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Alfred Nobel Autograph Document Signed

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:25,000.00 - 35,000.00 USD
Alfred Nobel Autograph Document Signed

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Auction Date:2021 Dec 08 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:15th Floor WeWork, Boston, Massachusetts, 02108, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Important partially handwritten and twice-signed document in French, signed "Alfred Nobel" and "A. Nobel," one page both sides, 8.25 x 10.75, January 24, 1873, in which Nobel gives permission for the production of dynamite in Italy. The agreement entails that a company ("anonymous Italian society for the production of dynamite") is to be founded, in which Alfred Nobel will receive 1,200 shareholdings, while the other shall receive 340 shareholdings. Nobel concludes by clarifying that this agreement does not, in any way, restrict the Nobel patent for the dynamite.

The first page and a half, written in another hand, in full (translated): "Gentlemen, To confirm, as is necessary, the commitment toward you that I entered following the action of April 29, 1872 concerning the formation of an anonymous Italian society for the production of dynamite, for which you guaranteed the subscription of social capital, which project was followed by a new act signed this day, I hereby declare formally that I am obliged to hand over to you, Gentlemen, the following.

1. to MM. Bandmann and Carstens dividend shares…152
2. to M. Eug. Pereire…24
3. to M. Gunzbourg…24
4. to M. I. Pereire…24
5. to G. Halphen…18
6. to M. Barbe…30
7. the anonymous Italian Society for dynamite powder to distribute it in Italy, according to the instructions of MM. Barbe and Carstens…50
8. to M. A Brüll for his care in establishing the Society…18
Total: 340

It remains understood, Gentlemen, that these 340 dividend shares will be paid out to you on the day the anonymous Italian Society will be able to deliver them, against the 1200 that are designed for me and my contribution.

Once the Society delivers these shares to the carrier, you will be able to withdraw the 340 shares in question with a temporary receipt, replaced by a release form signed by me which obliges me to hand you the released shares on the day the Society delivers them to me.

I authorize you, Gentlemen, to make use of this document in any way you deem useful to the protection of your rights of the 340 shares regarding our mutual commitment which I consequently honor by giving you all possible rights to the withdrawal of said 340 shares from the Italian Society, which I, in no case, can withdraw without your contentment and satisfaction. Please accept my sincere wishes."

The concluding portion, written in Nobel's hand (the first portion in ink over pencil), in full (translated): "Good for three hundred and forty dividend shares of the anonymous Italian Dynamite Society against the twelve hundred shares assigned to me by the Society’s action on January 24, 1873. Alfred Nobel, P.S. It is understood that my signature under this letter and on the action of the Society today in no way grants the right to Mr. Carstens and Mr. Boardmann to file for a patent of an invention that was mine, whether on their own or via a proxy. A. Nobel.” He also adds a marginal notation to the first page. In fine condition, with a crease to the lower right corner, and a light stain at the bottom of the hinge.

Letters and documents by Nobel are very rare, especially when the word "dynamite" is mentioned. This document does not only mention ”dynamite,” it's strictly about dynamite, which is what defined his life and legacy. In 1888, Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel—famed as the inventor of dynamite—was shocked to read his own obituary in a French newspaper: 'The Merchant of Death is Dead,' the headline read, ‘Dr. Alfred Nobel, who became rich by finding ways to kill more people faster than ever before, died yesterday.’ It was a case of mistaken identity, his brother Ludvig having actually passed. Given this rare opportunity to witness the way he would be remembered, Nobel resolved to change his legacy. He secretly rewrote his will, directing his fortune toward the establishment of annual prizes to be granted to ‘those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind’ in the realms of physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, and peace. He directed that the prizes for physics and chemistry be awarded by the Swedish Academy of Sciences, and expressly wished for there to be ‘no consideration be given to nationality, but that the prize be awarded to the worthiest person.’ Alfred Nobel succeeded in redefining his legacy—today, the Nobel Prize is recognized around the world as one of humanity’s highest honors.