#4190 • Autograph of Inventor Nikola Tesla

Part of Fine and Decorative Arts | March 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM (live auction by Alderfer Auction)

High bid $5,500.00

Status: Sold

Autograph of Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) Serbian-American electrical engineer and inventor. Autographed photograph on cabinet card by Sarony, New York New York of a bust photographic portrait of Tesla signed at lower right in ink "Sincerely yours, Nikola Tesla". Cabinet card measures 6.5" x 4.25" and presents Sarony backmark and Sarony attribution on obverse of card. Card has been completely broken vertically in half with no effect to signature. Card exhibits some toning, some slight chipping at break edges and displays a strong signature. Provenance: Gibbs family collection, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Members of the Gibbs family, most notably Alvin J Gibbs and James W. Gibbs were discerning and dedicated collectors of autographs, books, and other antiques. The Gibbs family founded the Gibbs Manufacturing Company of Canton, Ohio in 1829 that evolved over the years from farming implement manufacture to notions and toys.