Mining/Geology

My Fourth Tour in Western Australia – Albert F Calvert – Illustrated Walker Hodgson – First Edition 1897 – A Presentation Copy and Interesting Provenence

A first edition of Calvert’s most impressive book published in 1897. A presentation copy from publisher William Heinemann, London to Herbert Ingram … compliments slip bound in at title page.

The illustrator Walker Hodgson completed the tour and is described by Calvert in his Preface as “the Lion of the Party”.

The copy was later purchased by Victor Deuters and gifted to his son David. Deuters was a close acquaintance of the illustrator, Walker Hodgson. The book contains a copy letter from Hodgson to Victor … for the purposes of the gift to his son. Hodgson’s in true “artistic hand” runs to four sides, mentions david as a little boy, many reminiscences and then a lengthy section on this Calvert book … where it can be found; contents; his involvement in illustrations and also contributing the last two chapters; its good reception at the time etc. Hodgson refers to himself as “the Old Scarecrow” obviously feeling his age and signing of with a scarecrow decoration at signature. The letter is dated 1940 and he concludes “We can hear the sounds of War from here, quite clearly!”

Large quarto, xxvi, 359 pages, catalogue. Tissue guarded frontispiece portrait of Calvert, ten plates – some double page, 400 in text illustrations. Coloured folding map of Western Australia showing the Gold Fields, minor tape repair at map hinge. Half bound dark blue over lighter blue cloth covered boards, gilt title front and spine. A really nice clean and bright copy.

In the 1890’s Calvert became and authority on Australia and published important books about its early discovery and exploration. His works on western Australia are unique and based on his own experiences. He first cam to Australia in 1890 in the company of his grandfather and perhaps his father, both of whom were involved in mining. Their first trip under the umbrella of the General Exploration Company was largely unsuccessful. Further trips ensued with greater success … this the fourth trip the most expansive and best recorded. The illustrations, particularly of mining towns and activity are special.

Sir Herbert Ingram was the 2nd Baronet Ingram. His grandfather founded the Illustrated London News which his father later managed. The lithographed bookplate carries an image by Alphonse Mucha maybe the most sought after illustrator of the period.

Calvert’s superior book on Western Australia and Mining with a special enchanting provenance.

$690.00

Updating cart…

Original Share Script – The Consolidated Gold Mines of Western Australia – 1898

A great example of a late Victorian Gold Mine certificate produced and printed by Bishop & Co Engravers and Printers, London.

The Consolidated Gold Mines of Western Australia was incorporated in 1898 with a share raising of 81,000 British Pounds, being 324,000 shares of 5 shillings each. This is certificate number 165 for 40 shares issued to Mrs Rachel Mary Cleaver of “Beauregard” St Leonards [Sydney}. Signed by the Directors and Company Secretary, Lawrence Spicer. Impressed company seal. Nice example - would frame well.

In 1898 the Company was operating a gold mine at the Marble Bar, a town and rock formation in the Pilbarra, North Western Australia. Records show the mine had limited success. From a map drawn by engineer A F Calvert (see below) it is clear the Company had ambitions in a number of Western Australian gold fields.

Of particular interest is that the Managing Director of the mine was author, explorer, entrepreneur Albert Frederick Calvert (1872-1946). Calvert was a prolific writer and his Explorations of Australia 1844-1896 in two volumes still holds up very well … as does his The Discovery of Australia still a standard and collectable reference. His books on Western Australia are well honed based on personal experiences and adventures. Whilst he was not part of it [he was back in London]… he sponsored what is know as the “Calvert Expedition” into the heart of the Great Desert in which two adventurers sadly died.

Interesting early Gold Mine script with a rather unique background story.

$260.00

Updating cart…

Kalgoorlie Golden Mile – Western Australia – Original Magic Lantern Slide – Newton & Co – c1910

Very good condition magic lantern slide from Newton & Co Fleet described in cursive writing.

We date the slide to around 1910. New & Co were at 43 Museum Street London. They were the world’s longest established suppliers of scientific instruments being formed by Sir Isaac Newton’s cousin J. Newton in 1704. At the time of this slide the proprietors were still from the Newton family. The British Museum have Newton & Co out of business at Museum Street in 1913, but other references have it continuing

A really broad view which magnifies to present incredible detail. Standard British size in fine condition. We believe this slide and image is pretty rare.

Kalgoorlie was discovered by Paddy Hannan and Tom Flanagan in 1893. There horse had thrown a shoe and when they stopped to sort it out they noticed gold …. Well … on the ground everywhere. Hannan staked a claim and the rush was on. By 1896 the rail had arrived and the area had taken over from Coolgardie as the primary WA goldfield.

As an aside the Newton & Co address is as you might suspect in sight of the British Museum in London and also opposite The Plough … a favourite Voyager pub.

Rare Australian Gold Mining Lantern Slide

$120.00

Updating cart…

Royal Society of Tasmania – Papers & Proceedings – 1897

Contains an important and contentious paper regarding the measurement of Tasmanian [aboriginal] crania contained in the Tasmanian Museum and less contentious and quite lengthy [31 pages] … Notes on the Aborigines of Tasmania extracted from the Manuscript Journals of George Washington Walker with an introduction by James B Walker… and a further paper by J.B. Walker on the “Tribal Divisions of the Aborigines of Australia.

Perfect bound in original paper covers quite chipped xxxiv, 92 pages, illustrations including images of crania … warning one shown here.

Contents further include … Mount Dundas narrow gauge rail; Land routes for the exploration of the Western country; The Great Lake and its water power; Iron Deposits of Tasmania … various geological and natural history

Important and contentious content regarding Tasmanian Aborigines.

$60.00

Updating cart…

Royal Society of Tasmania – Papers & Proceedings – 1926 [the Dutch in Tasmania and Crowther]

Contains an important historical paper by Clive Lord on the planting of the Dutch Flag in Tasmania.

Geoffrey Ingleton’s copy … Ingleton Catalogue stamp no 14258 on rear cover.

Perfect bound in original paper covers, 196 pages with 11 plates and 22 figures within the text.

Contents further include inter alia … Isostatic Background of Tasmanian Physiography; the Constitutional Separation of Tasmania from New South Wales 1825; Oil Shales of Tasmania; Tasmanian Spiders; Tasmanian Cetacea; New and Little Known Tasmanian Lepidoptera; Notes on the Tasmanian Race (Crowther) etc etc. As well as the formalities … Annual Report etc.

The Dutch plant their flag and Crowther on the Tasmanian Aborigines

$60.00

Updating cart…

Report to The Council of the League of Nations on the Administration of the Territory of New Guinea from 1st July 1930 to 30th June 1931.

A very good, near fine copy of the annual report on all things New Guinea. The Council of the League of Nations was the first inter-Governmental organisation formed to maintain world peace. It was established after WWI, the consequences of which saw the administration of New Guinea pass from German to Australian hands.

Foolscap, stapled, 130 pages plus large folding coloured map at rear. Printed in Canberra by L.F. Johnston for the Commonwealth Government.

We are always taken aback by the depth and detail of these reports. The key items of interest, we believe, are … the report on the state of gold mining and associated aviation activities … Edie’s Creek was just starting to produce; the District Patrols; the lengthy report from Sir Hubert Murray on his mammoth tour covering 4,440 miles in the steam yacht Franklin … and the super coloured map 72cm by 34cm.

Complete New Guinea report during the gold discovery era, special tour by Hubert Murray and fine map of “influence”.

$120.00

Updating cart…

My Fourth Tour in Western Australia – Albert F Calvert – Illustrated Walker Hodgson – First Edition 1897 – A Presentation Copy and Interesting Provenence

Original Share Script – The Consolidated Gold Mines of Western Australia – 1898

Kalgoorlie Golden Mile – Western Australia – Original Magic Lantern Slide – Newton & Co – c1910

Royal Society of Tasmania – Papers & Proceedings – 1897

Royal Society of Tasmania – Papers & Proceedings – 1926 [the Dutch in Tasmania and Crowther]

Report to The Council of the League of Nations on the Administration of the Territory of New Guinea from 1st July 1930 to 30th June 1931.

Product Categories