April 2024 Autographs & Memorabilia Auction - Closes Saturday, April 6th

Lot #115:

Albert Einstein Superb Signed 1939 Letter with "Impending War" Reference - Penned The Day Before The Nazis Invaded Poland! (Beckett/BAS Encapsulated)

This 8" x 10" Letter, dated August 31, 1939, has been personally signed by Albert Einstein. This is a 1p letter typed in German on custom stationery paper blind-embossed with "A. Einstein, / 112, Mercer Street, / Princeton, / New Jersey, U.S.A." along the letterhead. The letter was written at Einstein's summer cottage on Long Island. Translated in part: "You don't seem to comprehend that I do have other things to do than to deal with your matters. I am asking you to immediately stop the investigation for the lost letter, since you did receive a copy of it and this situation is causing major complications for me as well as for the Postal Authorities…" Einstein's letter is also striking because he speaks frankly about what may happen should war in Europe be declared in the interim: "The letters that you sent to me shall be used by your trustee in England, provided that he will still [be] able to get there. In case it should turn out impossible for him to get there (because of impending war) I shall make an effort finding another trustee to take care of the matter…". Einstein's careful planning for wartime eventuality turned out to be extremely prescient; the very day after writing this letter to Brünberg, the Nazis invaded Poland, whose sovereignty Great Britain and France had guaranteed on the threat of war. France and Great Britain declared war against Germany two days later, on September 3, 1939.

This letter has evidence of creasing but is overall in fine condition. The letter comes authenticated and encapsulated by Beckett Authentication Services.