Description:

Thomas Edison
Orange, NJ, October 14, 1930
Thomas Edison TLS, PSA Gem Mint 10, Exceptional!
TLS

Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931). Typed Letter Signed, "Thos A. Edison," with his signature umbrella paraph, 1p, on "From the Laboratory of Thomas A. Edison" stationery measuring 8.5" x 10.75", Orange, New Jersey, October 14, 1930. Small pencil notation from prior collector to an otherwise blank verso. Certified, graded an outstanding GEM MT 10, and encapsulated by PSA/DNA to an overall size of 9.75" x 12.5". Expected mailing folds and minor creases; otherwise, superb in every way and with the most perfect Edison signature we've ever encountered. Ex-Doris Harris, 1969.

Edison writes to one Edgar Williams of Los Angeles, California, in full: "I have received your favor of October 8th, recalling some of the interesting events which occurred when you were living in this locality, and I shall be glad to pass along your greetings to my sons. / Please accept my thanks for your kind expressions and good wishes."

It is unclear which of Edison's sons our letter's recipient was acquainted with, as he had four sons (and two daughters) from two marriages. His first marriage, at the age of 24 on December 25, 1871, was to 16-year-old Mary Stilwell (1855-1884), an employee at one of his shops. They had three children: Marion Estelle Edison (1873-1965); namesake Thomas Alva Edison Jr. (1876-1935); and William Leslie Edison (1878-1937), who was a graduate of the Sheffield Scientific School at Yale, 1900, and also an inventor.

Edison's second marriage, at the age of 39, on February 24, 1886, was to 20-year-old Mina Miller (1865-1947), the daughter of combine inventor Lewis Miller (1829-1899). They also had three children together: Madeleine Edison (1888-1979); Charles Edison (1890-1969), who took over his father's company and experimental laboratories upon his father's death; and Theodore Miller Edison (1898-1992), who had a masters degree in physics and has been credited with more than 80 patents.

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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  • Provenance: PSA: 85568381
  • Dimensions: 9.75" x 12.5"
  • Medium: TLS

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August 27, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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