Bobby Livingston, of RRAuction.com in Amherst, says the picture was taken in 1951 after a 72nd birthday celebration for the physicist.

Einstein had nine prints made. He signed the print that was auctioned on Thursday and gave it to journalist Howard K. Smith. In his inscription, Einstein said his gesture was aimed at all of humanity.

Mr Livingston says it also was aimed at the Red Scare and Senator Joseph McCarthy's anti-Communist hearings of the 1950s.

David Waxman of Great Neck, New York, is the new owner. He is a specialist in important scientific books and autographs. -- AP