Prestige Items

The Complete Works of Francois Villon – Translated by J.U. Nicolson – Illustrated by Alexander King – Fine First Editions 1928

Superior two volume set published by Covici, New York in May 1928 part of limited set of 960 this copy numbered 427 signed by the translator J.U. Nicolson. Typography by C. McMurtie.

Royal Octavo 809 pages all up after preliminaries. A near fine set rich red cloth covered boards with gilt title to spine and front unmarked, fully protected by complete heavy black dust jackets with a slight edge crease and a small closed tear. Top edge rich gilt very clean internally pages bright as new. Dust jackets nearly always missing with this set. Lovely full page sepia-tone illustrations as frontispiece and throughout the volumes. A heavy set near 3 kgs so may require some extra postage dependent on your location.

The volumes are set out side by side original French and English translation. Villon (1431 to c1463) by far the best-known French poet of the late Middle Ages, a renowned and shady character whose verses chronicle his escapades. He was born in Paris and disappeared from “historical” view in 1463. He had multiple encounters with the law. His real name may have been Francois de Montcorbier or Francois des Loges. Whatever, his nom de plume “Villon”’ appears everywhere in his writing. His work suggests he was born into poverty and raised by a foster father (from whom he adopted the name Villon). He was bright and received qualifications from the University of Paris at an early age. His first real skirmish with the law came in 1455 when he “accidentally” killed a man during a scuffle. He was banished and then pardoned when evidence was produced that the dead party had forgiven him before the lights went out. Shortly afterwards he was involved in a serious robbery and after various complexities was banished and wandered the country supposedly as part of a gang of thieves. In 1461, he spent the “summer” in the Bishop’s prison at Meung-sur-Loire and dodgey things went on from there.

All of this makes for interesting poetic accounts of life as Villon experienced it. Le Testament written in 1461 is regarded as his greatest work, His work is sprinkled with mystery and hidden jokes and include much slang from the underworld he inhabited. His texts include the real names of many influential people of the time … the rich, royal officials, lawyers, police and prostitutes. The most quoted refrain “Mais ou sont les neiges d’antan?” (Where are the snows of yester-year?) comes from the Ballade des dames du temps jadis and has been quoted from Rossetti to the hit TV program Downton Abbey. We cannot write about Villon’s influence in Film, Theatre, Poetry etc. as we would be here all year!

All of Villon in French and English in Fine Presentation.

$180.00

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Elle S’Appelle Manon – Robert Dammy – Gazette du Bon Ton – 1914

A beautiful hand coloured “Pochoire” by H. Robert Dammy for the Paris Gazette du Bon Ton published in 1914. One of the great early Bon Tons.

“Elle s’appelle Manon” wearing a beautiful cape for the evening by designer Doucet. The ultimate in fashion print from a perfect era.

Price unframed $180.00 … if you would like it framed just let us know …

A lovely vibrant example of possibly the most sought after Bon Ton

$180.00

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Rare Historical Microscope Slide HMS Dart Survey – Australian Waters 1897

HMS Dart was actively involved in Hydrographic and Scientific Surveys in the Australian waters in the later stages of the 19th century. This unique slide of Foraminifera collected at 38 degrees South 149 degrees East (South of Tamboon) in Eastern Victoria to the East end of the Bass Strait. Comprising a numbered grid of 24 positions with forams glued down (some have come loose over the years).

Unique scientific record from Australia 1897

$130.00

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John Browning – Victorian Table Spectroscope c1890

An original prismatic lacquered brass spectroscope by the leading London based Victorian maker John Browning. Special quality as would be expected from a Browning instrument. Original fitted Mahogany Case with carrying handle, which has lost its lock as often, no damage to the case.

The table is engraved and Vernier works as it should. Telescope and collimator. The adjustable slit is in perfect condition and has its cover or protector which is usually missing. The optics are in A1 condition. The telescope arm is fully articulated and can be locked into position. The flint glass prism looks original to the instrument and has its original oxidised table housing. The telescope length is 20cms fully in 30cm fully extended. The instrument stands 25cms high.

Quality Victorian Spectroscope Top Maker

$840.00

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Museum Quality Fossil Bowfin Fish from the Messel Pits, Germany

Very nice large extinct form of Bowfin Fish, Cyclurus kehreri. From the Middle Eocene (Geisealtalain) period – 47 Million Years Old.

These fossils are found within the bituminous oil shales that occur near the village of Messel, Darmstadt, Germany. The fossils are removed from the shale using a technique called reverse transfer preparation, where the fossil is mounted onto a resin plate and the destructive oils shale is then removed leaving the fossil on the resin plate. This is the only way for them to be preserved and the method is used by leading authorities.

Size of fish 26cm by 7cm, overall mount 36cm by 15cm.

The Fish has a number of living relatives such as the mudfish, mud pike, dogfish, griddle etc. and is also related to the gars.

An extremely rare and sought after fossil

$120.00

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Silver-Crowned Friar Bird (Tropidorhynchus Argenticeps) John Gould – Birds of Australia

Original hand-coloured lithograph (from stone) from Gould’s major work “Birds of Australia” of the Silver-Crowned Friar Bird (now classified Philemon Argenticeps). This work by John and Elizabeth and completed in London between 1840 -1848.

Gould remarks that this new species was provided by Benjamin Bynoe, Surgeon of HMS Beagle who provided them to Gould when Gould visited Sydney. Subsequently, other examples have been provided by Captain Grey following his expeditions.

Original John Gould lithographs are all of a uniform size approx 53.5 cm by 37.5 cm. This item is accompanied by its related description page which assists with provenance. This is sometimes separated from the original work.

Price $490.00 unframed. Enquire about framing options if you wish. Freight is not an issue either way …

Nicely executed Gould Original

$360.00

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The Complete Works of Francois Villon – Translated by J.U. Nicolson – Illustrated by Alexander King – Fine First Editions 1928

Elle S’Appelle Manon – Robert Dammy – Gazette du Bon Ton – 1914

Rare Historical Microscope Slide HMS Dart Survey – Australian Waters 1897

John Browning – Victorian Table Spectroscope c1890

Museum Quality Fossil Bowfin Fish from the Messel Pits, Germany

Silver-Crowned Friar Bird (Tropidorhynchus Argenticeps) John Gould – Birds of Australia

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