Experiments and Observations on Electricity - photo 1
Experiments and Observations on Electricity - photo 2
Experiments and Observations on Electricity - photo 3

Experiments and Observations on Electricity

Lot 116
05.02.2026 10:00UTC +00:00
Classic
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CHRISTIE'S
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
Buyer Premiumsee on Website%
ID 1540364
Lot 116 | Experiments and Observations on Electricity
Estimate value
$ 12 000 – 18 000
FRANKLIN, Benjamin (1706-1790). Experiments and Observations on Electricity, made at Philadelphia in America. London: printed for David Henry and sold by Francis Newbery, 1769.

A handsome copy of the first collected edition, and the fourth edition overall of the "most important scientific book of 18th century America" (PMM). This edition is the first to include complete notes on all of Franklin’s important experiments on electricity, making it "especially important" (Norman). Sabin 25506.

Octavo (224 x 160mm). 7 engraved plates (two trimmed just past platemark). (A little toning to title page.) Contemporary calf (some restoration to joints and corners, a little loss at spine ends). Custom quarter morocco clamshell box. Provenance: Robert Stickney (ownership inscription dated 1769) – J. Foster (ownership inscription with note that it became his property "by fair Barter ?and Truck").
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
Preview
22.01.2026 – 05.02.2026
Phone +44 (0)20 7839 9060
Email
4FQ.AYGKAGLUQ@FO3G@
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