Einstein, Albert

2 pages, c.23 x 17.cm, in black ink, each print circumscribed in pencil, the right-hand print annotated by Marianne Raschig and bearing her stamp ("M.Raschig's Handarchiv"), [Berlin], 9 April 1930, some creasing and marginal tears to right-hand print,

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Rare: this is a unique opportunity to acquire hand-prints of both Einstein's hands in 1930, signed by him.  We have no record of other examples being offered for sale at auction (or, indeed, of existing).

These images were taken by the hand-reader Marianne Raschig, who included them in her book Hand und Persönlichkeit. Einführung in das System der Handlehre (Hamburg: Enoch, 1931).  Einstein's prints appear as photographic negative prints on Plate 138.  Raschig devotes nearly a page to analysing Einstein's particularly strong life- and head-lines ("Durch Klarheit zur Wahrheit!": pp.134-135).  That no other such sources exist for Einstein is indicated by the fact that they were used for later analyses by Nathaniel Altmann Palmistry: The Universal Guide (2009) p.77; and by the Dutch chirologist Martijn von Mensvoort.