Diesel Rudolf

Rare Rudolf Diesel Archive, Inventor of the Diesel Engine, Negotiations to Merge with Busch-Sulzer

Rudolf Diesel archive. Includes the translated correspondence from Busch-Sulzer, General Manager, and Diesel's typed, signed response in German, additionally translated into English; along with two subsequent typed letters, one unsigned from Sulzer representatives, the other signed lightly in graphite as "JRH", Sulzer's general manager, James R. Harris. Diesel's letter is neatly bound together with hand scripted English translation, and the original correspondence. Composed on various paper stocks, with the TLS from Diesel on his stationery with his personal letterhead. 8.5" x 10.75". Bound at the top with an adhesive. Boldly signed by Diesel on the one original, as "Diesel", and stamp dated "Feb 24, 1911". Expected folds, else near. Provenance: An important autograph collection of Howard Goldman, The Bulk of which sold at Sotheby's in 1995. Howard Goldman purchased the piece from James Lowe in 1983, and the original provenance will come with the archive.

A fascinating archive discussing the on-going process of the formation of the Busch-Sulzer Bros - Diesel Engine Company. The earliest of the three letters, dated April 30 1910 and written by the General Manager of Busch-Sulzer, references Mr. Aldophus Busch, discussing his desire to go over all matters in connection with our the newly merged company with Diesel. Also noting that he personally (the general manager) felt "there is no question as to the future of our Company and to speak plainly, I have become a Diesel Enthusiast." The subsequent letter dated January 11, 1911 from the General Manager is already discussing the price "which the Busch-Sulzer-Bros. -Diesel Engine Co, will pay to Adolphus Busch for the net assets ...., and notes he has "engaged Haskins & Sells, Certified Public Accountants .... To make a report to the Directors of the new company, setting forth they have audited the account of Adophus Bush Purchaser of American Diesel Engine Co. ... the assets exist and their values as set forth in the their report are correct".

Diesel's response to him was dated "February 11, 1911", acknowledging receipt of his letter and displaying both his enthusiasm and trust in the merger. His letter is shown in full (as translated):

"Dear Mr. Harris!

I thank you for your kind communication regarding the incorporation of the new company and await with pleasure your draft of the agreement of the new company with me.

As far as the price is concerned, at which Mr. Adolphus Busch enters his investment to the new company, I am in accord with the proceeding as proposed by you. As you know, I have complete confidence in Mr. Adolphus Busch and yourself that everything will be attended to correctly and as it should be and I there give you blank power of attorney for arranging of all organization matters. For these reasons also I have not cabled you to-day.

With kindest regards,

Your truly,

Diesel".

The last typed letter of the archive, which is signed lightly in pencil with the initials of "JRH", (the General Manager) shows the culmination of the negotiations and notes. "You will remember that it was understood between us that the only basis upon which Messrs. Sulzer Bros. would enter into a contract with our new company, was that reciprocal obligations of exchange should exist between Sulzer Bros. and the new company, but such obligations should not exist between yourself and the new company. The reason for this request of the part of Messrs. Sulzer Bros was of course, plain to both of us, as Sulzer Bros. naturally could not be expected to furnish their experience to the new company, if you would have the right to same, and especially as you are connected in an advisory capacity with competitors of Sulzer Bros".

A fantastic archive of the back and forth correspondence from Busch-Sulzer, to Diesel regarding the preparations for merging their companies, with one signed TLS by Diesel, and one signed TLS by the Sulzer General Manager. Extraordinarily scarce.

Provenance: An important autograph collection of Howard Goldman, The Bulk of which sold at Sotheby's in 1995. Howard Goldman purchased the piece from James Lowe in 1983, and the original provenance will come with the archive.

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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