The Fine Art & Collectibles Sale
Lot 98:
Description
7 1/2 x 5 1/8 in (19.2 x 13 cm)
Provenance and Authentication:
This lot is accompanied by supporting documentation provided by the consignor. According to the accompanying materials, the signature was reviewed with reference to factors including ink characteristics, material aging, stylistic consistency, and historical context. These materials relate to the reported signature, provenance, and authentication history of the piece, and are presented as received for bidder review in accordance with the auction terms and conditions.
A signed copy of The Boy’s Life of Edison represents a highly significant example of scientific and historical memorabilia, directly associated with one of the most influential inventors in modern history.
Published by Harper & Brothers in 1911, this work was issued during Edison’s lifetime and reflects the public narrative surrounding his achievements at a time when he was already widely regarded as a transformative figure. As a biographical work aimed at younger readers, the book played an important role in shaping Edison’s legacy, making signed copies particularly meaningful within both literary and scientific collecting.
From a rarity standpoint, Thomas A. Edison signatures are actively collected, yet signed books-especially those directly tied to his life and issued during his lifetime-are notably less common than standalone documents or cut signatures. Examples that retain clean internal pages and present the signature in an uncluttered format are especially desirable.
The signature in this example appears on a blank interior page, executed in dark ink with strong clarity. It exhibits characteristics consistent with known Edison signatures, including elegant cursive flow, balanced letter spacing, and a controlled, confident hand. The isolated placement enhances visibility and creates a refined presentation, which is particularly valued in signed books.
From a market perspective, Edison remains a cornerstone figure in the history of innovation, with enduring appeal across collectors of science, technology, and American history. Signed material connected directly to his life and achievements continues to perform steadily, with emphasis placed on presentation quality and contextual relevance.
The combination of a period publication issued during Edison’s lifetime, direct biographical relevance, and a clean, well-executed signature positions this example within a desirable segment of historical autograph collecting. Its strong visual simplicity further enhances its display value.
Overall, this piece represents a compelling intersection of scientific legacy and autograph collecting, offering both historical depth and strong collector appeal.
Condition: ALL PROPERTY IS SOLD AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH NO RETURNS OR CANCELLATIONS.
Additional photographs and condition reports may be provided upon request as a courtesy only. Any condition report, catalogue description, image, certificate, report, document, authentication statement, authentication opinion, specialist opinion, or communication regarding origin, date, age, attribution, authenticity, authorship, signature, condition, provenance, or value is an opinion only and not a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Yakon Auctions.
The absence of reference to defects, restoration, wear, damage, handling marks, conservation, alteration, or repair does not mean the lot is free from such matters. Photographs are for reference only and may not accurately reflect color, tone, dimensions, condition, signature details, or the true state of the lot. Buyers should review all images carefully, as they form part of the description.
Provenance is provided by the consignor, prior owner, or most recent owner and may not be supported by records. All reports, COAs, appraisals, authentication letters, provenance statements, invoices, labels, or related documents, including any opinions, analyses, or conclusions therein, are provided as received from the consignor, prior owner, or third party, and have not been independently verified by Yakon Auctions. Such materials are for reference only and are not guarantees of authenticity, authorship, signature, origin, age, period, provenance, condition, or value.
All artworks, antiques, collectibles, autographed items, signed memorabilia, music memorabilia, records, photographs, posters, entertainment collectibles, and related items are offered based on information and documentation provided with the lot. Unless expressly stated, Yakon Auctions has not independently authenticated any signature, inscription, attribution, authorship, association, provenance, pressing detail, edition, period, origin, or related documentation.
Terms such as "attributed to, " "after, " "manner of, " "circle of, " "school of, " "in the artist’s style, " or similar language mean the lot is not guaranteed to be by the named artist, maker, signer, studio, or period. Exact authorship, origin, attribution, or date may be unknown, and the lot may not be included in any official catalogue raisonné, archive, registry, or recognized reference source.
Yakon Auctions makes no express or implied warranties or guarantees regarding authenticity, authorship, signature, origin, age, period, condition, provenance, attribution, description, value, or marketability. Buyers are responsible for due diligence and should seek independent expert advice before bidding.
No return, refund, cancellation, or bid retraction will be accepted based on disputes regarding authenticity, attribution, authorship, signature, condition, provenance, description, estimated value, market value, or buyer’s post-sale opinion.
Original invoices, reports, certificates, or documents shown in listings will be included only if all items listed on that document are purchased. If only part of the document relates to the purchased lot, a digital copy may be provided upon request at Yakon Auctions’ discretion.
Please bid responsibly. If you do not agree with auction sale principles, the "as is" nature of the property, or the binding nature of bidding, please do not bid.
For inquiries, please contact Support@yakonauctions.com.
Share this lot:
