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Lot 5022

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KING GILLETTE, Inventor of the safety razor

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Autographs

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King Gillette Designs Bookplates for His Personal Library

KING C. GILLETTE, Inventor of the Safety Razor, Founder of Gillette.
A fine group of 8 items related to the design of King Gillette's bookplates for his personal library, including a detailed letter demonstrating the personal attention and pride taken by the razor magnate in the development of his bookplate. July 10, 1928, Autograph Letter Signed, "King C Gillette", Very Fine. Gillette writes a lengthy three-page letter in which he provides explicit detail as to design features for his bookplate. In part:
"I have tried to make a rough sketch showing the razor - as you have shown it- with an idea of what I would like in way of lettering Multuim in Parvo (much in little) above razor in a
straight line. The razor on a clean background and made to be clear and distinct 0 scroll under razor oval - to contain 'KNOWN THE WORLD OVER' - Then comes oval for trade mark picture and then my name in script - then across bottom in a panel EX LIBRIS - filling in to be scroll work…"
Accompanying the letter are two pages of drawings, one completely in Gillette's hand, which he has signed three times in the drawings, and another being the artist's proof or rendition. Additionally, there is a litho proof, a couple of accompanying letters concerning the bookplates by Gillette's assistant, and a very tiny photo of Gillette. A really unusual group and related to this man whose autograph is seldom encountered. (8 items)

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