Curiosities

Antarctic Collectable – The Uttermost South – The Undying Story of Captain Scott – The sad conclusion of the Scott’s expedition to the South Pole – As published in the New York, Everybody’s Magazine – October 1913.

A complete issue (Vol XXIX No 4) of the lengthy Everybody’s Magazine a popular literary magazine of the period.

The tragic story of the Scott expedition unfolds over 24 pages, with numerous images from photographs taken by Scott and other members of his expedition and the later party attempting to find the adventurers. A super summary and iconic images … surely no other image can portray disappointment than the Scott party at the pole with the Amundsen tent.

25cm by 16cm with some 150 pages all up plus loads of pages of period advertisements, a joy in themselves. Another article on airships may interest, period stories etc. Generally good condition, albeit cover edges frayed.

Unusual Antarctic Ephemera with content.

$80.00

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The British Steel Challenge Round the World Yacht Race 1992/3 – “Pride of Teesside”

Promotional folder with original full-size photographs.

The 1992/93 round the world challenge involved ten identical vessels, apart from distinguishing colours and trimmings, all built at the Devonport Dockyards in Plymouth.

The Pride of Teesside was skippered by In MacGillivray coming a creditable fifth in 155 days. Nuclear Electric skippered by John Chittenden finished four days earlier so a tight finish all things considered. The race was eventful taking a route west round the Horn several boats suffered serious rigging screw failures … British Steel II, a contender after leg I to the Horn was de-masted and had to limp to Hobart under Jury rig.

The portfolio contains … a fact File; Route Map; seven extra large colour photographs (30cm by 21cm); Crew Profiles; Yacht Specifications etc.

A unique item of sailing memorabilia

$40.00

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A.G. Mumford limited – Engineers, Boiler Makers, Launch and Yacht Builders, Makers of Steam Pumps, Valves etc – Catalogue No & – 1906 Edition – Reprinted for Historical Reference 1985

Mumford’s were based in Colchester, England. Their Culvert Street Engineering Works was the centre for Marine Engineering development and manufacture.

Foolscap in size, 117 pages of diagrams and specifications that are simply a mechanical engineers delight. Mumford were contractors to the Admiralty, War office, the Colonies, Spanish and other foreign governments. The contents are best described by way of the example images shown

Marine Engineers Delight – Mumford

$50.00

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The World’s Wickedest Women – Andrew Ewart – First Edition 1964

Subtitled … “Intriguing Studies of Eve and Evil through the Ages” … written by a man.

First edition published by Odham’s, London in 1964. octavo, 288 pages in pretty good condition.

Starts with Sapho the Lesbian and Lecherous Layabouts of Ancient Rome and a new name for Cleopatra “Queen Harlot” .. so we get the tone. As the works becomes progressively more modern the work becomes more edgy and less theatrical and in the end is surprisingly enlightening although challenging.

Wicked Women not for the faint hearted

$40.00

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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

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The Life of Gerard Mercator – Set of Six Trade Cards – Liebig

A group of six brightly coloured trade cards by Liebig advertising their tasty products. Produced circa Mid 20thC and in very good condition. Comprehensive text in French on reverse.

Delightful chromolithographs depicting various phases in Gerard Mercator’s life.

Gerardus Mercator (1512-1594) a German-Flemish geographer studied at the University of Leuven. He appears in the matriculation records of 1530 … they still exist! In 1569 he created the principles that we now call the Mercator projection, fundamental to voyagers from that day forward. He produced a magnificent Atlas based on his projection technique and made many fine globes sold to Royalty and gentry all over Europe. Unfortunately, as were the time even though a devout Catholic he was accused of heresy and spent six months in prison. Each of these elements of his life is nicely displayed in this scarce card set.

Mercator … his projection is everlasting

$60.00

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Antarctic Collectable – The Uttermost South – The Undying Story of Captain Scott – The sad conclusion of the Scott’s expedition to the South Pole – As published in the New York, Everybody’s Magazine – October 1913.

The British Steel Challenge Round the World Yacht Race 1992/3 – “Pride of Teesside”

A.G. Mumford limited – Engineers, Boiler Makers, Launch and Yacht Builders, Makers of Steam Pumps, Valves etc – Catalogue No & – 1906 Edition – Reprinted for Historical Reference 1985

The World’s Wickedest Women – Andrew Ewart – First Edition 1964

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

The Life of Gerard Mercator – Set of Six Trade Cards – Liebig

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