Large cabinet-card size (11 5/8  x 7 1/4 in.; 297 x 183 mm), mounted on a slightly larger card with black and gold border and imprint of Benjamin J. Falk, New York, ca. 1889; a little soiling, corners of photograph with tiny chips, corners of card slightly bumped.

Large cabinet-card size (11 5/8 x 7 1/4 in.; 297 x 183 mm), mounted on a slightly larger card with black and gold border and imprint of Benjamin J. Falk, New York, ca. 1989; a little soiling, corners of photograph with tiny chips, corners of card slightly bumped.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The photograph, which depicts a youthful-looking 42-year-old Edison, is accompanied by a typed letter signed by A. O. Tate, Edison's private secretary, to E. Ritt in Paris, France (1 page on Edison Laboratory letterhead, Orange, New Jersey, 24 October 1889): "Mr. Edison received your photograph, which was enclosed with your very kind letter of the 10th instant, and he has asked me to express to you his thanks for the same. Mr. Edison expects to receive some portraits of himself in the course of a week or so, and just as soon as he is placed in possession of them, he will be very pleased to send you one."