the dry goods business and soon made a fortune in the paper manufacturing industry. In 1857, along with Samuel F.B. Morse and other members of the so-called "Cable Cabinet", Field financed construction of the first transatlantic telegraph. These same financiers later co-owned its umbrella company, the American Telegraph Company.

 

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

 

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