A red glass insert of a profile face with remains of a pharaonic crown to the forehead.

A blue-glazed composition amulet in the form of an ibis (representing the god Thoth) seated on a wedge-shaped base, facing a figure of Maat appearing as a diminutive stooping female with an ostrich feather; some details to both figures rendered in a darker blue glaze; suspension loop to the rear of the bird's neck.

A white limestone figure of the god Ptah with false beard, wearing an enveloping cloak and a broad wesekh-collar, holding the shaft of a was sceptre; serene, oval face with almond-shaped eyes and fleshy lips; remnants of dorsal pillar to reverse; mounted on a custom-made display stand.

A spectacular bronze hydria composed of a tapering body, broad shoulder and waisted neck, the everted rim decorated with egg-and-dart motifs, three round-section handles and tiered, ogival foot; professionally restored.

A red-figure terracotta bell-krater displaying polychrome figural panels between a laurel wreath and a band of Greek key motifs; side a) two robed male figures holding staffs, wearing a taenia or a band around the head, standing facing a central altar; side b) a woman wearing a chiton and holding a casket and olive sprig in her outstretched hands, advancing right towards a nude man standing right, his head turned towards her, holding a bucket and olive sprig, a cloak draped over his arm, elaborate volute palmettes beneath both handles; restored.

A free-standing bronze imperial or military eagle terminal from a staff or a sceptre, modelled in the round in a dynamic pose standing on a globe, wings spread, head turned to the right, semi-naturalistic anatomical and feather detailing; the globe bearing an incised eight-armed stylised Macedonian star; sub-triangular lug to back of the neck; collar to globe with hollow underside.

The best example of only three examples of this type known, a copper-alloy knee brooch composed of a rectangular-section body, spring pin within bow plate and remains of catchplate to reverse; both sides of the body with two panels of Latin lettering moulded in relief: 'FIBUL[A] EX REG LAGITIENSE', translating to 'Brooch from the Regio Lagitiensis' (Roman Castleford); remains of blue glass enamelling to the recessed fields.

A large fired clay brick from the Wall of Babylon bearing six lines of stamped Babylonian cuneiform inscription to one face which reads: 'AG - ku -dur-ri-URU' / 'LUGAL ba-bi-lu' / 'za-ni-nu é-sag-ila' / 'u e-zi-da IBILA' / 'SAG.KAL. sa AG-IBILA-URU' / 'LUGAL ba-bi-lu ana-ku', which translates: 'Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, who provides for Esagila and Ezida, the eldest son of Nabopolassar, king of Babylon, am I'; traces of bitumen on the blank side; accompanied by an old label which reads: 'Brick from the Wall of Babylon / Presented by W.Bro. Gentle-Cackett Secretary Bible Lands Mission / The impression records the fact that it was built by King Nebuchadnezzar [II]'.

A tinned sheet-bronze legionary helmet of Imperial Gallic Type A with deep rounded bowl, simple C-shaped cut-outs for the ears, integral flared neck-guard extending some way along the sides, corrugated ribs to the occipital area at the rear and corrugated 'wings' or eyebrows (Russel-Robinson's Type E) above the brow; small stud the rear of the neck-guard attaching suspension loops to the underside; hinged bracket at each temple for a deeply curved cheek-guard with gently flared rim, bearing a loop to the inner face to accept an vinculum fastening strap; accompanied by a custom-made display stand.

A gilt copper-alloy mount composed of a broad annular body with slightly domed profile, the body quartered with each cell displaying a chip-carved interlace motif configured A:B:A:B; rim, edges and central cell with raised rim; rivet and flat-section mounting bar to reverse.

A bronze bowl mount or escutcheon comprising a discoid panel with gently curved profile and zoomorphic hook; the panel with reserved La Tène comma-leaf decoration on a pounced field (intended to receive enamel fill); the hook with median gusset to the outer face, horse-head finial, bulbous La Tène ornament at the base.

A pair of large Early Anglo-Saxon gilt copper-alloy saucer brooches each comprising a broad (13mm+) angled flange surrounding a central disc with carinated border; outer zone comprising four arches subdivided by hatching to the inner edge and four C-shaped panels with triangular separators, inner zone separated by a carinated border, central disc with four radiating bilinear crescents; pin-lugs and catch to the reverse with traces of mineralised fabric.

A silver chessman-type seal matrix with pierced trefoil head and knop above; central motif of a leopard statant gardant before a tree, pelletted border and blackletter legend '* sigillum [lozenge] steffani [cinquefoil cinquefoil] ale [cinquefoil lozenge] lane' (for 'seal of Stephen [at?] ale lane').

An annular gold band with everted upper and lower lip, filigree ropework above and below each rim, with circumferential inscription to the recessed exterior face; of the five separate bands, the central one accommodating an applied strip of paler gold bearing a Medieval French blackletter inscription in relief, reading: '+loiautet (5 five cinquefoils) pas tout (5 five cinquefoils)', or 'Loyalty Passes All'; the inscription band may once have been enamelled; plain interior; the outer rim and twisted band on one edge are slightly bent; cleaned and repaired.

A substantial gold signet ring composed of a lentoid-section hoop, expanding capital style shaped shoulders and irregular octagonal bezel engraved with a skull, two flowers below separating the reversed initials in capitals: 'CL', framed by a beaded border.

A marble copy of the kneeling Venus (original in the Vatican Museums), crouching on an octagonal base; the arms raised in expressive pose, head tilted, hair drawn up in a chignon; lettering to base 'KNEELING VENUS' and 'ROME'.

Pennington, Rooke, Notes on the Barrows and Bone-Caves of Derbyshire with an Account of a Descent into Eldon Hole, MacMillan, London, 1877; original buckram with lettered spine; 124 pp. + 36 pp. [advertisements]; with detailed collector record card and inked manuscript 'with the author's compliments' to title and 'Nicholas Reckert 29/4/1975' to half title. 473 grams, 22.7 x 15 cm

Near fine condition; spine slightly rubbed and soiled, hinges a little worn. Scarce.

Ex libris Nicholas Reckert, 1975. Acquired Anne Oldham, Wales, January 1986. The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex. Thence by descent to family members. Accompanied by a hand-written record card from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, was when living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.

Mitchell, Albert, Yorkshire Caves and Potholes 1 - North Ribblesdale, Skipton, 1948; xv pp. + 81 pp. + 18 pp. [advertisements], illustrated; WITH Yorkshire Caves and Potholes 2 - Under Ingleborough, Skipton, 1948; xi pp. + 140 pp., illustrated; both in lettered card covers with dustwrappers; with detailed collector record cards. 350 grams total, 18.2 x 12.5 cm each

Fine condition. Scarce.

The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex. Thence by descent to family members. Accompanied by hand-written record cards from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.

Hartwig, Dr. G., Marvels Under Our Feet, Longmans, London, 1888; pictorial cloth hardback, aeg; 144 pp., illustrated; with detailed collector card and inked stamps 'E SIMPSON', 'SPECIMEN COPY' and 'SPECIMEN COPY PRESENTED BY LONGMANS & CO' and partially erased ink 'Mabel Greenwood 1933' inscription to title. 346 grams, 18.6 x 13.1 cm

Good condition; binding slightly loose and spine sunned. Scarce.

Publisher's Specimen Copy. Ex libris Dr Eli Simpson. Acquired Miss C M Rawdin, 1982. The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex. Thence by descent to family members. Accompanied by a hand-written record card from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.

Hurtley, Thomas, A Concise Account of Some Natural Curiosities in the Environs of Malham in Craven Yorkshire, in papered boards (later?), pages untrimmed; 68 pp. + 199 pp. [appendices I-III], three folding plates (1 repaired); with detailed collector record cards and engraved bookplate for 'J Barber' and 'Boddy's Bookshop' label to inside front cover with pencilled 'Logographic Press - printed words / instead of individual letters. Vide "Yorkshire Library" / Crude method of including illustrations' to reverse of half title. 482 grams, 23 x 15 cm

Near fine condition; occasional slight foxing. Rare.

Ex libris J Barber. Acquired Tony Oldham, Wales, 1985. The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex. Thence by descent to family members. Accompanied by a hand-written record card from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.

Hovey, Horace C., Celebrated American Caves Especially Mammoth, Wyandot and Luray, Clarke, USA and Lockwood, London, 1882; original pictorial cloth; xii pp. + 228 pp. + 8 pp. [Clarke advertisements], illustrated (some folding); with detailed collector record card and old mark inside front cover where label removed and fep clipped top corner. 780 grams, 24 x 16.5 cm

Near fine condition; slight wear to binding hinges.

Ex libris Dr Eli Simpson. Acquired Miss C M Rawdin, 1982. The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex. Thence by descent to family members. Accompanied by hand-written record cards from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.

Group comprising: Anelli, Franco, Richerche Paletnologiche nella Grotta Betal presso Postumia, 1933 (2 copies); WITH Il Pozzo ossifero delle Cave di Ca Negra presso Punta Slavore nel Vallone di Sicciole, 1933 (2 copies); WITH Conetti di Deiezione di Oligocheti nella Grotta nera di Portumia, 1936; WITH Sfiatoi do Grotta nella Regione Carsica di Postumia, 1936; WITH Boegan, Eugenio, Sullo sviluppo delle richerche speleologiche nella Venezia Giula, 1930; WITH Sulle Explorazioni Speleologiche in Italia, 1933 (2 copies); WITH Catasto delle Grotte Italiane, 1930; WITH Spezzotti, L., Ralazione, 1945 (3 copies); some with detailed collector record cards and ink 'E SIMPSON' stamps to covers or titles. 717 grams total, 17 x 24.2 cm each

Generally fine condition. Most scarce.

The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex. Thence by descent to family members. Most accompanied by hand-written record cards from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.

Ballou, Maturin M., Travels Under the Southern Cross, Houghton Mifflin, nd (believed 1888), 2nd edition; original pictorial cloth; xi pp. + 405 pp.; with detailed collector record card and printed bookplate typed for 'ERVIN E REED' to inside front cover and same name pencilled to fep. 613 grams, 20.5 x 13.5 cm

Near fine condition.

Ex libris Ervin E Reed. Acquired Grand Fallon Books, USA, October 2008. The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex. Thence by descent to family members. Accompanied by a hand-written record card from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.

Prinz, W., Les Cristallisations des Grottes de Belgique, Société Belge de Géologie, Brussels, 1908; later half calf and marbled boards with part front wrap laid on; 90 pp., illustrated; with detailed collector record card and ink 'E SIMPSON' stamps to front cover and title. 526 grams, 31 x 25 cm

Fine condition; very slightly loose. Rare.

Ex libris Dr Eli Simpson. Acquired Miss C M Rawdin, 1983. The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex. Thence by descent to family members. Accompanied by a hand-written record card from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.

Buckland, Rev. William, Reliquae Diluvianae or Observations on the Organic Remains Contained in Caves, Fissures and Diluvial Gravel and on Other Geological Phenomena, John Murray, London, 1824, 2nd edition; later half calf with marbled boards by Roberts of Chester, page edges uncut; pp.vii + pp.303 with 27 fine plates (some folding, some coloured) and index (lacking pp.299-302 of index); with collector record card providing full details; with inked inscription to fep for D Hay Fleming (dated 20 January 1921) and bookplate of Hay Fleming Reference Library, St Andrews (dated 1932) with later inked 'Withdrawn' stamp over. 1.53 kg, 29 x 23.5 cm

Generally fine condition; light foxing in places. Rare and a classic work.

Ex libris D Hay Fleming (1921) and Hay Fleming Reference Library (withdrawn). Acquired Tony Oldham, Wales, January 2006. The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex. Thence by descent to family members. Accompanied by a hand-written record card from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.

[Anonymous], The Gritstone Clube, Volume 4, No. II, Gaskarth, Bradford, nd (believed 1934); original pictorial wraps; 35 pp. text, 11 mounted photographs and folding plan of Diccan Pot, Alum Pot and Long Churn (surveyed E Simpson, 1933); with detailed collector record card and ink 'E SIMPSON' stamp to front cover. 213 grams, 25.5 x 15.5 cm

Fine condition. Rare.

Ex libris Dr Eli Simpson. Acquired Miss C M Rawdin. The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex. Thence by descent to family members. Accompanied by hand-written record cards from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.

[Anonymous], Postojnska Jama Pecina, Postojna, 1978, 1st edition (5000 copies); marbled card; 32 pp. [preface in several languages including English + 16 pp. [being a facsimile of 'Aedelsberge und Kronprinz Ferdinands Grotte I' by von Hoenwart (1830)] + 9 pp. ['Aedelsberge und Kronprinz Ferdinands Grotte II' (1832)] + 14 pp. ['Aedelsberge und Kronprinz Ferdinands Grotte III' (1832)] + 18 pl. [plus a title page (1830)]. 1 kg, 44 x 28 cm

Fine condition.

The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex. Thence by descent to family members.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.

Morris, E. A., Cassell's Picturesque Australia, Volume 2, Cassell, 1888; later red cloth with parts of original cloth laid on to boards and spine with later clear plastic cover; viii pp. + 309 pp., illustrated; with detailed collector record cards. 1.3 kg, 27 x 20.5 cm

Good condition; original binding cloth parts soiled and rubbed, one text gather loose (pp.99-110). Rare.

Acquired Pacific Book House, Australia, December 2008. The property of Mr and Mrs PR of East Sussex. Thence by descent to family members. Accompanied by two hand-written record cards from Mr and Mrs PR.

This lot is from the collection assembled by a man who pursued a lifelong interest in speleology - the study of natural cave systems and he sought out important books on the subject ranging from 18th century classic works to rare pamphlets and offprints. The first book apparently acquired, by way of a gift from a family friend in 1955, when he was living as a young man in Australia and exploring the famed Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. For over fifty years, as he moved around the world, his interest expanded into USA cave systems and those in the United Kingdom and Europe. Many of the books have a pedigree of previous ownership and almost all are accompanied by meticulous index cards that record not only the full bibliographic information for each book but also when, where and from whom it was acquired, together with the price paid; the cards are often punctuated with pithy personal comments that show clearly the depth of interest in the subject. The collection represents an unrivalled opportunity today for collectors and others to acquire rare and important works.