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Antique Drum Microscope [Steward’s Portable Botanical Compound Microscope] c1870’s

A very nice cased English drum or field microscope. We have identified this exact type including accessories in the J.H. Steward Catalogue for 1871 so we can date it pretty well – see image of catalogue page with full description.

Original mahogany case with internal compartments circa 21cm x 8cm x 7cm. It has a crack in the lid of no structural consequence. Overall, a lovely patina superior to the usual pine equivalents.

Microscope in good condition with original eyepiece, three numbered objectives – instructions claim to give maximum magnification of 10,000 times.

Also provided is a brass box with a glass bottom usually for aquatic objects also crystals, salts etc. An insect box for small live insects. Five [would have been six] named paper covered prepared slides original to the set.

Extra special, almost unheard of, we still have the original “printed directions” with schematic of the microscope and accessories. Put back together by someone else with Sellotape

A super example of this upmarket drum style brass microscope.

Steward’s Catalogue goes on … “For Utility, Portability, and Cheapness, this Instrument is not equalled; and to convey some idea of its power, a Microscopic Photograph of the “Trial of Pickwick”, containing upwards 9,000 letters, and occupying the space of a pin’s head, when placed under this Instrument every word can be rad with the greatest ease”

1870’s Quality identified drum microscope with original accessories and printed directions.

$360.00

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Traitors’ Gate – Dennis Wheatley

First edition published by Hutchinson, London in 1958. One of Wheatley’s classics.

The Book Club edition which had this classic jacket designed by Sax – so period. Octavo 383 pages. End paper plan of Budapest and schematic of the Tower of London. Bit of age to top edge otherwise a very good copy..

One of a series on novels concerning the secret agent Gregory Sallust. Set in Budapest in 1942 where the effects of the war had yet to fully felt. The main plot centres around how the enemy were so brilliantly misled regarding the Allies intentions in North Africa.

Dennis Wheatley established a cult following during his lifetime. He was hugely successful and bought a large “Georgian Pile” in Hampshire were he kept a very large collection of rare and antiquarian books … his appetite for serious historical memoirs is reflected in the depth and solidity of his writing.

Wheatley in Budapest during WWII – dressed by Sax

$30.00

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Lord Rochester’s Monkey (Being the Life of John Wilmot, Second Earl of Rochester) – Graham Greene – First Edition 1974

Graham Green had written this lengthy biography in the early 1930’s. Rochester’s work and life were considered rather racy for the period and there was difficulty getting it published.

Moving the clock forward to 1974 and it is finally published backed up by some very good relevant illustrations.

Published by the Bodley Head, London in 1974. Large octavo (25cm by 19cm) 231 pages with numerous illustrations many in colour. A very good copy.

Rochester the second Earl (the first having hidden Charles up the Oak tree) was well favoured by the restored King Charles II. He had an incredible brain, although at Oxford spent the entire time drunk. He entered the King’s Court at an early age after a surprisingly distinguished naval career. His writing of odes and poetry was of the highest standard although cutting; a wit to the extreme. A wit not held back on the King himself who saw Rochester off to the Tower to reflect. Supposed to be the author of the erotic play Sodom, based on the debauch Court of Charles. None of his work was published in his lifetime … he died at an early age from medical complications associated with his wild life.

Lord Rochester his life was not Monkey Business

$60.00

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Ernest Hemingway – Fiesta – Cape Edition

Our favourite edition Published by Jonathan Cape, London this issue 1975. Presented in that classic wrap around cover. Scarce and sought after in this Cape form. All about the bullfight in Hemingway.

The dust jacket designed by Hans Tindall. Octavo, 286 pages, a pretty good copy. The strong bull image on the dust jacket is repeated boldly on the front board. Stunning.

This is the Fiesta

$60.00

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Biggles Delivers the Goods – Captain Johns – First 1946

First Edition of an early Biggles published by Hodder and Stoughton, London in 1946.

Octavo, 182 pages, coloured frontispiece and nine full page plates by Stead. Front end paper map of the Bay of Bengal – India – Burma – Siam [Thailand] and the Malay Peninsula where all the actions takes place.

Chip at back top of jacket back, otherwise a super first edition.

Biggles does all he is asked for and delivers the goods.

$70.00

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Il a ete prime – Pochoir by Gose – Gazette du Bon Ton 1914

A beautiful hand coloured “Pochoir” by Francisco Javer Gose (1868-1915) for the Paris Gazette du Bon Ton published in 1914.

“Il a ete prime” he was rewarded – as is she with the stunning deco evening outfit. Technically before the advent of deco but surely, she is a deco lady with her deco accoutrements.

The hobble skirt in silk particular to a tight [pun] fashion period which ended circa this date. The hobble skirt was designed after Mrs Edith Berg tied up her skirt to stop it flapping as she became the first aircraft passenger – look it up its an interesting by-story.

The ultimate in fashion print from a perfect era.

Price $180.00 unframed

One of the most sophisticated Bon Ton’s

$180.00

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All products

Antique Drum Microscope [Steward’s Portable Botanical Compound Microscope] c1870’s

Traitors’ Gate – Dennis Wheatley

Lord Rochester’s Monkey (Being the Life of John Wilmot, Second Earl of Rochester) – Graham Greene – First Edition 1974

Ernest Hemingway – Fiesta – Cape Edition

Biggles Delivers the Goods – Captain Johns – First 1946

Il a ete prime – Pochoir by Gose – Gazette du Bon Ton 1914

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