Weird science: no bids for autographed Albert Einstein photograph
Valued at between £2,000 and £3,000, it was taken by the assistant chancellor of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.
A rare autographed photograph of Albert Einstein has failed to sell at auction.
Valued at between £2,000 and £3,000, the signed black and white photograph was taken by Isidore David Passow, assistant chancellor of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel.
Passow got the image signed when he went to visit Einstein at Princeton University in 1952, when Israeli President Weizmann’s health was failing. The trip was arranged to engage Einstein in discussions about becoming the next President of Israel upon Weizmann’s death.
Canterbury Auction Galleries in Kent based its price estimate on similar lots Cliona Kilroy, auctioneer, valuer and director at the gallery, said she was disappointed: “We are surprised it didn’t attract any bids but I sadly can’t get into the psyche of potential bidders. We are still trying to talk to someone, but no sale as yet.”
The seller is a direct descendant of David Passow and the lot is accompanied by a book by Mr Sarnoff given to Passow called “Progress in Electronics”, from a lecture he gave at the Weizmann Institute.
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