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Up for sale is a remarkably preserved, highly graphic piece of late 19th-century American industrial history: an original typed correspondence letterhead from The Angle Lamp Co., dated November 15, 1899.
Sent from their headquarters at 76 Park Place, New York, to a Mr. John D. Walker in Sparta, Georgia, this letter captures a fascinating moment in the history of domestic lighting technology.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND & CONTENT:Founded in New York City in the late 19th century, The Angle Lamp Co. revolutionized non-electric domestic lighting with its patented "no under-shadow" design. By offsetting the burner and chimney at an angle, light projected straight down, a vast improvement over standard vertical lamps.
The content of this letter is exceptionally vivid. The company manager, J.U. Bauchelle, writes a stern, defensive response regarding the safety of their kerosene lamps against a competitor or skeptic. He explicitly asserts that "any man who claims The Angle Lamp dangerous is an unqualified falsifier," explaining the physics behind why their lamp cannot explode ("more explosion than a stone swim, or a cork sink"). He aggressively challenges the detractor, calling him "either a knave or a fool."
VISUAL DETAILS & CONDITION:
Header Graphics: Features the beautiful, stylized corporate logo alongside illustrations of their iconic glassware, proudly declaring "The Angle Lamp" and "The Best Light."
Watermark: The paper retains its original crisp structure and features a prominent, clean vertical watermark reading "Merchants".
Layout: Contains standard postal markers, the original 1899 New York stamp imprint, and the typed signature block of the company.
Condition Note: Beautiful antique condition with minimal toning consistent with age. Clear text, crisp edges, and no tears affecting the graphic or type areas. (Please see high-resolution scans for precise details).
Perfect for collectors of Victoriana, lighting history enthusiasts, Georgia or New York state history buffs, or unique antique paper ephemera.
SHIPPING & HANDLING:Shipped with protective, rigid backing material to guarantee safe delivery without bending. Ships USPS fully insured and trackable.
