‎Autographes‎

‎SUMMERS, Capt.‎

‎Manuscript Letter - ALS American Merchant's Voyage From Peru to the Sandwich Islands‎

‎South Pacific Ocean, 20 May 1873. Manuscript signed letter written by an American merchant, Captain Summers of Honolulu, penned onboard a barque recently purchased by him, as he made his return voyage from Iquique (then part of the Viceroyalty of Peru) to the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii). 8vo. 4 pages. Double leaf letterhead measuring approximately 12,5 x 20 cm, with small embossed image of a colonial building. Mild age-toning and tearing at folds, otherwise in very good condition. In the July 1st 1873 issue of Honolulu's 'The Friend" magazine for mariners, this specific voyage was recorded as follows: "Liberian bark Clara Louise, Master Summers, Sailed from Iquiqui, Peru, May 4th, ... crossed the line... during three days had heavy winds and calms, took the NE trade... with fair weather, arrived on the 17th June." A letter of excellent content concerning one Honolulu ship owner's experience in the sea trade, Captain Summers describes his attempts to obtain cargo at Iquique (now in Chile, then part of Peru), mentioning saltpeter and copper, as well as the high price of fresh water. Finding little success in purchasing goods to resell on the Pacific coast of South America, he makes efforts to earn income by chartering cargo. He rightfully blames the introduction of the steamship for reduced opportunity available to independent merchants such as himself, still using sails to navigate large wooden vessels. Still, he remains optimistic of the opportunity to secure cargo in the Sandwich Islands, possibly owing to his Honolulu connections. Especially damaging to his endeavour and ambition is one unscrupulous character, referred to as 'Old Fearrington', from whom he purchased the barque Clara Louise. Upon trying to sell the vessel itself, in Callao, he found some of the vessel's wood to be rotten. His ship was therefore neither sellable, nor sea-worthy for cross-Atlantic voyages. Perhaps most disappointing, the captain could not afford the risk of transporting sugar, a lucrative and prolific commodity at the time, as the ship's hull could not be trusted with such weight. The recipient of this correspondence is the captain's brother Tom who appears to live in the San Francisco Bay area. The captain ends his letter with a request for his brother to write to San Francisco wholesaler and importer Cross & Co., most likely the captain's client. Excerpts from the letter: "My dear Tom, I have been down this way again and after a passage of 80 days anchored in Iquique itis one of the most desolate holes... not a spear of grass for 60 miles of the town, water 10 cents per gallon... 40 cents for washing a shirt." "... I discharged after 20 days delay what with holidays... I could get no cargo on this boat so I thought it best to try the Sandwich Islands... but 400 miles out of the way." "I might got some sugar if I had not been deceived in this vessel. I have had plenty of chance to sell but old Fearrington had the rotten wood all covered... had to trust his word but he did lie... I have sent him $2200 in gold of of this freight so you see that he has received $6000 from me in 15 months..." "... he deceived me, told me she was sound all through and I had not the money to spare to have her overhauled... if she had been a good sound vessel I could have sold her and made good a profit by it for both of us..." "When I wanted to sell it at Callao they overhalled and found some of her timbers rotten..." "I have not taken any wages since leaving and I think if I can get some more good charters I shall make myself whole and give him back his rotten old ship..." "... getting down to Iquique she commenced leaking... had to keep the pump going all the time... had to get caulked all over and now she is tite... " "I have been told by one of my best friends in Boston that old Fearrington will do me out of the profets & ship yet he has done so with several captains ruined them..." "... I don't know whether I will get any cargo at the Sandwich Islands but I am in hopes..." "... the business in both oceans is very dull the steamers take all the trade. If she was a sound vessel I would go to Japan or China and sell... she will not carry 300 tons with safety..." "I must now close... give my love to Sarah and all of your dear family. Write direct Cross & Co. California Strait S. Fran." "goodby from your affectionate Brother, Wm H Summers." End Excerpts. Further research is warranted to learn more about the Captain, although it appears from historical records that his home was in Honolulu. The present letter suggests that he was a man of integrity, and that he had family in San Francisco. The Annual Report of the Hawaiian Historical Society, Vol 5, mentions a Captain Summers of Honolulu who was involved in hunting seals in 1826 with a brig called Waverley. This may be the same Summers or a relation, possibly his father. A San Francisco Ship Passenger List names William Summers as making a voyage on a British schooner named Koh-i-noor in November 1851 from Lahaina to San Francisco, presumably to visit his brother. The ship had only a scant few passengers, but a substantial cargo of potatoes from Hobart Town, as well as potatoes and oranges from Hawaii. A book titled "History of Bucks County, Pennsylvania," edited by J.H. Battle; published by A. Warner & Co. in 1887, outlines genealogical connections and mentions, "Sir Richard Summers, from whom the Sandwich islands derived the name by which they were first known, as the Summers islands". This reference may lead to the lineage of Captain Summers who wrote the present letter. "The Friend" began as a monthly newspaper for seamen, which included news from both American and English newspapers, and gradually expanded to adding announcements of upcoming events, reprints of sermons, poetry, local news, editorials, ship arrivals and departures and a listing of marriages and deaths. Reverend Samuel Chenery Damon was sent by the American Seamen's Friend Society to be chaplain in Honolulu, where he began to edit and publish the periodical in 1843. Reverend Damon had published between a half million and a million copies of The Friend, most of which he personally distributed, by the time he retired in 1885. Manuscript‎

‎Manuscript Nautical Documents - Ceylon‎

‎Light Vessels at Ceylon: Two Manuscript Nautical Documents, being Memorandums Pertaining to the Temporary Light Houses at Great Basses Reef and Little Basses Rocks Off Southern Shores of the Island.‎

‎The light vessels being the predecessors of the two permanent lighthouses of Ceylon fame, situated some fourteen kilometers apart off the coast of Yala National Park. Two folio documents: April 1869 double leaf true copy of a memorandum on winds and currents at Little Basses; April 1870 single leaf notice to sea captains announcing the temporary lighthouse near the Great Basses, issued by Colonial Secretary Henry Turner Irving (later Governor) and penned in a secretarial hand; both on blindstamped stationery of the United States Commercial Agency of Ceylon measuring approximately 20 x 32 cm. Slight age-toning, otherwise in very good condition, rare documents connected to two offshore lighthouses which are among the most famous in Asia. This fascinating and detailed manuscript lighthouse report, was made prior to the actual lighthouses having been constructed, by a sea captain who lived on the light ship anchored off the Ceylon southern shore for at least seven years, making important observations and providing light for navigators. The first document is an annual report by John Buchanan, master of the light vessel at Little Basses, describing seasonal wind and weather conditions, sea currents, tides, monsoons and storms, over the period of one year. The captain also describes steamships having difficulties making the passage to shore. This document being a true copy of the original made in April 1869 by Thomas Steele, Assistant Government Agent at Hambantota, who took a noteworthy interest in local antiquities and Sinhalese literature. [An admiralty notice based on Buchanan's memorandum, though slightly edited, was published in the London and China Telegraph, Vol. 12, May 16, 1870, and also in The Nautical Magazine and Naval Chronicle for 1870]. Excerpts from Buchanan's lightship memorandum: ".... at Little Basses Rocks, Ceylon, during 13 months as observed from the Light Ship." "January [1869]... It would not be inaccurate to say that a strong current continues throughout January coming from the NNE from the Bay of Bengal setting S.S.W. Sea crossing very rough all the month.... both wind and tide against them...difficult for ships to get to the Northeast. It would be well not to attempt to do so." "February... towards the end of the month the wind becomes much lighter. The northerly current also slacken. Occasionally in the month the Light Vessel swings. In 1868, however, she did not swing until April, while in the current year (1869) she swings in February. During the seven years I have been here, the SW monsoon has not hitherto set in regularly until from the 4th to the 10th of May. This year it has been steady at SW since April 6th. The present year is accordingly an exception to the rule..." "I consider March one of our finest months at the Little Basses... 87º in the shade... Shipmasters going to any part of Burmah need have no cause for hesitation... " "May... the monsoon sets in strong and steady... much rain falls, and thunder and lightning... until about the 20th October..." "June, July, August and September... the S.W. monsoon blows strong and steady... Notwithstanding the extreme difficulty I have been enabled (occasionally at much risk of life and property) to keep up a monthly communication with Pottana Bay [Pothana Bay], and thence by land with Galle." "November... much thunder and lightning... Floating bodies invariably I have observed, set right out to sea, S.S.W. ..." "Summary... There are no regular tides... the N.E. monsoon... during five months without variation. Thus a steamer steering N.N.E., has not only to oppose a three-knot tide opposed to her, but the wind dead against her... some steamers barely make two miles an hour going to the north... When the sun goes to the northward of the Light Ship, there is no more N.E. monsoon... in the event of a vessel making Dondra Head when bound to Galle, which is not uncommon the Master should never attempt to beat to Galle, but recross the line." End Excerpts. "Notice to Mariners, Bay of Bengal. Temporary Lighthouse near the Great Basses" heads the second document, which was issued by Colonial Secretary Henry T. Irving at Colombo in April 1870. Irving became a colonial governor not long after. Here too, prior to construction of a permanent structure, the admiralty anchored a temporary light-vessel upon which was mounted a revolving signal. This announcement came approximately one year before placement of the first stone for the lighthouse, and four years before it would begin operation. Excerpt from Irving's notice to mariners: "... it is hereby notified... that a light-vessel, exhibiting at an elevation of 38 feet above the sea, a red revolving light at intervals of 45 seconds, has been placed... at a distance of 3/4 of a mile from the N.E. rock of the Great Basses Reef... The vessel carries two balls vertical at the Mast Head." End Excerpt. Sir Henry Turner Irving, GCMG (1833-1923) was a British Civil Servant and Colonial Administrator. He first served as acting Governor of British Ceylon. In 1873-1874, he served as Governor of the Leeward Islands. In 1874-1880, he served as Governor of Trinidad and Tobago. In 1882-1887, he served as Governor of British Guiana. He was the first Governor of Trinidad to occupy the Government House, now known as the President's House. Notes on the lighthouses that subsequently replaced the "light-ships" described above: Great Basses Reef Lighthouse is an offshore lighthouse in the south of Sri Lanka. Accessible only by boat, it is located on a reef 13 km off the coast of Yala National Park, near Little Basses Reef Lighthouse. The necessity of a lighthouse at this location was acknowledged in 1856, a design of an iron tower on a granite base was suggested and costs began to be incurred without fruition. A new design by Alexander Gordon and Sir James Nicholas Douglass was approved in 1867. The executive engineer in charge was James' brother William Douglass. Two steam vessels were used, each capable of carrying 120 tonnes of stone, and each equipped with the appropriate lifting gear. Each support block weighed 2 to 3 tons. The first stone was laid in December 1870, the last in late 1872 and the light was lit in March 1873. The cost had been £63,000, of which £40,000 had been expended to no effect before Trinity House and William Douglass were involved. Little Basses Reef Lighthouse is an active offshore lighthouse at the southern end of Sri Lanka. It is located on a reef called Kuda Ravana Kotuwa (Fort of Little Ravana), formerly called Little Basses by the British when they invaded Ceylon. It is fourteen km off the coast of Yala National Park and north east of the Great Basses Reef Lighthouse. It was completed in 1878, built by William Douglass using the same steam ships, crew and workers as the Great Basses Reef Lighthouse. Designed by Sir James Nicholas Douglass, Little Basses lighthouse was one of a limited number of lighthouses that were designed to house the large Hyperradiant Fresnel lenses that became available at the end of the 19th century. Four of these lenses were used in Sri Lankan lights, all made by Chance Brothers in England. The lighthouse is close to Daedalus Rock, site of the sinking of HMS Daedalus (1811). The two Basses lighthouses are among the most famous offshore lighthouses of Asia. Manuscript‎

‎Manuscript Ledger, Merchant Ship‎

‎Manuscript Ledger from an Eighteent Century Merchant Ship Called 'Dublin', Dated 1-29 January 1755, Naming British Firms Dealing in Fine French Linens and Wine.‎

‎8vo. 2 pages of text written recto and verso on a single leaf watermarked with a fleur-de-lis, measuring approximately 22 x 23 cm. Age-toned, small chips to extremities, otherwise in very good condition for its age and origin. Trading merchandise such as fine Bordeaux wine known as claret, and French linen cloth, to affluent British clients and brokers, the merchant and his vessel have yet to be identified, although this simple document attests to the interests of both middle and upper classes of Great Britain in the eighteenth century. In this period, fine claret was a symbol of wealth and power in England, both in political and religious sectors, subsequently creating a significant revenue source for the Crown. The Bordeaux wine was prominent in both court and church, consumed heavily by high society aristocrats, while playing a central role in the Eucharist. During the 1750s, the French were favouring cotton, calico, and some silk over the traditional wool and linen textiles. French style was defined by elaborate court dress, colourful and rich in decoration, worn by such iconic fashion figures as Marie Antoinette. Britain, however was characterized by a propensity for practicality. Simple and modest, durable and inexpensive fabrics were best suited for the popular outdoor lifestyle and portraiture. The shift in styles in France provided an excellent purchasing opportunity for the English to purchase linen at a desirable cost. The merchant/captain's document begins on January 1st 1755, presumably at the onset of a world voyage, with "Cash to Stock £2000 Received from my Father to Begin the World... [Trade/Voyage?]" Ports of call include Roan [Roan, County Tyrone, Ulster, Northern Ireland], and Nanz [Nantes, France]. Claret and linen are purchased from France, and pure Irish butter brought for trade on consignment. Barrels of beef are also sold on consignment. Sundries and repairs to the ship are further noted. Transactions are dated at the center top of each entry, and tallied in Pounds Sterling to the right. This early document appears to have an interesting American connection as well, as two of the transactions involve Swift & Company, one of these being a purchase of beef. The captain first takes a deposit of £1000 on January 2nd, then charges the company on the 29th for 125 barrels of beef consigned by a Charles Curry. Manuscript‎

‎Scottish Interest‎

‎Rare Broadside for the Auction Sale of Glasgow Schooner Called 'London Packet', Stranded at Treacherous Beamer Rock.‎

‎Packet ship broadside for the auction sale of Glasgow schooner called 'London Packet' to take place six days after this announcement, on 7 November 1851, in the harbour of the historic seaport village of St. David's situated very near to Inverkeithing, Fife. 8vo. Single leaf printed document, watermarked, measuring approximately 28 x 20 cm. Slight creasing, one unobtrusive small chip to lower margin, otherwise in Very Good condition, presenting an exceptionally rare example of an in-situ auction for a vessel. Lovely and rare broadside from Scotland during the Golden Age of Sail to announce the sale of a Scottish packet ship which had then been recently stranded on the notorious Beamer Rock. The public auction was to begin at noon, 7 November 1851, in the harbour where the vessel sat in situ, in the historic village of St. David's. The vessel was part of the early sailing fleet of William Sloan & Co., a notable Scottish firm established in 1825 and operating the largest fleet in Glasgow by 1848.‎

‎19th Century Student of Medicine‎

‎Journal of Manuscript Medical Notes in German, titled: "Materia Medica und Formulare nach Dr. Büchner" , [Medical Material and Formulas According to Dr. Büchner].‎

‎Manuscript notes made by a nineteenth century student of medicine, possibly intent on becoming an apothecary, who examines and records the earlier works of German physician and professor Andreas Elias Buechner (1701-1769), including numerous medicinal recipes and commentary on physiological effects. 8vo. 56 pages in manuscript. Text is in German. Marbled paper boards with blank label to front. Volume measures approximately 17 x 21 cm. Very slight wear to boards, otherwise in very good condition, internally crisp and bright. The 18th century was the 'Golden Age' of scientific academies and learned societies. This work provides valuable information on the historic application of natural ingredients with medicinal qualities, as well as a somewhat early history of the experimentation and progress in the field of medicine, by drawing from the methodology and recipes of a notable eighteenth century German physician and educator in the field - Andreas Elias Büchner. Following a five-point outline, the writer compiles a lengthy and well organized list of medical ailments or discomforts and the simple remedies for them, over 24 pages, a very small sampling of these being parageusia (a distortion of the sense of taste), digestive issues for which are listed various laxatives, skin sensitivities and emollients, "alterantia" or hormonal alterants, and diaphoretics. A section headed "Special Formulas," comprising 23 pages of more complex medicinal recipes, provides ingredients and measurements for various emulsions, syrups, pills and much more. Andreas Elias Büchner (1701-1769) was a German physician, naturalist, Professor of Medicine at some of Germany's leading institutions, president of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina from 1735 to 1769, and one of Friedrich Hoffmann's most zealous followers. Manuscript‎

‎Darwin, Emma‎

‎ALS Autograph Letter Signed By Emma Darwin, Wife of Naturalist Sir Charles Darwin. ca.1889, addressed to Her friend Frances (presumably Frances Julia "Snow" Wedgwood‎

‎One Original Signed Letter, written ca.1889, 2 pages 8vo. Bi-folium on headed paper, "Down, Farnborough R.S.O, Kent". Leaf measures approximately 11,5cm x 18cm (4.5 inches x 7 inches), when folded. Very Good Condition, nicely preserved. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. The letter reads: My dear Frances, I am anxious to know how your cousin is today, & whether you have hopes of being able to move tomorrow. If you had leisure to come & see me this afternoon for a short time, I should be glad; but only send me a verbal answer at all events. yours very sincerely, E. Darwin, (Mrs. Charles Darwin)" Frances Julia "Snow" Wedgwood (9 July 1833 – 26 November 1913) was an English feminist novelist, biographer, historian and literary critic. She was described as "a young woman of extreme passions and fastidious principles" and "at once a powerful reasoner and an inexorable critic of reason. Manuscript‎

‎Maharajah Bahadur of Hathwa‎

‎A Personal and Exquisite New Years' Greeting for Governor of Bengal Sir Francis Stanley Jackson, from the Maharajah Bahadur of Hathwa, Signed in the Original by the Latter "Guru Mahadev Ashram Prasad Sahi".‎

‎A personal and exquisite New Years' greeting, dated 1 January 1932, for Governor of Bengal Sir Francis Stanley Jackson, from the Maharajah Bahadur of Hathwa, signed in the original by the latter "Guru Mahadev Ashram Prasad Sahi". Single leaf one-off printed document on parchment, with illustrated border, recto framed with exquisite gilt ribbons sequined, embroidered, with tassels, verso backed with pink silk textile, measuring approximately 26,5 x 42 cm. Signature faint, document creased, otherwise in very good condition, nicely preserved, clean and bright, a singular and personal document from royalty of India. A singular document, elegantly crafted and signed by a Maharajah, commemorates the end of term for Sir Francis Stanley Jackson as British Governor of Bengal. Sir Francis Stanley Jackson GCSI GCIE KStJ (1870-1947) was a captain in the British Army and served in the Boer War, a Conservative Party MP, Governor of Bengal from 1927 to 1932, and an avid English cricketer. During Stanley's time at Harrow School his fag [personal servant] was fellow parliamentarian and future Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Only five weeks after this document was made, on 6 February 1932, Jackson narrowly escaped an attempted assassination by a female student named Bina Das as he was making a speech in the Convocation Hall of the University of Calcutta. Later in the same year (1932), Jackson he was awarded the KStJ (Order of Saint John) and was appointed GCSI (Most Exalted Order of the Star of India). As such, on this document his honour of chivalry is only Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire. He is also recognized with the title P.C., then being a Member of the Privy Council.‎

‎Anonymous‎

‎Manuscript - Vellum Land Deed - Burnham Market - Text in Latin - Wax Seal‎

‎Burnham Market [in the district of King's Lynn, Norfolk], 1589. Manuscript indenture on vellum, outlining a conveyance of land in the environs of Burnham Market, from Edward Clarke of Stanhoe to John Barrett of Barwick, with a monogram magenta red wax seal. Text is in Latin. Document measures approximately 47 x 9 cm, with wax seal affixed to vellum pendant. Some age-toning, otherwise in very good condition. Latin indenture made in the thirty-first year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I [1589] concerning land in the area of Burnham Market, very near to Stanhoe, with which John Barrett of Barwicke acquires land from Edward Clarke of Stanhowe. A William Baxter is also mentioned in this document. The wax seal features imagery of a sword or staff within monogram letters, suggesting a notable status of service to the king. This is an exceptionally scarce and consequently significant concerning property rights in the sixteenth century feudal era of England, dated only thirty years from the earliest parish record held in Norfolk registry archives, and featuring a most interesting wax seal. Stanhoe is a village and civil parish in the district of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, only 19 miles from the seaside village of King's Lynn which would later be the birthplace of Captain George Vancouver the great navigator of Pacific Northwest America fame. Manuscript‎

‎Maurice de Vernouillet‎

‎Manuscript Lecture Notes on Ancient Civilizaions from the Teachings of Professor Marc Petit de Baroncourt, Collège Bourbon, La Réunion, 1842-45.‎

‎"Histoire Ancienne. Histoire du Moyen Age." [Ancient History. Middle Ages.] Manuscript history of the world from Antiquity to the Middle Ages, being lecture notes written by Maurice de Vernouillet, at the time a pupil of history professor Marc Petit de Baroncourt at the Collège de Bourbon, on the island of Réunion, east of Madagascar. Text is in French. 8vo. 2 volumes, 274, 294 pages, plus title pages to each volume. Bound uniformly in black calf over blue marbles boards, gilt title and tooling to spines. Volumes vary slightly in size, the first measuring approximately 17,5 x 21,5 cm, the second 15,5 x 19,5 cm. Minor wear to boards, otherwise in very good condition, a content-rich work in a fine hand. The origin of these works, Réunion Island, is revealed on the title pages of the second volume, by noting the professor's name, Monsieur [Marc] Petit de Baroncourt, who in 1841 became Professeur agrégé d'histoire au collège de Bourbon [Associate Professor of History at Bourbon College (in 1841)]. Born in Étain, Meuse, De Baroncourt was also a historical writer, beginning with an abridged history of the Middle Ages. The National Library of France holds at least one letter and one book by him. The student and writer is presumably Augustin "Maurice" Marchant de Vernouillet, born 18 April 1829 in Paris, who would later become a Resident Secretary in Madrid, holding the title of "Ministre plénipotentiaire de 1° classe" [a diplomat of ambassador usually with full power over a foreign land]. These volumes provide a rare opportunity to possess and examine the teachings of a notable French professor of the Collège Bourbon, on Isle Bourbon, today called La Réunion, where slavery was still ongoing, as was French colonisation. Manuscript‎

‎Collyer - Farming‎

‎Manuscript Accounts Ledger Kept by Scottish Farmer Daniel Collyer, Concerning a Sizeable Historical Farming Estate upon which Today Stands the Old Cormiston Farm Cottage.‎

‎Manuscript accounts ledger kept by Scottish farmer Daniel Collyer, Esq., (1776-1824), and subsequently continued by his widow Elizabeth, concerning a sizeable historical farming estate upon which today stands the old Cormiston Farm Cottage, providing a very detailed record of the setup, daily undertakings, and commerce of an early nineteenth century farmstead. Folio. 317 pages in manuscript, watermarked leafs, with a rough manuscript plan of the farm drawn on the front endpaper, and a second more detailed plan drawn on a separate leaf loosely placed within. Green boards representative, simple red label to spine, original marbled endpapers. In a patented account book made by John Williams of London, stationer to the Royal family, with original bookbinder's label to front pastedown, dated 1806. Front board bowing, partial separation at front hinge, otherwise in very good condition, binding remaining firm, interior crisp and clean, a very thorough record of early Scottish farming practices and rural life. This volume is replete with detail, a treasury of information, not only about the Collyer family connection to historic Cormiston, but also about local activities including trade, market fairs, social interests, nineteenth century households and the workings of Scottish farming practices. On the lands described herein, there still stands today an old farmhouse, now operating as a family run bed and breakfast called "Cormiston Farm Cottage" [Biggar ML12 6NS, some 2 miles from the town of Biggar]. The farmhouse was built in the 1790's and is still retains many of the original Georgian and Victorian features. The house and large Georgian steading to the rear are B Listed (Grade II) by Historic Scotland, identified by the Canmore National Record of Historic Environment as "Cormiston Towers Farm" ID number 47484, site number NS93NE 29. Manuscript‎

‎David Rordorf-Mahler‎

‎Massive Primary Source Archive of over 700 Original Architectural Drawings of Swiss Architect David Rordorf-Mahler, architect in Zurich (1856-1936)‎

‎The archive contains a plethora of material. Original Artwork in different formats, namely a collection of 14 original sketchbooks with numerous original colored drawings, approx. 540 original pencil drawings, 16 original water colored pencil drawings, 24 original watercolors, 15 original ink drawings, 32 original pencil ink drawings, 18 original watercolors, 79 original etchings, partly in aquatint, 30 manuscript pages of notes, 4 original oil studies and 3 photographs. Sheet dimensions from approx. 4 x 8 inches to approx. 22 x 26 inches. The archive includes manuscript cost calculations and numerous, partly large-scale construction drawings for the restoration work at the town hall Bülach. With his keen sense and appreciation of history, the Swiss architect Rordorf was an attentive observer of Swiss culture. As a result of the restoration work based on his designs at the town hall Bülach (around 1905) and in the Castle Greifensee (historic room conversions 1917) he drew the attention of the Swiss public to his work. Also, architectural and floor plan drawings, beautiful views (between 1876-1933) of Switzerland, including Bremgarten, Dübendorf, Effretikon, Lugano, Freiburg, New Bechburg, Thierstein, Bern-Thun, Mariastein, Aarberg, Castle Burgdorf, Kyburg, Locarno, Arbon, Brugg, Zurich, Erlach, as well as Italy, France and Germany. Documents include announcement and invitations and manuscripts of the Société "On the Wall" in Zürich, manuscript letters, poems, purchase contracts and dividing documents between David and Paul Rordorf, etc., as well as a district plan of the city of Zurich. Rordorf-Mahler was a member of the Zurich Artist Society, the Swiss Association of Engineers and Architects, the Société "On the Wall" in Zurich, and at times its President. All in all, an impressive archive of original drawings and at the same time, an important primary source material for the history of architecture in Switzerland. Manuscript‎

‎James Dennistou, Scottish Art Collector‎

‎Manuscript Signed Letter by a Scottish Art Collector, Concerning the Acquisition of Paintings by Crivelli.‎

‎Manuscript signed letter by Scottish art collector James Dennistoun to Lady Ann Cullum, while both are in Rome, concerning her acquisition of paintings by Crivelli, and making recommendation for a skilled local Italian restorer. 8vo. 3 pages in manuscript, double leaf measuring approximately 12,5 x 19 cm, with seashell watermark, integral address being simply 28 Corso, remnants of a green wax seal. Undated, but similar correspondence in the Cullum archives help to date this letter to the period before 1842. A small segment of mounting paper adhered to verso, loss to one corner at margin, text unobstructed, otherwise in very good condition. The paintings discussed in this correspondence are indeed treasures of antiquity, made by Carlo Crivelli (Venice c. 1430 - Ascoli Piceno 1495), Italian Renaissance painter of conservative Late Gothic decorative sensibility, who spent his early years in the Veneto, where he absorbed influences from the Vivarini, Squarcione and Mantegna. Crivelli's works are exceedingly scarce. Only two can be found today in Venice, both in the church of San Sebastiano. It is interesting to note that the present letter refers to more than one Crivelli painting, "the Crivellis... they" etc. Without seeing these specific art works, but holding the ancient artist in due high regard, Dennistoun states that they would surely equal Crivelli's other well-known and venerated pieces. He also estimates a value of 3,000 piastres [modest indeed for such an invaluable prize]. Manuscript‎

‎Sxony Famine‎

‎Signed Manuscript Letter in German with a Red Wax Seal, Written During the Great Saxony Famine, Concerning the Scarcity of Corn.‎

‎Primary source manuscript signed letter written during the great Saxony famine, which claimed many civilian lives, addressed to the Count of Lippe-Alverdissen [Philipp Ernest II], concerning the scarcity of corn. Text is in German. Quarto. 3 pages in manuscript. Double leaf aid paper measuring approximately 20 x 32 cm, with two watermarks, red and black marbles wax seal of a dove with olive branch. Minor indication of moisture to upper margin unobtrusive to text, otherwise in very good condition, a fascinating early correspondence with a beautiful intact red wax seal. Rare primary source account concerning a matter of urgency - the shortage of corn in the regions surrounding Lower Saxony - during the 1771-1772 famine, which reveals the geographical extent of the calamity as it spread beyond Saxony to its neighbouring counties, and provides specific corn measurements recorded by a notable corn keeper and merchant in Münster. The writer, W. Helbricht, appears to be the "frumentarius" (a corn dealer), and also the "kornschreiber" (one who keeps record of the corn). In his correspondence to the count, he pleads for mercy, explaining that in Alverdisser there had not been much corn recently. He provides specific measurements to illustrate the dire circumstances. His wax seal is also telling of the period, being a crisp image of a dove holding an olive branch, the traditional symbol of peace and hope. The scarcity of corn was so great in Saxony and Southern Germany, that large numbers of civilians died of starvation, some estimates citing approximately 150,000 deaths.‎

‎John Davis Britton‎

‎Manuscrip Diary with Drawings By an Englishman of His Travels to Germany, Belgium, Switzerland and France‎

‎Manuscript diary with several drawings, kept by an Englishman who travelled with his family to Germany, Belgium, Switzerland from 29 May 1867 - 15 June 1867, then to France from 1 June 1873 - 12 December 1874, relocating them for these 15 months to Normandy. Contains approximately 36 drawings, one which is a double-leaf scene pasted within, and a few botanical specimens mounted within. Accompanied by a travel itinerary with colour map detailing part of the first journey to the continent in 1867. 8vo. 2, 136, 156 pages. Brown leather boards, tooled front and back. Volume measures approximately 10 x 15 x 2 cm. Map/itinerary leaf measures 18 x 12,5 cm. Wear to boards especially at spine, front hinge delicate, otherwise in very good condition, an interesting Victorian diary. The writer is John Davis Britton, born on 28 December 1832 as revealed within the diary when he celebrates his 41st birthday at home in Vire. He is travelling with his wife Kitty, and children, at least five of whom are named - Lizzie, Aline, Ethel, Diddy, Dick. The delightful two-week travel to the continent features accounts of Lucerne at the dawn of tourism before most of today's historic hotels were even built, and highly favourable descriptions of Freiburg im Breisgau which has nothing short of enamoured the visitors. Manuscript‎

‎Garlichs, Mr. and Mrs. Hermann and Adelheid‎

‎Manuscript Travel Journal of Mr. and Mrs. Garlichs, Founders of the First Church in Femme Osage, Depicting Life in Missouri America.‎

‎The original joint manuscript travel diary, from 1835 to1840, of Mr. and Mrs. Hermann and Adelheid Garlichs, who settled in America and became founders of the Evangelical congregations. 8vo. 50 pages in manuscript. In addition, inversely there are 18 pages in manuscript by the same two writers, the first entry with a date as early as 1796 and possibly made by Adelheid's mother. The center of the volume contains 6 pages of recipes written by a family member in 1873, the year of Adelheid's death. All text is in German. Black paper boards, with floral cameo surrounding Adelheid's initials A.v.B. and the year 1835 tooled in gilt to front. With the stamp of the Steinlacke von Borries family library to front pastedown. Volume measures approximately 20 x 17,5 x 1 cm. Some wear to boards, otherwise in very good condition, an important primary source account of emigration to Missouri. Hermann Garlichs (1807-1865) was a German theologian and pastor, first arriving in America in 1833. He founded the first Protestant congregations west of the Mississippi and was the first president of the "German Evangelical Church Association of the West" in the USA. He was married to Adelheid von Borries. The couple's life became the subject of emigration research. In Anglo-Saxon literature, his name is sometimes seen as to Herman Garlichs, or Garlich. He grew up in Bremen in a wealthy Protestant family home, his father being a merchant. After completing his doctorate in philosophy, he was employed as an educator on the Steinlake estate of the district administrator C. L. Philip of Borries, and fell in love the administrator's daughter of the house, Adelheid von Borries (1815-1873). In 1833, when Garlichs was invited to go to America, miss Borries was only 16. As such, he emigrated there without her, but with Meller and Westerkappelner emigrants. Garlichs was inspired by Gottfried Duden's well-known descriptions of the good conditions in Missouri at that time. Duden was a Prussian lawyer who visited St. Louis, Missouri, in 1824 in search of land tracts for German settlements. Both Duden and his traveling companion, Ludwig Eversmann, purchased farms about fifty miles west of St. Louis. Duden spent nearly three years in the United States, reading, exploring the country, and writing letters while the Americans that he hired cleared his land and ran his farm. Duden returned to Germany in 1827. The result of this experiment was Report on a Journey to the Western States of North America [Bericht u¨ber eine Reise nach den westlichen Staaten Nordamerika's], which was published in Germany in 1829 to convince Germans to immigrate to Missouri. Duden described the advantages of moving to Missouri, and further provided advice on how to successfully create a new life in the United States. Duden's book was one of a large number of German books about America, but his was one of the most widely read. Germans faced many problems at home, including corrupt rulers, high taxes, and a lack of available land, thus Duden's account of the spacious expanse of Missouri plains sound very enticing to his fellow countrymen. Together with a few other missionaries who would become notable in the history in America, he made the voyage and settled in Missouri. Garlichs founded the first Protestant congregations west of the Mississippi in 1833 before he was ordained, i.e. as a lay preacher, in the small towns of Femme Osage and St. Charles. Originally known as the Deutsche Evangelische Kirchegemeinde, it was the first Evangelical congregation west of the Mississippi River. It still stands today, and has two church cemeteries, the first dating back to the 1830's and located next to the present-day school. Femme Osage was the mother-church for six other congregations: Friedens (St. Charles, 1834), Harmonie (Warrenton, 1842), St. Peter (Washington, 1844), Immanuel (Holstein, 1839), St. John (Cappeln, 1857), and Bethany (Schluersburg, 1844). In 1835 Hermann Garlich returned to Westphalia, married Adelheid von Borries, and was ordained a priest in Bielefeld. He subsequently went back to Femme Osage with his new wife. Unlike most immigrants to Missouri at the time, in 1835 the Garlichs travelled to America as privileged passengers. Apart from the expected rough seas now and again, and Adelheid missing her family, the voyage was a pleasant one. The newlywed couple had a first class room, and dined with the captain. The ship carried only 119 passengers. They reported that the ship was supplied with 100 chickens, 2 pigs, 2 geese, pigeons and ducks for fresh meat. Adelheid studied English and discussed theology with her husband. Hermann entertained the other passengers by playing the violin. Their joint diary records a theatrical performance by the steerage passengers. Initially, the couple, like the other settlers, lived in very simple conditions in a wooden hut five miles from the town. The more elaborate Garlichs house, at Femme Osage, St. Charles County, MO, is now listed as a Historic American Building. Hermann Garlichs is buried at Green-Wood Cemetery in Kings County, Brooklyn, New York. He died at the young age of 58. The famed but elusive original volume - this is the joint diary of Hermann Garlichs and his wife Adelheid, made in their original hands, describing the voyage overseas, their arrival in America, settling in the unmissionized wilds of Missouri in hopes of a better life, and glimpses of daily life as it was for their first five years as founding evangelists in this vast land of opportunity and hope.‎

‎Anon.‎

‎Illustrated Latin Manuscript Leaf, Hand Painted With Symbolism of Anti-Slavery, Introducing an Early Work of Translation by a Franciscan Friar of the Third Order.‎

‎Manuscript leaf introducing an early work of translation by a Franciscan Friar of the Third Order, hand painted in full colour and featuring fascinating symbolism. Text is in Latin. Leaf measures approximately 34 x 49 cm. One soft fold, minor age-toning, otherwise in very good condition, a beautifully preserved hand painted document made at the turn of the 18th century. The present document suggests that as membership of the Franciscan Third Order grew rapidly, and no formal papal education was being received by those preaching in the streets, there was a need for some form of instruction or guidance. As such, some of the key and simple canonical documents began being written for the laymen/women to understand the principles. The symbolism features intimation of anti-slavery. Purposed with works of teaching the gospel, providing charity, and social well-being for the public, early members of the Franciscan Third Order were a community focused on truth and humility, striving to emulate Christ and model a pure life. The symbolism in the manuscript illustration of the present document is fascinating and enlightening, in particular the focal image top and center. This is an armorial motif depicting slavery, rather the Catholic church's purported desire to slavery. Unlike the standard Moor's head seen in the papal coat of arms seen since early days, the imagery here features an African tribal warrior chief, all seen but his legs, with a confident stance and holding a spear up high in declaration; this is drawn inside of a gold shield topped with the pope's mitre simplex headdress. As a whole, this could be interpreted as the Franciscan Third Order's support to abolish slavery. Some of the more common instances of symbolism are the red ribbons to signify the Blood which Christ, and the laurel leafs in a circular placement as in the ancient Greek custom of symbolising victory, honor, and peace, in this case being victory over sin, honor to the Holy one, and peace on earth. There are also two large gilt fleur-de-lis, which is often said to from 1244 in the arms of the Kings of France, although clearly used earlier as this document precedes the latter event by 40 years. In early Catholic-based examples such as the present leaf, the fleur-de-lis is believed to represent either the Trinity, or the lancehead of a spear such as which would have pierced the side of Jesus on the Cross. Manuscript‎

‎Vice-Admiral Charles Gepp Robinson‎

‎Lot of 8 Original Admiralty Commission Documents, 1830-1849, Assigning Vice-Admiral Charles Gepp Robinson of Devon to Various Ships During His 19-Year Career in the Royal Navy.‎

‎Lot of 8 original Admiralty Commission documents, 1830-1849, assigning Vice-Admiral Charles Gepp Robinson of Devon to various ships during his 19-year career in the Royal Navy, five of which date to the reign of Queen Victoria. Eight (8) vellum certificates completed and signed in manuscript, five with red wax seal, 3 with paper seal, all with blue revenue stamp. Each measures approximately 28 x 32 cm. Age-toning, otherwise in very good condition, with notable signatures. Archive of official documents recording 19 years of one accomplished gentleman's naval career of Vice-Admiral Charles Gepp Robinson, who saw early service chasing slave ships around Africa and who is connected to the Shearwater Memorial, the lot featuring original signatures by notables such as John Barrow, M.F.F. Berkeley, Lord John Hay, J.W. Deans Dundas, Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, Sir George Francis Seymour, and Sir Henry George Ward. Charles Gepp Robinson (1805-1875) R.N. was born in Appledore House, Devon. He joined the navy in 1819. For two years he was stationed in the North Sea. He then sailed the coasts of east and west Africa until 1829 searching for slave ships and indeed managed to capture three. From 1821-1826 he participated in the coastal survey of HMS Leven, commanded by W.F. Leven. Robinson then joined the Surveying Department working mainly in Scotland, Wales and the Mediterranean until 1856. He became a Rear-Admiral in 1864 and Vice-Admiral in 1871 and died at age 70 at his home in Oban. John Barrow, 1st Baronet, FRS FRGS FSA, Second Secretary to the Admiralty, has signed 4 of the documents in his original hand, the appointments to HMS Caledonia in 1830, HMS San Josef in 1831, HMS Gleaner in 1842, and HMS Shearwater in 1843. The 1831 commission to HMS San Josef is also signed by Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, Baronet, Sea Lord and later Vice Admiral, who had commanded the flagships of Lord Nelson in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. Also signing 4 of the documents is Admiral Maurice Frederick FitzHardinge Berkeley, 1st Baron FitzHardinge, GCB PC DL, who would later become became First Naval Lord. We find his signature on the appointments of San Josef in 1833, HMS Royal William 1846, HMS San Josef 1848, and HMS Impregnable 1849. Rear Admiral George Heneage Lawrence Dundas, CB, signs the commission to HMS San Josef in May 1833, only 15 months before being becoming First Naval Lord in in August 1834. The signature of Sir George Francis Seymour, GCB, GCH, PC, Third Naval Lord, also holding a seat at the Board of Admiralty, ratifies the 1843 commission for HMS Shearwater. Lord John Hay, GCB, (later First Naval Lord and Admiral of the Fleet), signs both the commissions to HMS Royal William in 1846 and San Josef in 1848. Sir Henry George Ward GCMG, then First Secretary of the Admiralty, signs the latest in the lot, assigning Robinson to the Royal William in 1846.‎

‎Anon.‎

‎Manuscript Court Documents Pertaining to an American Merchant Ship Captured in 1801 by a Spanish Privateer and Recaptured Again by the American Crew.‎

‎Four manuscript court documents pertaining to an American merchant ship captured in 1801 by a Spanish Privateer while on a voyage to Barcelona and Malaga with valuable cargo, the subsequent recapture by the American crew, and claim for compensation from the salvage of her cargo. Three folio, one octavo, all single-leafs. Two documents are split at folds, one of which has very minor loss to text, otherwise the lot in very good condition, clean and legible, a most interesting record of the event and proceedings in the Admiralty Court. The American Brig Eliza, formerly Schooner Maria, whose homeport was Charleston and master was Captain Joseph Michael, was destined for Barcelona and Malaga in June 1801, with a cargo belonging to an American merchant named John Seamy. Near Tarifa, in Cádiz Province, on 10 July she was seized by Spanish privateers and ordered to the Port of Algeciras. While at anchor there, Captain Michael, with the help of his crew, in particular a Benjamin Hubble, managed to re-take the ship from the Spanish. They immediately proceeded across the Bay to Gibraltar with the intention of selling the ship and cargo for personal gain. Refusal to acquiesce to the Spanish privateers would have resulted in extreme retribution for the American captain and crew if they had not succeeded in their escape, as mentioned in the documents as a reason to disallow the captain of any monetary gains for the recovered vessel. There was also intense fighting around Gibraltar, involving the French, Spanish, and British, therefore the Spanish were well-positioned and well-armed. It was the Battle of Algeciras Bay taking place, having begun only 4 days earlier on 6 July 1801. (It would end on the 12th). Adding to the eminent danger for the Americans, when the United States had declared independence, British diplomats were quick to inform the Barbary States that U.S. ships were open to attack. In May 1801, some 6 weeks before the incident described in the present documents, the First Barbary War had begun, a war between the alliance of the United States and several European countries, against the Northwest African Muslim states known collectively as the Barbary States. Prior to independence, American colonists had enjoyed the protection of the British Navy. The British no longer offered protection. The Mediterranean Sea was now a precarious place for Americans to sail. On 4 December 1801, four members of the crew, Benjamin Huddle, Robert Sherington, Thomas William, William Sesten, engaged a proctor to recover the ship and her cargo. His compensation would be half of the value of the salvage. Following the recovery voyage, accusations flowed freely and, a few months later, in December 1801, a trial in the Admiralty Court ensued. The proctor presented his case for the claimants. The result of the trial is not identified herein, but can be assumed in favour of the claimants, based on the final document, which is a "release of all claims" by the ship's new captain, Nathan Ells, who was a mate under Captain Michael, employed on the ship during the event in question.‎

‎DIESEL, Rudolf‎

‎Signed Manuscript Letter in German By the Inventor of Diesel Engine, Concerning About the Installation of His Prototype Diesel Engine.‎

‎[Berlin], 22 February [1895]. Rudolf Diesel's retained copy of his own signed manuscript letter to Samuel Breslauer, following up on previous correspondence concerning the installation of his prototype diesel engine, during the design stage. Text is in German. 4to. Single leaf, 4 lines of text on onion skin paper measuring approximately 30 x 24 cm. Minor age-toning, otherwise in very good condition. Rudolf Christian Karl Diesel (1858-1913), needing no introduction, was a German inventor and mechanical engineer who is world-famous for having invented the Diesel engine. At the time of this letter, Diesel was diligently working on altering and perfecting his 1893 engine design. This design would later be known as the diesel engine. The first prototype Motor 150/400, had been completed 12 July 1893. Initial tests proved it to be a successful concept. By October 1895, after the first prototype had been converted into the second prototype Motor 220/400, it had become clear that, a completely new engine had to be designed from scratch. On 20 February 1896, Krupp, Maschinenfabrik Augsburg, and Diesel, decided to start the development of the new engine. The new engine was supposed to be a 250 mm bore engine with a 400 mm stroke. On 5 March 1896, Diesel filed a patent application for supercharging; on 26 March, it was decided to build the new engine with a supercharger. In order to improve the efficiency of the development process, a new design bureau was built directly into Diesel's Augsburg testing laboratory. Several young engineers worked there, including Imanuel Lauster. On 30 April 1896, after Lauster had completed the drawings, the workshop at Augsburg began making parts for the engine. The first successful Diesel engine Motor 250/400, designed by Rudolf Diesel, was officially tested in 1897 by German industrial engineer Moritz Schröter. Schröter concluded, "we are beholding a quite marketable machine that has been thoroughly designed with great attention to every single detail." At this time, several firms bought licences for building legal copies of the Motor 250/400. It is now on display at the German Technical Museum in Munich. The recipient of the correspondent is Samuel Breslauer (1870-1942), a lawyer, journalist and editor, who rose to be head of the Politics department for the Berlin newspaper "Berliner Lokal Anzeiger", a daily newspaper with one of the highest national circulations of its time. Breslauer is remembered as one of the numerous Jews who were captured and deported camp during the holocaust. Surely his public role would have made him an immediate target by the German extremist leader. In August 1942, Breslauer and his wife Bertha were taken to the Theresienstadt concentration camp where they both died, she within four days.‎

‎Anon.‎

‎Japanese Manuscript Account, with Large Ink Drawing, Regarding the Great Consternation Among the Japanese Civilians on the Arrival of Commodore Perry's Ships at Uraga in July 1853.‎

‎Manuscript document together with linen backed drawings. Document is 11 pages written recto and verso to six folded leaves string-tied at margin, measuring approximately 28,5 x 18,5 cm. Drawings are folded leaf measuring approximately 64 x 43 cm, accompanied by a related diagram on a single leaf measuring approximately 27 x 40 cm. The manuscript document describes the great consternation among the Japanese civilians, upon the arrival of Commodore Perry's four American ships at Uraga in July 1853, and the warlords' immediate action to guard the coast. Together with a large manuscript ink drawing depicting the "black ships", and an accompanying drawing of a barrel transport method. All text is in Japanese. Minor creasing and age-toning, otherwise items are in very good condition, beautifully preserved contemporary documentation by a Japanese civilian observing the events as they unfolded. A contemporary advisory of utmost urgency alerting Japanese civilians of the arrival of four formidable American vessels and the immediately appointment of warlords to protect the nation from invasion. The manuscript begins by reporting the arrival at Uraga in Edo Bay [Tokyo Bay] on 8 July 1853 of Commodore Perry and his four "Black Ships" [war steamships Susquehanna and Mississippi, sailing sloops Plymouth and Saratoga]. Details of the ships are given, including size, one estimated at 45 ken [approximately 82 metres], number of masts, firing canons, and so forth. The writer describes the ensuing panic among Japanese civilians, at Uraga and as far as Shinagawa, which is now part of Tokyo. [The news was travelling fast by word of mouth along the coast and trade routes, and began being illustrated with the "kawaraban" - broadsides with woodblock prints - for distribution. Naturally, Edo commoners were curious to learn about the imposing vessels that suddenly appeared within sight of their city.] He goes on to further explain that the Feudal Lords feared of an imminent and much larger attack by a foreign power, and the final section includes a list of warlords assigned to the vital responsibility of coastal guard duty. [The Japanese had no navy with which to defend themselves. The Americans were there to impose a trade agreement, and the opening of Japanese ports to U.S. merchant ships. This was the era when all Western powers were seeking to open new markets for their manufactured goods abroad, as well as finding more raw materials for their growing industries. Perry's small squadron itself was not enough to force the massive changes that subsequently took place in Japan, but the Japanese knew that his ships were just the beginning of Western interest in their islands. Russia, Britain, France, and Holland indeed followed Perry's example and used their fleets to influence Japan into signing treaties granting regular relations and trade. [Perry's vessels imposingly sailed into Edo Bay and his crew began surveying the surrounding area. The Japanese were shaken by this unprecedented and brazen conduct. After Perry's departure, an extensive debate ensued within the Shogunal court on how to respond to the American's implied threats. Shogun Tokugawa Ieyoshi died within a few short days, and was succeeded by his sickly young son, Tokugawa Iesada, leaving effective administration in the hands of the Council of Elders (roju) led by Abe Masahiro. Abe felt that at the time it was impossible for Japan to resist the American demands by military force, so he polled all of the daimyos (magnates and feudal lords) for their opinions. Of the 61 known responses, 19 were in favor of accepting the American demands, 19 were equally opposed, 14 gave vague responses expressing concern of possible war, 7 suggested making temporary concessions, and 2advised that they would simply go along with whatever was decided. The only universal recommendation was that steps be taken immediately to bolster Japan's coastal defenses. As revealed in the present document, one of the earliest steps was to assign the feudal lords to coastal defense. Fortifications were hurriedly built close to current day Odaiba in order to protect Edo from a subsequent American naval incursion. The Japanese ultimately agreed to the demands. Although many leaders wanted the foreigners expelled from the country, in 1854 a treaty was signed between the United States and Japan which, allowed trade at two ports.]‎

‎Anon‎

‎Rare Japanese Manuscript: [Kaei Ni-nen Tori-uru Shi-gatsu: Angeria-sen Toraiki. "Record of the Arrival of a Ship from Anglia, Fourth Month of 1849"]‎

‎Manuscript record of the unexpected arrival of the British HMS Mariner led by Commander Charles Mitchell Mathison in Japan, in 1849, with interest in making surveys around Edo (Tokyo), four years prior to Commodore Perry's arrival, and during Japan's period of isolation (Sakoku) during which most foreigners were prohibited entry in to the country and locals prohibited exit; containing also a description of Japanese castaway Otokichi who was on the British vessel, disguised as a Chinese to evade capital punishment, who later assisted Admiral James Stirling in establishing the 1854 Anglo-Japanese Friendship Treaty. Text is in Japanese. 8vo. 44 pages in manuscript, plus title page, on 23 unpaginated double leaves. Traditional karitoji binding ("semi-bound" meaning title page and contents without a book cover) string-stitched at spine, fukurotoji style ("bound-pocket" with folded leafs bound into spine), and opening from left to right. Complete in a single volume, measuring approximately 24 x 17 cm. A scant few ink marks to rear leaf margin, indication of some burrowing, unobtrusive to legibility, otherwise in very good condition, beautifully preserved, clean and bright, an exceedingly scarce work. Certainly an assertive manoeuvre, for the British to show up unannounced in the harbour of Edo, Japan was in the state of Sakoku ("locked country"), the isolationist foreign policy of the Tokugawa shogunate under which relations and trade between Japan and other countries were severely limited, and nearly all foreign nationals were barred from entering Japan, while common Japanese people were kept from leaving the country. The long-standing policy had been in place for over two centuries, since 1603, and would last a few more years after the departure of HMS Mariner. It was Commodore Perry in 1853, and his equally brazen arrival with his American Black Ships, that would force the opening of Japan to American trade through a series of treaties called the Convention of Kanagawa, ultimately ending the island's declaration of Sakoku, and facilitating other trade relations with Western nations. On 14 October, 1854, the first limited Anglo-Japanese Friendship Treaty was signed by Admiral Sir James Stirling and representatives of the Tokugawa shogunate (Bakufu). Yamamoto Otokichi (1818-1867), who was onboard HMS Mariner disguised as a Chinese interpreter during the ship's attempted entry in Japan, later played an instrumental role in establishing this treaty, providing Stirling with intel on language and culture during the negotiations. On 26 August 1858, the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Amity and Commerce was signed by the Scotsman Lord Elgin and representatives of the Tokugawa shogunate for Japan, after the Harris Treaty was concluded. Britain obtained extraterritorial rights on Japanese with the British Supreme Court for China and Japan, in Shanghai. A British iron paddle schooner named Enpiroru was presented to the Tokugawa administration by Bruce as a present for the Emperor from Queen Victoria. A scarce compilation of records from the Japanese perspective on a pre-Perry interaction between Bakufu authorities and a British ship, with references to Otokichi. This manuscript collates four Japanese reports of the British ship the HMS Mariner, which arrived in Japan from Shanghai in May of 1849 to make a topographical survey of the area around Edo (modern-day Tokyo), led by Commander Charles Mitchell Mathison, who had entered the Royal Navy on 5 August 1819. The event marks a very early British appearance at Japan, also pre-dating by four years the imposing arrival of Commodore Perry and his American Black ships also intent on making surveys. The first record briefly describes the layout of the Mariner and the aim of its visit to Japan. It also mentions the considerable Japanese language abilities of the Chinese interpreter on board who explained things in a way that is easy to understand, he in fact being the Japanese castaway Yamamoto Otokichi (1818-1867). The second section records foreign ship sightings from daimyo with guardhouses on the Miura Peninsula. [daimto were the most powerful landholding magnates holding the largest sections of land] The third report describes the meeting of Commander Mathison and the Bakufu intendant Egawa Tarozaemon (1801-1855), a dispute over a map of Japan, and Japanese observations of the ship and the crew. The last report is a copy of Isenokami Abe's (Masahiro Abe: 1819-1857) message to the bugyo (magistrates) and metsuke (censors/inspectors) in which, with HMS Mariner in mind, he expresses concern about the increase in the number of foreign ship arrivals in recent years and the abandoning of the Edict to Repel Foreign Ships. Abe notes that if the edict is enforced again, while there is no illegality on the part of the foreign ships, a dispute could arise, thus cautioning the noble families on the coast to prepare defenses. [Only a few years after the arrival of HMS Mariner, Isenokami would play a major role in the signing of the Convention of Kanagawa, as a result of pressure from the Perry Expedition.]‎

‎Tojo Kindai, Abe Rekisai, et al.‎

‎Large Woodcut Watercoloured Map Illustrating the Remote and Mostly Uninhabited Nanpo and Ogasawara Archipelagos‎

‎English translation of map title: [The Complete Map of the Seven Islands of Izu with a Map of the Eighty Uninhabited Islands.] Large woodcut watercoloured map titled to illustrate the remote and mostly uninhabited Nanpo and Ogasawara archipelagos, lying some 1000 kilometers south of Tokyo, of the important and banned map produce jointly by scholar and official Tojo Kindai and Abe Rekisai, from a limited run of 500 maps printed in 1848, for private distribution, not for sale to the public owing to the Tempo reform which oppressed any interest in subject matters concerning Western interests (Hawaiians and westerners were inhabiting the island). Kindai was imprisoned and subsequently exiled from Edo for the publication of the map; Rekisai was a promoter of Japanese settlement of the Bonin islands and it appears that he may have been spared from persecution. Folded and mounted to two striped cardstock boards at two ends for neat storage, also giving it the appearance of a typical Japanese book for concealing the content. Title, legend, placenames, and detailed descriptions, are all in Japanese. Map measures approximately 105 x 76 cm, folding into sleeve for safe storage at approximately 25 x 18 cm. Some age-toning, title label to boards worn, reinforced to one fold, otherwise in very good condition, beautifully preserved, with lovely colour accents, extensive detail, and retianing a strong impression. A rare surviving woodcut map that was banned by the shogunate. Tojo Kindai (1795-1878) was a Confucian scholar, calligrapher and cartographer active in Edo, where he was born, during the mid-nineteenth century. He studied under Ota Kinjo and Kameda Pengsai, and later served the Fukushima Daimyo. His aim with the production of this map was to illustrate the strategic importance of the Bonin islands, but by doing so, revealed secret information, essentially information about Western civilians and their successful agragarian activites on the islands. Knowledge of western ways was strictly prohibited. He was gaoled for seven months, then exiled from Edo for eight years after producing the map, which centered on the coveted southern islands that would become Japan's first overseas colony only fourteen years later (still during his lifetime). Ironically, criminals in Edo were often confined on Hachijojima island (in which he clearly took interest) or Miyakejima of the nearby Izu island group, especially political prisoners such as Kindai would have been labeled. Abe Rekisai (1805-1870), also known as Abe Yoshito, Abe Tomonoshin, and Hashukuen, born in the Toshima District of Edo, was a Japanese botanist, herbalist and author who published many works, with subjects on horticulture, botany, and even social conflict resolution. In 1856 he published geographic descriptions of Hokkaido where Abe Sho¯nin, his ancestor, twice visited to collect medicinal plants, commissioned by the Shogunate government (Bakufu). A most fascinating map produced twenty years before Japan's Tokugawa (Edo) shogunate had claimed the Nanpo and Ogasawara archipelagos lying some 1000 kilometers south of Tokyo in 1862, the islands are named, and communication routes between them are clearly indicated. Mountain ranges are also shown, both on and around the islands. It was the height of the Tempo reform of 1841-1843 when Kindai first published the map, a highly risky endeavour with the economic and political reform that dealt a sweeping blow to the publishing industry. Resolute and unflappable, Kindai continued to seek out more information on the subject, and again printed a small number of his map, slightly revised, in 1848. It too, was banned by the shogunate, who undoubtedly gathered and destroyed all copies they could find, a common practice of the day, which yet again inspired and necessitated scholars to become clandestine transcribers of important works. For his map, now produced twice and deemed "an act of political agitation," Kindai found himself in violation of strict prohibitions against the publication of coastal maps, a rule motivated by security concerns of the isolationists. As such, after printing 500 woodcut copies of the slightly revised version in 1848, again for private distribution, he was discovered, tried in court, sent to a gaol for seven months, and began a criminal sentence that banished him from Edo for eighteen years (Kokushi daijiten.) The present map is an exceedingly scarce limited woodcut print which survived the shogunate's "ban and destroy" campaign while Kindai sat in the gaol.‎

‎HUXLEY, Henry Minor‎

‎Five Manuscript Letters from the American Archaeological Expedition To Middle East in which he discusses Stone Inscription Discovery which were subsequently Concealed‎

‎Beirut, Damascus, Hama, Bhamdoun: 28 February 1900 - June 1901. Lot of 5 manuscript letters written and signed by Harvard anthropologist Henry Minor Huxley, concerning anthropological work performed for the Howard Crosby Butler Archaeological Expedition to the Middle East, as well as a noteworthy archaeological discovery of an ancient and curious stone inscription, its location guarded with secrecy by the few expedition members having this knowledge. 8vo. double-leafs varying in size. 24 pages combined, each letter signed in the original. Two letters are on hotel stationery. Occasional light creasing, otherwise in very good condition, clean and bright, a fascinating and candid primary source account. Writing to a trusted source, his mother, Huxley's reveals the discovery of an ancient inscription carved into an overturned stone, in a language possibly not yet identified, stating that he took the first photograph of it, and that only a select few expedition members are privy to knowing its location. His commentary on experiences with the local civilians and officials are straightforward and occasionally blunt. Henry Minor Huxley, A.M. accepted the offer to join the American Archaeological Expedition led by American archaeologist Howard Crosby Butler. The first part of the archaeological work took place from mid-October to mid-December 1899, and a second trip was made for continued work from March to June, 1900. In the summer of 1900, he was devoted to acquiring a working knowledge of the vernacular Arabic. Huxley's work, however, involved a broader scope. During this second trip, he was also tasked with the study of physical anthropology, as is apparent in the present correspondence. This work proved so valuable that Huxley, owing to the patronage of New York businessman and archeological enthusiast B.T. Babbitt Hyde, remained for another year to further these anthropological observations, independently. What does not appear to be officially documented in publications, but is highly fascinating, is what Huxley writes in his last letter of the present lot. That is, in June 1901, just prior to returning to America, he alone returned to the site of a stone inscription discovered during the earlier part of the expedition (presumably in 1899), to copy it, photograph it, and turn it back face down so that no others would see it. This would increase the likelihood that he and one other would have a better chance of being the first to decipher it.‎

‎Vennet-Smith T.‎

‎Cricket memorabilia, theatre, programmes, cinema posters & ephemera autographs and postcards : to be sold at action on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9th, 10th & 11th July, 1996 at the grandstand, Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick, Nottingham‎

‎Auction catalogue. VG paperback.9355. eng‎

‎Richter, Gerhard‎

‎original photograph [with] autograph signature (two separate items, offered together).‎

‎A penetrating black & white photograph (12.7 x 13.8 cm) of Richter at about age 40 a bold autograph ink signature on a neatly cut rectangle of extremely fine, handmade paper (7.5 x 8.5 cm). Ideal for framing. Both items in perfect condition.‎