At RR Auction, Albert Einstein has been a staple in our science and technology sections. Many examples of Einstein’s genius have hit the auction block over the years. Manuscripts by the great physicist showcase are filled with his groundbreaking theories and equations – including E=mc2. Albert states that his famous equation will help answer a question posed by Silberstein, “Your question can be answered from the E = mc2 formula, without any erudition.” According to archivists at the Einstein Papers Project at Caltech, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (where Einstein’s papers reside), there are only three known examples of the formula written in Einstein’s hand. None of these are in private hands, and this fourth example was revealed to the public for the first time at RR Auction.
While you could hardly find him in a snazzy suit, RR has offered several rare Einstein photographs that showcase both his sophisticated and silly sides. The physicist was photographed countless times throughout his life, most often in his everyday ensemble: wild hair, casual clothing, and sometimes with a rope for a belt! But we have presented our bidders with portraits like a formal studio photo of him in a dashing tuxedo or another one where he stands at a blackboard and pens Rik = 0, also known as Einstein’s favorite equation. Contrasting these formal images, however, is the famous tongue photo. Taken on his 72nd birthday, Einstein loved the photo so much that he requested several prints of the photo to distribute to friends. RR’s top-selling Einstein photo – one of the original nine prints – includes a playful inscription, “This gesture you will like, Because it is aimed at all of humanity. A civilian can afford to do what no diplomat would dare. Your loyal and grateful listener, A. Einstein 53.” This photo went under the hammer twice at RR, selling for $75,873 in 2009 and $122,500 in 2014.
You can find more information on our past Einstein items – and their great prices – in our past auctions. If you have any questions or are ready to consign your great items, are team is available by phone at 800-937-3880 or click the button below to get the consignment process started.
