The story of the Magic Pencil Champagne Bottle is a blend of innovation, passion, and a dark chapter in the history of early automobile racing. To truly appreciate the significance of this unique artifact, one must delve into the life of Albert Lemaître, a man whose legacy is intertwined with both triumph and tragedy.
Albert Lemaître was born around 1864 in Ay, Marne, France, a small village near Épernay, the heart of the Champagne region. Together with his brother, Lemaître was a key figure in the Champagne industry, working under the family business A & G LEMAITRE CHAMPAGNE. His early life seemed destined for success and prosperity in the world of fine wines. However, Lemaître’s story took a turn that would forever change the course of his life.
In 1901, Albert married Lucie Dumény, a woman of grace and beauty, whose first engagement had ended due to family opposition. Their marriage, however, was not destined for happiness. After four years, Lucie reconnected with her former fiancé, leading to a rekindled romance that ultimately drove her to file for divorce from Albert in February 1906. The dissolution of their marriage was swift, and Lucie moved out of their home, setting in motion a series of events that would shock all of France.
On May 7, 1906, in a moment of despair and rage, Albert Lemaître committed an unthinkable act. He shot and killed Lucie before turning the gun on himself. Despite a severe head wound, Albert survived and was rushed to the hospital. The aftermath of the tragedy only deepened when Lucie’s lover, upon hearing of her death, took his own life. This series of deaths, driven by intense emotions, became known as a tragic “crime of passion.” In a dramatic turn of events, Albert Lemaître was acquitted of all charges in September 1906, as the jury ruled in his favor, perhaps swayed by the societal views on such crimes during that era.
But Albert Lemaître was not merely known for his tragic love life; he was already a well-known figure in a completely different sphere. In July 1894, Lemaître made history as one of the competitors in the Paris to Rouen “Horseless Carriage” Race, organized by Pierre Giffard. This event is recognized as the world’s first competitive automobile race, and it marked the dawn of motor racing as we know it today.
The race, which spanned 126 kilometers, began at Porte Maillot in Paris. After the first leg, which ended in Mantes, Albert Lemaître was in the lead, having completed the distance in just 2 hours and 36 minutes—a remarkable feat for the time. Lemaître continued to excel in the second leg, ultimately crossing the finish line at the Champ de Mars in Rouen with a total time of 6 hours, 51 minutes, and 30 seconds. Driving a 3 horsepower Peugeot Type 7, Lemaître secured the Main Prize, outpacing his closest rival, Auguste Doriot, by 13 minutes.
Although Lemaître was the official winner, the fastest vehicle in the race was the steam-powered De Dion-Bouton, driven by Comte Jules-Albert de Dion. However, this vehicle was ineligible for the main prize because it required a “stoker” onboard to feed its coal fuel—a detail that excluded it from being considered a true “horseless carriage.”
Albert Lemaître’s racing career flourished in the years that followed, with numerous victories and podium finishes in major competitions. His name became synonymous with the pioneering spirit of early automotive innovation, even as his personal life spiraled into tragedy.
The Magic Pencil Champagne Bottle, associated with Lemaître, symbolizes this complex legacy. It serves as a reminder of both his contributions to the Champagne industry and his role in the early days of automobile racing, as well as the darker, more human side of his story—a tale of passion, betrayal, and the irreversible consequences of emotional turmoil.
Through this remarkable artifact, we glimpse the dual nature of Lemaître’s life: a man who achieved greatness on the racetrack and in business but whose personal demons led to a series of tragic events that would forever shadow his legacy.
