Curiosities

Medal Commemorating Admiral Vernon’s Capture of Porto Bello [Panama] – Struck 1740.

Half length figure of Admiral Edward Vernon (1684-1757), facing with baton raised in the left hand, right hand outstretched. Inscribed around the edge “THE BRITISH GLORY REVIVE-D BY ADMIRAL VERNON”.

Reverse a view of the Port; six ships [of Vernon’s fleet” and two Spanish gun-boats. Inscribed below “BY COURAGE AND CONDUCT” and around the edge “HE TOOK PORTO BELLO WITH SIX SHIPS ONLY”.

Very good condition, 37mm weighing 19gm.

For those impressed but also confused by the elaborate artwork and extensive description … there is a whole world out there of collectors of Admiral Vernon medals, and the detailed description matters to identify the precise medal, there were quite a few types. He was pretty much admired for his success at capturing Porto Bello in November 1739 and he possibly became the most medal(ised) person in history.

The event was an early conflict in what became known as the War of Jenkins’ Ear. In 1738 Captain Robert Jenkins appeared before the House of Commons with his amputated ear which had been severed by the Spanish in the West Indies. This added to other stories of bad behaviour by the Spanish led to war. Veron, then Vice Admiral was in charge of the Jamaica Station. Vernon preferred small well armed fleets and his attack with only six vessels was seemed foolhardy by others ... he succeeded and had a mountain named after him and the most fashionable street in London was named after the battle.

Vernon takes Porto Bello and gets one back for Jenkins’ Ear …

$180.00

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The Tasmanian Tiger in Pictures – Dr Eric Guiler

A scarce item by the unchallengeable Thylacine expert Dr Eric Guiller.

Published in 1993. Soft wrapper, landscape, 28 pages with numerous illustrations from old photographs and contemporary photographs from the authors expeditions and field studies – he followed the Thylacine for over 40 years. Also, maps showing sightings and “unfortunately” earlier killings, sketches of Tiger tracks identified by Eric Guiler etc.

Very good if not better condition.

Guiler out and about the bush .... searching for the Thylacine – convincing.

$80.00

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1600 Years Under the Sea – The Quest for a Sunken City – Captain Ted Falcon-Barker

Scarce unusual book. Published by Frederick Muller, London in 1960. Octavo, 225 pages, the odd mark, fading to board edges faded, cocked but excuse it, endpaper maps, better dust jacket than usual.

Ted Falcon-Baker was a most mysterious figure. Born in France in 1923 to a diamond prospector father and Cuban mother. He skipped school at fifteen and ran away to Australia [people grew up more quickly then!].

When WII broke out he joined the army and in Europe became a spy, spending time in Damascus. He was still only twenty-one when the war ended. He bought a yacht [after other adventures], learned to dive and set off on the adventure recorded in this book to find Epidarous a legendary submerged city in the Adriatic – they found … along with a few unexploded WWI ordinance.

Actor Jon Pertwee was one of his backers although commitments meant he makes a brief appearance … all this before Doctor Who.

Epidarous found by the mysterious and adventurous Falcon-Baker

$35.00

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Little Ragged Blossom and more about Snugglepot and Cuddlepie – May Gibbs – First Edition c 1920

Published Sydney: Angus Robertson no date but 1920 and a First Edition.

Quarto. Cloth backed pictorial boards with a colour vignette of Little Ragged Blossom pasted on with some wear. The odd mark – on the whole a very good copy.

The wonderful fantasy world of the gum-nut babies portrayed in glorious detail. Illustrated by Gibbs with two full colour plates and twenty wonderful sepia plates as well as pictorial end papers and many line illustrations in-text. Scarce in any condition. Reference the authority Muir 2752.

Little Ragged Blossom a May Gibbs Delight

$190.00

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TRUMP – Strategies for Real Estate [Billionaire Lessons for the Small Investor] George H Ross

Topical. And an alternative or companion to the Art of The Deal. Published by John Wiley in 2005 a first edition. Octavo, 232 pages with the odd image of the TRUMP successes in New York real estate.

Forward by TRUMP … who much admires George Ross who in turn much admires TRUMP … we think that is rule number one.

We could be critical and make more corny remarks but in reality [no attempted pun] the book is very informative, and the TRUMP tactics and ploys make a lot of sense … suggestions of a very through approach even if masked as casual. Enough said.

Can we learn from TRUMP … swallow hold breath – we think so!

$30.00

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Sarah Island – The Penal Settlement at Macquarie Harbour [West Coast Tasmania] 1831

A short historical brochure produced by the entertaining and hard working Round Earth Company – a good bunch.

Card covers 16 pages, including exterior, nice graphic production with a multi pot purri of facts about this once hell on earth convict establishment – or was it – they had a very nice bakery and a forge to die for – there again probably someone did!

A small item that will be reinvoiced at letter rates – or best with something else related … check our site.

Sarah island – a fascinating place with an equally fascination history – worth the trip out West.

$8.00

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Medal Commemorating Admiral Vernon’s Capture of Porto Bello [Panama] – Struck 1740.

The Tasmanian Tiger in Pictures – Dr Eric Guiler

1600 Years Under the Sea – The Quest for a Sunken City – Captain Ted Falcon-Barker

Little Ragged Blossom and more about Snugglepot and Cuddlepie – May Gibbs – First Edition c 1920

TRUMP – Strategies for Real Estate [Billionaire Lessons for the Small Investor] George H Ross

Sarah Island – The Penal Settlement at Macquarie Harbour [West Coast Tasmania] 1831

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