RZM Fine Arts and Antiques Inc: Ask the Appraiser

My greetings to you Jon. Please assist me in estimating the value on this set of European stamps that were autographed for my grandfather by Albert Einstein sometime in the 1930s. There appears to be three additional autographs as well. It has been so many years that I cannot remember who else my grandfather told me were in attendance alongside Einstein. I vaguely remember my grandfather mentioning these stamps were purchased at an event at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, where Einstein was staying at the time. According to my grandfather’s story, President Franklin Roosevelt was also in attendance. Please inform me how much an Einstein signature is worth these days. I’m an avid reader of your column each week and look forward to your answer.

Larry

Hi Larry, 

The German-born Albert Einstein (1879–1955) revolutionized our understanding of space, time, and gravity, achievements for which he was awarded the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics. He warned President Roosevelt that the Germans were developing an atomic bomb and suggested the U.S. research atomic weapons, which it then did. Einstein came to regret his suggestion. He wasn’t just a brilliant scientist, he also was a lifelong vocal advocate for pacifism and humanitarian causes, and later opposed the threat of nuclear war. 

You have a Gimbels “Intellectuals” stamp sheet signed by Einstein shortly after he applied for U.S. citizenship.

The value of an autograph varies with rarity, the condition of the signature, the document or historically important letter it may be attached to, and of course collector demand. 

Without a doubt, Einstein’s signature is rare indeed. The condition of his signature on your submitted photographs appears clear, legible, and free of damage, an important factor in the determining value. Moreover, his signature is on an interesting 1935 Luxembourg stamp collection primarily issued to raise funds to assist Jewish professionals fleeing Germany and the rise of dictator Adolf Hitler.

Regarding the additional autographs, the next most important is the one at the bottom, that of Fiorello La Guardia (1882–1947), mayor of New York City 1934–1946. The top signature is that of his wife, Marie M. La Guardia (1896–1984). Lastly, Frances W. Deutsch was the chairman of the International Committee to Secure Employment for Refugee Professional Workers.

Having these signatures too is interesting but doesn’t necessarily add substantial value. Einstein’s signature on this document weighs in at approximately $1,200.

Have the signatures certified by a reputable third-party certification service to make this item even more marketable. Prepare a brief letter explaining the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of this item, as told to you by your grandfather, to enhance the item’s authenticity—and potentially its value.