Frank and Charles Duryea Letters

Discussion in 'Ephemera and Photographs' started by 300man, Dec 17, 2022.

  1. 300man

    300man New Member

    I recently found 4 hand written live ink letters from Frank Duryea as well as 1 from Franks wife Mildered and 1 from Charles Duryea to my Great grandfather. The Letters from Frank were asking my Great Grandfather to help settle the controversy that was raging over which Duryea Brother actually built the first car in America during the period 1891 - 1892.

    I also have the original copy of the response affidavit my Great grandfather typed and sent to Frank Duryea that in fact changed history and clarified the events during the building of the first car.

    My Great Grandfather actually lived with Frank Duryea during the critical time of the building of the first car.

    Along with the letters are many more correspondence back and forth between the people directly involved.

    I will not be providing any copies or pictures due to there personal nature and historical significance...all letters are of course signed.

    Value of these is a question mark in my mind and would be thankful to comments of any kind along with possible value.
     
    Last edited: Dec 17, 2022
    Roaring20s and moreotherstuff like this.
  2. sabre123

    sabre123 Well-Known Member

    I found a series of typed letters with Charles' sig on them that have been sold:
    https://www.raabcollection.com/american-history-autographs/duryea-letters

    Here's an excerpt from the web page above that provides an overview of the content:
    "In three historically important and lengthy letters, he claims that Americans developed the key concepts and invented the key components of the automobile, and gives names, dates, and other specifics"

    Even though not an apples-to-apples, you can ask them for a sold price. They do have a contact us button next to: "This document has been sold."
     
    Roaring20s, komokwa and Figtree3 like this.
  3. silverbell

    silverbell Well-Known Member

    Nothing from Dan?
     
  4. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    foe value.....u need to show them to and auction house that deals in this sort of thing..
     
  5. 2manybooks

    2manybooks Well-Known Member

  6. 300man

    300man New Member

    Sorry, but who is Dan?
     
  7. silverbell

    silverbell Well-Known Member

    Actor. Has a relative on this board. :) It's an unusual name.
     
  8. Figtree3

    Figtree3 What would you do if you weren't afraid?

    Dan Duryea the actor died in 1968. According to Wikipedia, his final resting place is Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood.
     
  9. bluumz

    bluumz Quite Busy

    My freshman year roommate at Michigan State University was a Duryea. :)
     
  10. Bakersgma

    Bakersgma Well-Known Member

    I suspect you are thinking of Drew, @silverbell but his last name is not Duryea.
     
  11. silverbell

    silverbell Well-Known Member

  12. silverbell

    silverbell Well-Known Member

    Ah! Do you mean the relative here is named Drew? I didn't know what his last name is (or I do not remember). I just remember that he made reference to the relationship once. DD, the actor, had such a nice face, but he could play mean SO well! LOL!
     
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