Description:

Diesel Rudolf

Single page TLS, 8" x 11", typed in German on letterhead of "R. Diesel, Ingenieur, Munchen, de, Maria Theresia- Str 32". Dated "10 October" and boldly signed by Rudolf Diesel as "Diesel" . Fine condition with attached English translation in graphite affixed to the top edge.

Provenance: An important autograph collection of Howard Goldman, the bulk of which sold at Sotheby's in 1995. Howard Goldman purchased the piece from James Lowe in 1983, and a copy of the original provenance will come with the TLS.

A fascinating letter written just before the business venture between Adolphus Busch of the Anheuser-Busch brewing company, Sulzer brothers of Switzerland, and the Diesel Motor Company. The combined company, later known as Busch-Sulzer, proceeded to manufacture diesel engines until 1946. Earlier, in 1897, Adolphus Busch acquired rights to build diesel engines in the United States, with Rudolph Diesel, the German inventor, mechanical engineer and inventor of the diesel engine. He worked with Busch as a consultant. The first companies resulting from this were the Diesel Motor Company (1898-1902) of New York City and the American Diesel Engine Company (1902-1911), which relocated to St, Louis Missouri in 1908 and was succeeded by Busch-Sulzer. Although ultimately Busch acquired the rights to build Sulzer designs with the formation of Busch-Sulzer, the American joint venture preferred its own designs. This TLS references the "Minutes" of the directors meeting from September 25, 1911, and makes note of the contract between the companies as translated below:

"Reply to the Minutes of the Director's meeting

I gratefully confirm the receipt of the Minutes of the directors meeting of 25th Sept 11, which contains the contract between your company, Sultzer Brothers and myself, as well as the supplementary contract with Mr. Adolphus Busch.

Sincerely

Diesel".


This reply by Diesel was acknowledgement of the resulting joint venture contract. The Busch-Sulzer Bros. Diesel Engine Company would be founded in 1911. This significant TLS marks the formation of this major company.

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