Curiosities

Azurite “Sun” – Copper Mineral, the form, Unique to Malbunka Copper Mine near Areyonga, Northern Territory.

A very nice clean example of a decent sized azurite sun with a couple of smaller examples in the usual kaolinite matrix from the Malbunka Mine.

Azurite formed by the oxidation and weathering of copper deposits – Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 and this specific indeed unique “sun” structure formed at depth and with high pressure. Monclinic and comes with a variety of colour depths this one Royal to Dark Blue.

The main sun is 45 mm in diameter and has good crystal definition around its edge. The whole sample weighs 80 gm.

Azurite “Sun” structure unique to Australia.

$120.00

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Direct Vision Spectroscope [Produces Super Clear Spectra] – c1890-1910

A fine example of a direct vision spectroscope no makers mark but likely manufactured by John Browning of London. Browning was the top London maker of spectroscopes in the late 19th early 20th Century and, was the leader in spectroscope development.

Victorian or Edwardian in manufacture. Works very well and produces sublime spectra. Contains a train of five alternating crown and flint glass prisms in order to correct for chromatic aberration. Brass body unmarked and with a complete covering of the original gold lacquer. Plush lined case has some rubbing; the clasp still holds firm.

This design is also known as the “Rainband” spectroscope and was used by gentlemen scientists to detect the spectral bands that appear as water vapour builds prior to a shower of rain. This is the more sophisticated version with a knurled device for altering the slit width and a draw tube for fine focus. cap to protect the slit from dust is original and fits snugly.

Very good condition working spectroscope

$190.00

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Fraser’s Gold Mine, Western Australia – Magic Lantern Slide – by Newton & Co 1913

An original magic lantern slide showing Fraser’s Gold Mine, Western Australia, by Newton & Co, London. This formed part of a set on Australasia sold in 1913.

Fraser’s Gold Mine is south-west of Southern Cross in Western Australia. Gold was mined here from 1886, discovered by Hugh Fraser. It was the first large scale gold mine in the Eastern Goldfields region if not the colony. Fraser’s Gold Mining Company was floated in 1889, Hugh Fraser given half the shares. Things did not initially go well and further capital was required – Hugh Fraser refused the request and he had control. He was eventually persuaded but not without receiving concessions, security, seat on the Board etc – sound familiar. He died penniless seemingly.

The balance of the history is equally interesting but too long for here. The mining activities were eventually brought together in a “big pit” and was inactive in the St Barbara portfolio. May be the operation sold to Hanking and then on to another Chinese operator – not sure … any help received with thanks

Newton & Co were formed in 1858. In the period 1912-1925 they had premises in Covent Garden.

Standard size circa 3.5 inches or 8cm by 8cm.

Good image of the historically important Fraser’s Gold Mine.

$80.00

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Australian Opal in Coal Matrix – Antique Microscope Slide – W Hemingway – Derby England – c1910

W Hemingway was among a group of thin section microscope slide preparers who specialised in Coal measure inclusions in the North of England at the turn of the 19thC.

This slide is an unusual one for W Hemingway given the Australian subject. And an unusual slide as one could expect the occurrence of opal within coal measures is quite rare and only likely to arise where coal formations are close to if not adjacent to opal fields. There is a hint of coal at Arckaringa north of Coober Pedy … we are not sure where else … so would be interested to hear from anyone with a clue.

Slide is nicely prepared as would be expected of Hemingway [Preparer included in primary reference Bracegirdle – example Plate 21].

Rare slide of a rare occurrence opal in coal – circa 100+years.

$80.00

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Medal – Royal Hobart Regatta [Striking Design] – 2013

Albeit quite modern appears very hard to find.

Superbly struck with high relief – the yachts full sail in “combat” particularly well done. Nice patina, gilt style finish. Xx diameter weighing xxgm

Regatta Medal with a very pleasing design.

$70.00

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New Market, Hobart Town – Original Lithograph – Drawn by William Kay [Hobart] and Lithographed Arrowsmith [London] 1851

A scarce original lithograph of the plans for the New Market at Hobart Town. Produced by John Arrowsmith (1790-1873) from drawings by William Porden Kay (1809-1897) Director of Public Works, Hobart Town. Limited but original colouring.

Shows the monumentally classic front elevation on Macquarie Street with transverse and longitudinal sections and a ground plan detailing the allocation of space to individual shops, the fish market, hay and straw shed, corn exchange and offices. The market was constructed as described in 1851-1853 but unfortunately burned down early in the 20th century and was replaced by the now City Hall.

There do not appear to be any original examples in Australian Libraries. The State library of NSW has a facsimile produced by the Irish Academic Press in 1977

About William Porden Kay

William Porden Kay was born into a family of architects his father was the vice-president of the institute of British Architects. He was the nephew of Sir John Franklin through his first wife and Kay was invited to Van Diemen’s Land because the Franklins objected that the two most highly qualified architects in Hobart Town, James Backburn and James Thomson were emancipated convicts. He arrived in 1842 and was soon appointed Director of Public works. There were claims of nepotism and his appointment was disallowed by the Secretary of State. A spat arose and Kay was in and out of the position several times before matters settled down. He was very active in Hobart until his health started failing around the time of the construction of the New Market. He was pensioned off and returned to England.

Scarce original 1854 architectural lithograph

$390.00

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Azurite “Sun” – Copper Mineral, the form, Unique to Malbunka Copper Mine near Areyonga, Northern Territory.

Direct Vision Spectroscope [Produces Super Clear Spectra] – c1890-1910

Fraser’s Gold Mine, Western Australia – Magic Lantern Slide – by Newton & Co 1913

Australian Opal in Coal Matrix – Antique Microscope Slide – W Hemingway – Derby England – c1910

Medal – Royal Hobart Regatta [Striking Design] – 2013

New Market, Hobart Town – Original Lithograph – Drawn by William Kay [Hobart] and Lithographed Arrowsmith [London] 1851

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