Description:

Two Rare and Important Albert Einstein Trunks
early-to-mid-20th century
17 1/2 x 22 x 18 inches (largest)
14 1/2 x 22 x 17 inches (smallest)

We located a letter in one of the trunks which reads: "I bought these two trunks from Brian Gage of Brian Gage Antiques in Hopewell, N.J. near Princeton in 1998. They had been found in an old garage in Princeton NJ, where the 85 year old gentleman was having trouble with varmints and wanted to clean the garage out. When asked what they were, he said, "Oh, those were Einstein's trunks, I bought them at his yard sale in 1955, at 112 Mercer Street in Princeton." I have had these in my collection since 1998. Because of the souvenir travel stickers attached to both trunks, they document Einstein's historic journey from Eastern Europe to America, fleeing the Nazis. In addition to the travel stickers, there's a shipping label on one of the trunks. I have strange feeling I was destined to own these trunks because Albert Einstein and myself had the same street address in the same county. I grew up at 112 Mercer Street in Hamilton Square, which is about five miles from Einstein's house at 112 Mercer Street in Princeton, both in Mercer County NJ. On a couple of my trips to Princeton as a young boy in the early fifties, I remember seeing Albert Einstein walking on the street. In closing, I have enjoyed owning these trunks for many years, and I'm sure the new owner will enjoy them too."

    Condition:
  • The absence of a condition report does not imply there are no condition issues with the lot. Please inquire for a detailed condition report.

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March 4, 2023 11:00 AM EST
Pittsfield, MA, US

Fontaine's Auction Gallery

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $249 $25
$250 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $24,999 $1,000
$25,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $149,999 $5,000
$150,000 + $10,000