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Lot Essay
Bank transfers to his family in Switzerland during the First World War.
The statement of October 1917 is for a transfer of 1,000 marks to Zurich, presumably for Mileva Einstein: it is annotated and signed ‘This is the extra transfer of 1000 marks, whose receipt is contested. Einstein’. The November statement lists twelve transfers to Switzerland since October 1916, the majority to Zurich, but with two to Lucerne (presumably to Einstein’s sister, Maja), and one to Arosa (where Eduard Einstein had stayed in a sanatorium): Einstein has amended two entries (to exclude the wires to Lucerne), and added an extra line ‘450 marks to Switzerland for Tete [i.e. his younger son Eduard]’. There are further annotations in purple ink and pencil. The statement for January 1918 is for a transfer of 500 marks to Heinrich Zangger.
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Condition report
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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
A few minor blots to the document of 20 October 1917. Document of 3 November 1917 has two tears (approx. 35mm and 20mm) to left margin, and minor soiling. Document of 23 January 1918 has very slight soiling, and nicks at folds.
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Lot 22Sale 15830
20 October 1917 - 23 January 1918Einstein's bank statementsEstimate: USD 1,200 - 1,800
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