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Lot Essay
Postcards to the young Einstein.
Cards from friends and family members during Einstein's early years in Zurich, around the time of his graduation from the Zurich Polytechnic (in 1900). Rosa Winteler was one of the daughters of the family with whom Einstein had lodged so happily in Aarau in 1895-6 (Maja Einstein was later to marry one of her brothers): she writes from a walking holiday in June 1899 and urges him to bring his violin next time he visits her family. Susanna Markwalder (daughter of his landlady in Zurich) writes together with two of her siblings with New Year's greetings for 1898, and in August that year sends a mock-serious message to Einstein in Mettmenstetten (where he had gone for the holidays) joking about the fact that he will be alone there for a day or two: 'And indeed being alone is also one of your favourite occupations'. Ferdinand Ruess, a favourite teacher from Einstein's days at the Luitpold Gymnasium in Munich, writes a message in shorthand on (appropriately) a headed card of the Gabelsberger Stenographen-Zentral-Verein. Pauline Einstein's nephew Robert Koch writes from Zurich, inviting himself to join them on holiday in Metmenstetten, while Fridy Leimgruber (possibly a college friend from Aarau) writes to Maja who has returned to Italy.
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.
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Condition report
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The postcard addressed to Maja Einstein almost torn through, and with remnants of old rubber bands. The other cards with occasional soiling and discolouration.
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Lot 9Sale 16447
Zurich, 1898-1900Postcards to the young EinsteinEstimate: GBP 1,000 - 1,500
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