[D8848ACN], Letter from Ezra Torrance Gilliland to Thomas Alva Edison, June 27th, 1888
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Title
[D8848ACN], Letter from Ezra Torrance Gilliland to Thomas Alva Edison, June 27th, 1888
Editor's Notes
"Referring to the correspondence in regard to the Piano matter; we have seen Mr. Myer at the Weber offices and have learned his understanding in regard to the matter, which is as follows: the pinao was sent to the Laboratory to be used for several months; if after that time you decided to purchase the pinao, the Weber people were to make you an offer of the best possible terms. If you decided not to keep it, rental was to be paid, not higher than usually charged professionals; no definite offer was made. You were to bear the expense of cartage. The instrument that was furnished you is the best piano that they make. The catalogue price is $1400.00. Their net retail price is $1050.00 and the net wholesale price to large houses is $750.00. They offer you the piano for $600.00 cash, agreeing to keep it in tune, free of expense, for a year and guaranteeting to keep it perfect for five years. Any defects that cannot be remedied in the instrument you now have, will be made good by a new pinao without expense to you. ### If you do not desire to purchase the piano the rental will be at rat of $20.00 per month, beginning at the date of delivery in Feb. and cartage of $10.00 each way. ### They ask that these figures be considered confidential and in consideration of these favorable terms, they desire to have it understood that no other make of piano is to be brought into competition with their piano at the Laboratory and that every facility should be given for its use. They add, that if in the future any extra instrument is temporarily needed, they will be very glad to loan it to you free of expense, you to bear the expense of transportation, however, to and from their rooms. ### We have promised them that you will give this matter attention and arrive at a decision in the course of a few weeks. ### I enclose catalogue with the instrument in question marked. They will also be pleased to give you special terms in the purchase of any other instruments that you may require in the future. ### We have requested them to address any further correspondence in the matter to this office. If you will kindly advise me of what you wish done, I will have it attended to from here." Yours very truly, E.T. Gilliland [Marginalia: "Gilliland. Say to them I will purchase at $600 and do as they request. E." "Ans Jul 2/88"]
Author
Recipient
Mentioned
Date
1888-06-27
Type
Folder/Volume ID
D8848-F
Microfilm ID
124:374
Document ID
D8848ACN
Publisher
Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University