GETTY PAYS HIS TAXES

J. PAUL GETTY. Typed Letter Signed to W. J. Nichols, Tulsa, OK, 9 March 1942. 1 page, 10½" x 8", on Spartan Aircraft Company letterhead.

A legendary American businessman, Jean Paul Getty made his fortune in the oil business, becoming one of the richest men in the world and amassing a noted art collection. In this World War II-date letter, probably to his accountant or lawyer, Getty arranges to pay his taxes.

“Enclosed herewith [not present] my personal federal and California tax returns and those of my Mother, together with my personal checks,” Getty advises, following this with the self-protective statement, “I, of course, have little or no knowledge of these figures and I am signing because I believe the reports as prepared by you are correct and according to regulations.

“I note that Question No. 3 of my Mother’s federal return was not fully answered,” he continues. “You did not send any Executor’s checks. Please send Executor’s checks by return mail for federal, California and Oklahoma taxes. I am enclosing a memorandum from Mr. R. P. Priebe. Please advise.” He has signed in full, “J. Paul Getty.”

The letter is written on stationery of the Spartan Aircraft Company. A subsidiary of Skelly Oil, which Getty had acquired in 1937, Spartan was best-known for the luxury “Spartan Executive” airplane it manufactured. During World War II, Getty had the company produce aircraft for the military; after the war, he shifted its operations from aircraft to the manufacture of luxury mobile trailers.

In the top margin, there are two file holes with small tears, slightly touching the printed letterhead, and small staple holes. The letter is otherwise in fine condition. $1000.00

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