"Bronze" bust of Thomas Edison, 1884
Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2023 6:59 pm
Hi,
Not too many people remember the first US Electrical Exhibition, held in Philadelphia in 1884 (Sep-Oct). Edison attended himself, along with his daughter Marion, since his wife (Mary) had just died (unexpectedly).
One of the interesting things they saw amidst all the hub-bub was a "bronzed" bust of Edison - I'm not 100% sure it was bronze, or really plaster painted to look like the metal. Although the verbal descriptions said it portrayed him at the moment of "inventing the electric light", it was more like him holding two batteries.
Since many collectors also accumulate old (related) newspapers, magazines, and engravings, I was hoping someone might have a view (or panorama) of that important Exhibition, in which the Bust of TAE could be seen. Thanks for looking! Of course, we would offer an appropriate reward. The bronze bust that is most well known is the little one (4" tall), with his facsimile signature, that was made in 1910 (for the Hotel Frontenac Convention). No newspaper account for it has yet been found.
The current issue of AP (March) is being printed up as we speak, and should be mailed soon.
Best
Allen
Not too many people remember the first US Electrical Exhibition, held in Philadelphia in 1884 (Sep-Oct). Edison attended himself, along with his daughter Marion, since his wife (Mary) had just died (unexpectedly).
One of the interesting things they saw amidst all the hub-bub was a "bronzed" bust of Edison - I'm not 100% sure it was bronze, or really plaster painted to look like the metal. Although the verbal descriptions said it portrayed him at the moment of "inventing the electric light", it was more like him holding two batteries.
Since many collectors also accumulate old (related) newspapers, magazines, and engravings, I was hoping someone might have a view (or panorama) of that important Exhibition, in which the Bust of TAE could be seen. Thanks for looking! Of course, we would offer an appropriate reward. The bronze bust that is most well known is the little one (4" tall), with his facsimile signature, that was made in 1910 (for the Hotel Frontenac Convention). No newspaper account for it has yet been found.
The current issue of AP (March) is being printed up as we speak, and should be mailed soon.
Best
Allen