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Auction Highlights

  • Egyptian Red Glass Face Inlay
    Egyptian Red Glass Face Inlay

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,640

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





    Lot Details

  • Egyptian Thoth as an Ibis with Maat
    Egyptian Thoth as an Ibis with Maat

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £6,500

    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.





    Lot Details

  • Egyptian Bust of Ptah
    Egyptian Bust of Ptah

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £13,000

    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.





    Lot Details

  • Large Greek Hydria with Egg-and-Dart Motifs
    Large Greek Hydria with Egg-and-Dart Motifs

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £9,525

    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.





    Lot Details

  • Large Greek Apulian Red-Figure Bell-Krater
    Large Greek Apulian Red-Figure Bell-Krater

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £28,600

    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.





    Lot Details

  • Roman Military Eagle Staff Terminal
    Roman Military Eagle Staff Terminal

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £11,050

    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.





    Lot Details

  • The Castleford Military Garrison Romano-British Regio Lagitiensis Inscribed Brooch
    'The Castleford Military Garrison' Romano-British 'Regio Lagitiensis' Inscribed Brooch

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,940

    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.





    Lot Details

  • Large King Nebuchadnezzar the Great Brick from the Wall of Babylon
    Large 'King Nebuchadnezzar the Great' Brick from the Wall of Babylon

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,980

    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]'.





    Lot Details

  • Roman Legionary Helmet with Wings of Jupiter
    Roman Legionary Helmet with Wings of Jupiter

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £52,000

    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.





    Lot Details

  • Anglo-Saxon Gilt Chip-Carved Mount with Interlaced Panels
    Anglo-Saxon Gilt Chip-Carved Mount with Interlaced Panels

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £6,240

    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.





    Lot Details

  • The Pershore Anglo-Saxon Hanging Bowl Mount with Horse-Head
    'The Pershore' Anglo-Saxon Hanging Bowl Mount with Horse-Head

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £7,150

    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.





    Lot Details

  • The Siddington Impressive Anglo-Saxon Chip-Carved Saucer Brooch Pair
    'The Siddington' Impressive Anglo-Saxon Chip-Carved Saucer Brooch Pair

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £24,700

    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.





    Lot Details

  • English Medieval Silver Chessman Type Seal Matrix for Stephen of Ale Lane
    English Medieval Silver Chessman Type Seal Matrix for Stephen of Ale Lane

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,510

    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').





    Lot Details

  • The Bettiscombe Medieval Gold Loyalty is Everything Posy Ring
    'The Bettiscombe' Medieval Gold 'Loyalty is Everything' Posy Ring

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,160

    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.





    Lot Details

  • Stuart Period Gold Renaissance Memento Mori Signet Ring with C.L. and Skull
    Stuart Period Gold Renaissance Memento Mori Signet Ring with C.L. and Skull

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £19,500

    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.





    Lot Details

  • Marble Statue of Kneeling Venus
    Marble Statue of Kneeling Venus

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £14,950

    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'.





    Lot Details

  • Natural History Books - [Anonymous] - Practical Pictorial Guide to Settle and Giggleswick
    Natural History Books - [Anonymous] - Practical Pictorial Guide to Settle and Giggleswick
    Published circa 1888 A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £33

    [Anonymous], Practical Pictorial Guide to Settle and Giggleswick, Johnson, Blackburn, nd (believed 1888); later blue cloth with original lettered wraps bound in; 4 pp. [advertisements] + 20 pp. + 6 pp. [advertisements], illustrated; with detailed collector record card. 109 grams, 21.5 x 14 cm

    Near fine condition; wraps darkened. Rare.

    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.

    Lot Details

  • Natural History Books - Various - Narracoorte Caves Guides
    Natural History Books - Various - Narracoorte Caves Guides
    Published 20th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £65

    Group comprising: Bevilaqua, Harry G., Views of the Narracoorte Caves, privately published, nd; card wraps, stapled; series of photographic views; WITH Davidge, C. W., Narracoorte Caves and Town, Osboldstone, Melbourne, privately published, nd; card wraps, stapled; series of photographic views; WITH Gurry, L. J. Views of the Naracoorte Caves and Township, Gurry, Naracoorte, nd; card wraps, laced; series of photographic views. 266 grams total, 25 x 15.3 - 25.6 x 20.3 cm

    Generally fine condition. All scarce.

    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.

    Lot Details

  • Natural History Books - Trickettt - Australia, Jenolan Caves
    Natural History Books - Trickettt - Australia, Jenolan Caves
    Published 20th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £33

    Trickett, O., Guide to the Jenolan Caves, Sydney, 1905, 1915 and 1921, 2nd, 3rd and 4th editions; cloth or papered boards, 4th edition with loose brown paper protective cover; all illustrated; 2nd and 3rd editions with detailed collector record cards. 1 kg total, 24.7 x 18 - 25.5 x 19 cm

    Good to very good condition; few minor binding faults. All scarce.

    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.

    Lot Details

  • Natural History Books - Martell - France, Speleological Papers and Offprints
    Natural History Books - Martell - France, Speleological Papers and Offprints
    19th-20th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £7

    Group comprising works by E A Martell: The Grottoes of the Drach near Manacor (Majorca), from French Alpine Club Yearbook, Vol.XXIII, 1896, nd (believed 1920); stapled brochure, illustrated with folding map; WITH La Spelelogie ou Science des Cavernes, Musee Pedagogique, 1898; sewn booklet; WITH Les Leves Topographiques Sommaires dans les Explorations de Cavernes, offprint from Bulletin de la Societe de Topographie de France, April-June 1892, pp.50-55; paper wraps, illustrated; WITH Padirac Historique et Description Sommaire, 1925; spatpled pictorial wraps, illustrated; WITH Gouffre de Padirac, nd; folded pamphlet, illustrated; WITH Sur la Grotte D'Altamira et L'Age de ses Peintures, offprint from Bulletin de la Societe Prehistorique de France, February 1906; loose pages with later brown paper front; WITH British Caves and Speleology, offprint from The Geographical Journal, November 1897; sewn with card wraps, illustrated; WITH Les Abimes ou Puits Naturels, offprint from Association International Hydrologie Scientific, No.19, 1932; loose pages mounted on paper backing sheets; WITH Deuxieme Rapport sur les Eaux Souterraines, offprint, 1930; stapled wraps with presentation inscription from author to E Simpson to front; WITH Martell, E. A. and Gaupillat, G., Sur la Formation des Sources dans l'Interieur des Plateaux Calcaires des Causses, offprint from Seances de l'Academie des Sciences, 25 November 1889; most with detailed collector record cards, some with ink 'E SIMPSON' stamps. 372 grams total, 17 x 12 - 28 x 23.2 cm



    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.

    Lot Details

  • Natural History Books - Hughes / Thomas - Exploration of Cave Ha
    Natural History Books - Hughes / Thomas - Exploration of Cave Ha
    Published 1874 A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £26

    Hughes, Prof. T. McKenny and Thomas, Rev D. R., Exploration of Cave Ha near Giggleswick Settle Yorkshire, and On the Occurrence of Felstone Implements of the Moustier Type in Pontwnewydd Cave, Anthropological Institute, London, 1874; later red cloth with original wraps bound in; 10 pp., illustrated, with blank pages at back; with detailed collector record card and ink 'E SIMPSON' stamp to front wrap. 178 grams, 22 x 14.2 cm

    Fine condition. Rare.

    Offprint from Journal of the Anthropological Institute. 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 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.

    Lot Details

  • Natural History Books - Various - Fiji and Tonga Titles
    Natural History Books - Various - Fiji and Tonga Titles
    Published 20th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £33

    Group comprising: Cumming, C. F. Gordon, At Home in Fiji, Armstrong, New York, 1886; original pictorial cloth; xii pp. + 365 pp. + 7 pp. [advertisements], illustrated, folding map; WITH Neill, J. S. Ten Years in Tonga, Hutchinson, 1955; original cloth; 220 pp., illustrated. 1 kg total, 20.5 x 14.3 - 22 x 14.5 cm

    Good to fine condition; first with some binding wear.

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

    Lot Details

  • Natural History Books - Hurley - Gems of Jenolan
    Natural History Books - Hurley - Gems of Jenolan
    Published circa 1920 A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £13

    Hurley, Cpt Frank, Gems of Jenolan, Government Tourist Board, Sydney, nd (believed circa 1920); original lettered wraps; 40 pp, mostly illustrations; with detailed collector record card. 128 grams, 24.5 x 15.2 cm

    Almost fine condition; covers very lightly soiled. Rare.

    Acquired Rare Book Traders, Australia, March 2011. 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.

    Lot Details

  • Natural History Books - Dymock - Australia, Guide to Sydney & N.S.W.
    Natural History Books - Dymock - Australia, Guide to Sydney & N.S.W.
    Published 1901 A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £7

    Dymock, W., Dymock's Illustrated Guide to Sydney, 1901, 3rd edition (10,000); pictorial wraps; 16 pp. [advertisements, title and contents], + 210 pp., illustrated, folding maps; with detailed collector record card. 263 grams, 18 x 12.2 cm

    Good condition; covers worn and soiled, spine slightly torn. Rare.

    Acquired Haynes & Sons, Australia, November 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.

    Lot Details

  • Natural History Books - Martell - Speleological Papers and Offprints
    Natural History Books - Martell - Speleological Papers and Offprints
    19th-20th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £52

    Group comprising papers by E. A. Martell: L'Aven Armand, 1897; stapled pictorial wraps (spine taped), illustrated; WITH Sous Terre (Sixieme Campagne), offprint from l'Annuaire de Club Alpine, Vol.20, 1894; sewn lettered wraps, illustrated, folding map; WITH The Land of the Caesars, offprint from Appalachia, Vol.VII, (2 papers), 1893; lettered wraps with author present inscription to front, illustrated; WITH Les Cavernes des Gres Triasiques de Brive, 1907; stapled lettered wraps, illustrated; WITH Le Tindoul de la Vayssiere, offprint from Revue de Geographie, Vol.XXX, June 1893; folded sheet, illustrated; WITH L'OEuvre Scientifique de l'Abbe Ludovic Gaurier, 1932; stapled lettered wraps; WITH Explorations Souterraines sur le Causse Mejean, item within Revue Trimestrielle Illustree, 40th year, Vol.6, Nos.1 and 2, 1933; stapled; WITH Martell and van den Broeck, Nouvelles Researches et Constations a Han-sur-Lesse, offprint from Societe Belge de Geologie, Vol.XII, 1898; stapled lettered wraps; most with detailed collector record cards. 454 grams total, 22 x 13.7 - 25 x 16.5 cm

    Generally good to fine condition. Some rare.

    Most ex libris Dr E Simpson. 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.

    Lot Details

  • Natural History Books - Trickettt O.- Jenolan Caves Guide
    Natural History Books - Trickettt O.- Jenolan Caves Guide
    Published 20th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380

    A group of four visitor's guides by O. Trickett comprising: Guide to the Jenolan Caves (1899); idem (1905); idem (1915); idem (1922); each with collector's record card with notes. 1.6 kg total, 25 x 18 - 25.7 x 19 cm



    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.

    Lot Details

  • Natural History Books - Curran - Australia, Geology of Sydney and the Blue Mountains
    Natural History Books - Curran - Australia, Geology of Sydney and the Blue Mountains
    Published 1898 A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £13

    Curran, J. M., The Geology of Sydney and the Blue Mountains, Sydney, 1898; original lettered cloth re-backed with new eps and old spine laid; 391 pp. + 17 pp. [advertisements], illustrated; with detailed collector record card and ink 'DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION' stamp to title and elsewhere. 569 grams, 19 x 13.5 cm

    Good condition. Scarce.

    Ex libris Broken Hill Technical College Library. Acquired Time Booksellers, Australia, February 2005. 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.

    Lot Details

  • Natural History Books - Woods - Geological Observations in South Australia
    Natural History Books - Woods - Geological Observations in South Australia
    Published 1862 A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £13

    Woods, Rev Julian Edmund, Geological Observations in South Australia Principally in the District South-East of Adelaide, Longman, London, 1862; original lettered cloth; xviii pp. + 404 pp., illustrated; with detailed collector record card and inked manuscript 'John H Hill / from his friend / N Batt(?) / August 1860' inscription to half title. 740 grams, 23 x 15.2 cm

    Good condition; binding slightly loose. Rare.

    Ex libris John H Hill. Acquired Adelaide Booksellers, Australia, 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.

    Lot Details


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