Signature / Unsigned Photograph

The fifth of inventor Thomas A. Edison's six children worked with him running Edson Records and then as president of Thomas A. Edison, Inc. (1927-57); FDR appointed him Assistant Secretary of the Navy in 1937, then in 1940 he served briefly as Secretary of the Navy before being elected the 42nd governor of New Jersey (1941-44). Large and bold signature and date ("Nov. 30 1936") in brown ink on a heavy stock 5" X 3" card. Near fine. Accompanied by a scarce, near fine 8" X 6" black and white news agency (International News Photos) glossy photograph showing the elderly Edison seated behind a table reading into a microphone with son Charles seated alongside. Original mimeographed paper label attached to verso titles this image "Edison Speaks Over the Radio," and caption explains: "Thomas A. Edison, electrical wizard, broadcasting his address over the radio from his library at the Edison Laboratories here today, as his son Charles looks on. Edison's speech was in connection with the unveiling of a tablet at the General Electric plant at Schenectady, N.Y. commemorating the site of the former Edison Machine Works there," the image dated 15 December 1928. An outstanding pair -- an uncommon signature and a unusual original news agency image.