Businessmen

Henry Ford receives the 33rd Degree—a rare Masonic image of the automotive industrialist

174. Henry Ford Signed Photograph. Scarce vintage matte-finish 10 x 8 photo of Henry Ford receiving the 33rd Degree at the Annual Meeting of the Supreme Council for the Scottish Rite’s Northern Masonic Jurisdiction at the Masonic Temple in Detroit, Michigan, in September 1940, signed in the lower border in fountain pen by Henry Ford, John W. Bricker, John A. Rowland, Melvin M. Johnson, and George E. Bushnell. In very fine condition.

At the time he received the 33rd Degree, Henry Ford had been a Mason for 46 years, having been raised in Detroit’s Palestine Lodge No. 357 in 1894 at age 31. At the time of the conferral, George E. Bushnell was Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, Melvin Johnson was Dean of the Boston University Law School, and John Bricker was Governor of Ohio. Starting Bid $300

Major Figures of Science and Technology

Scarce, boldly penned dinner invitation from Andre-Marie Ampere

175. Andre-Marie Ampere Autograph Letter Signed. Influential French physicist (1775–1836) who pioneered the discovery and understanding of electromagnetism; a unit of electric current was named in his honor. ALS in French, signed “A. Ampere,” one page, 7.5 x 9.75, April 4, 1828. Handwritten letter to his friend Lenoir at the Ministry of the Interior, humorously inviting him to dinner. In full (translated): “My friends Ballanche, Dugas, Feuchot are coming to dine with me next Tuesday, April 8, you will do me the pleasure of being there too. His Majesty Ballanche commands you on pain of death, and I beg you as the most humble of your subjects. Come, then, dear and excellent friend.” Addressed on the integral leaf in Ampere’s hand. In very good to fine condition, with light overall creasing, and two small areas of paper loss affecting nothing. Starting Bid $200

176. Charles Babbage Autograph Letter Signed on Royal Institution Lectures. Pioneering British mathematician and mechanical engineer (1791–1871) whose Difference Engine and Analytical Engine are generally acknowledged as the first programmable computers. Uncommon ALS signed “C. Babbage,” one page both sides, 6.5 x 8, April 15, 1827. Handwritten letter by Babbage, in part: “As I conceive the Royal Institution would be the best place for making public the views you mention respecting the illustrations of mechanical subjects, and as I think there could be no objection to your lecturing in the same place where Davy, Dalton, Dr. Roget and Dr. Young have frequently done the same I immediately wrote a line of the managers of the R.I. in such a manner that they might if they chose propose some remuneration for the expense you might be at in bringing the necessary apparatus from Ireland. They however do not seem to have viewed it in that light, but they express a perfect willingness to allow you to give a few lectures on the subject.” In fine condition, with scattered light foxing. Starting Bid $200

177. Brass Apothecary/Gold Scale by Henry Troemner. Brass Apothecary/Gold Scale, Henry Troemner, Philadelphia. Cherry and brass, in glass case, circa 1890-1910. Measures approximately 17.5” wide x 19” tall x 9.25” deep. Two complete sets of weights in original boxes marked “Henry Troemner Phila.” Miscellaneous measuring items included. External metal plate with inscription: “Henry Troemner Maker PHILADELPHIA, PA.” Internal ivory measuring plate with inscription “Henry Troemner Philadelphia.” One knob missing, otherwise very good condition. Starting Bid $200