Description:

Thomas Jefferson
n.p. [Monticello], March 20 [1810]
T. Jefferson PSA GEM MT 10 Free Frank to Robert Fulton, Napoleon's Submarine Engineer
Free Frank

A partial leaf franked by Thomas Jefferson and addressed to notable engineer Robert Fulton. 1p, measuring 5" x 3.25", n.p. [likely Monticello], March 20, no year [1810]. Reading in full, all in the former President's hand: "Free/ Th: Jefferson/ Robert Fulton Esq./ New York". Exhibits uneven margins throughout with negligible closed tears near upper right. Light staining to corners of verso, otherwise very attractive. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA to an overall size of 7.25" x 4.25" and graded GEM MT 10.

This same address leaf was offered in Christie's December 2007 sale along with its corresponding letter from Jefferson to Fulton, which together realized over $46,000! The letter, dated March 17, 1810, notably applauds Fulton's work on the torpedo and hydraulic ram, reading in part: "Your torpedoes will be to cities what vaccination has been to mankind. It extinguishes their greatest danger. But there will still be navies. Not for the destruction of cities, but for the plunder of commerce on the high seas… I am thankful to you for the trouble you have taken in thinking of the belier hydraulique. To be put into motion by the same power which was to continue it's motion was certainly wanting to that machine…."

Robert Fulton (1765-1815) was an American engineer and inventor who is widely credited with developing the world's first commercially successful steamboat, dubbed the 'North River Steamboat'. In the mid-late 1790s, he was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte to attempt to design a submarine, the result of which was 'Nautilus', the first practical submarine in history. Later, Fulton was also credited with inventing one of the earliest torpedoes for use by the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars.

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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  • Dimensions: 7.25" x 4.25"
  • Medium: Free Frank

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Bid Increments
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$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000