Berlin, 3 September 1921

Coded instructions on a financial matter.

Einstein sends a deliberately cryptic message, ostensibly about the marriage of an elderly friend : 'So it seems all is in perfect order and the 72-year old bridegroom has been snapped up (you do know that he has married the South American?)'. He has sent instructions to 'K.' [perhaps one of his Kocherthaler cousins, or alternatively the banker Leopold Koppel], although he has not been able to get hold of him since: 'Excuse the bother, but I can't help it'. He will 'put in a good word' for Paul Winteler in Zurich: 'But you must go to the meetings'.

The real subject of the letter is almost certainly Einstein's investments in Switzerland, which the Wintelers managed for him, and about which he was anxious to avoid alerting the German tax authorities. The principal vehicle for these was the Schweizerische Auer-Aktien Gesellschaft, and it is probably the directors' meetings of this that he wishes Paul Winteler to attend.
Post Lot Text
Temporary Admission Regime
This lot has been imported from outside the EU for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime.
Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on our invoice.

Shipping Outside the UK
Please note that if this lot is to be shipped outside of the UK an export licence will be required.  A period of 2 weeks should be allowed for the application to be processed.