Bidspirit auction | Ralph Hammeras' Patent for Motion

Ralph Hammeras' Patent for Motion Picture Matte Painting. - (Hammeras, 1925) Ralph Hammeras' original patent for a motion picture glass matte effect, with associated papers. A pioneer in motion picture visual effects, Hammeras' miniatures, camerawork, and stop-motion animation contributed to classics including 1925's ”The Lost World” and Chaplin's ”The Great Dictator.” In 1925, Hammeras was granted a patent for his improved paint-on-glass technique creating the illusion of expansive sets and locations in very small filming areas. Included in this lot are his personal copy of the patent granted including printed illustrations, a hand-typed resume of the history of his developing and patenting the process, two 1925 telegrams from patent investigator Luther Mack concerning the process, and a 1933 check paid to Mack, all kept in a scrapbook by Hammeras himself. The patent measures 7.75” x 11.5” and is in fair condition with wear from age including splitting along folds, browning, and edge wear. The resume measures 8.5” x 11” in fair condition with edge wear, browning, and small holes at the top edge. The 6.5” x 8” telegrams are in poor condition with heavy wear and browning, and the 3” x 8.25” check is in good condition with tape that also covers the bottom telegram. Except for the resume, all pieces are adhered to a 12” x 15” poor-condition page from Hammeras' scrapbook.