Curiosities

Bass and Flinders – Circumnavigation of Tasmania – 200th Anniversary Medal

Together Matthew Flinders and George Bass were the first to circumnavigate Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania), in HM Sloop Norfolk, in 1788/89.

This large fine limited run medal was produced in Tasmania to celebrate the 200th anniversary i.e. 1998/99.

Only 120 were produced in this form, this being number 53, marked to the rim. Cast in white metal, 800 mm diameter, 115gms weight. Strong deep profile, fine condition.

Carries the bust of both Flinders an Bass either side of the sloop’s mast, with descriptive text. On the reverse a map of Van Diemen’s Land with the route taken marked and a fine and substantial depiction of the vessel fully rigged.

Limited numbered run of important maritime celebration.

$150.00

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Antique Microscope Slide – Human Fleas – E Bryan c1900

A very nice example prepared by E Bryan Optician of Manchester, England [Not in Bracegirdle]. Bryan operated at the premises in 24 Cross Street c1900. The slide carries his label and a brief subject description.

Male and female examples of the human flea .. that is male and female fleas not fleas of male and female for the grammatically and scientifically challenged.

The Human Flea (Pulex Irritans), an interesting Latin name, is happy on a number of hosts not just humans. It was thought to have originated on South American Guinea Pigs. The female burrows into the flesh particularly around the feet and ovulates internally.

The first single flea image is the female and the second the male

Antique He and She Flea

$70.00

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The Great Fitzroy Copper and Gold Mine, Mount Chalmers (Rockhampton District) – Dunstan 1907

Queensland Department of Mines publication no 216 by B. Dunstan F.G.S. published in Brisbane in 1907. At that time Dunstan was the acting government geologist.

36 pages of narrative and 16 excellent plates, Original thin wrapper discarded at some time, spotting to title and some age browning. Otherwise a very serviceable copy. The illustrations are superb and many of plans coloured.

The plates comprise … Locality Plan showing the position of Rockhampton, Railway Lines, Mount Chalmers etc; Plan showing topographical features of Mount Chalmers; Underground Plan; Underground Section (North/South); Underground Section (East/West); Plan of No 1 Level; Plan of No 2 Level; Plan of Intermediate Levels; Plan of No 3 Level, and seven photographic views … full page and of better quality than normal for the period and report type. Plus four illustrations in the text.

The Great Fitzroy Mine and Mount Chalmers

$70.00

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Field or Students Microscope c1900- Large size with three separate objectives and group of antique French microscope slides – fine condition.

A late Victorian perhaps Edwardian student’s or field drum microscope. In fine working condition. Original wooden case. This variety would have been used by naturalist’s in the field and French by manufacture.

Three brass objectives all in excellent condition. Overall, good optics, retains the original lacquer, swivel mirror unblemished. Comes with five 19thC French style prepared slides.

Mahogany fitted case in fine condition.

Practical antique scientific instrument

$290.00

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Poems to Pavlova – Tulloch Cull – First Edition 1913

A first edition of this poetic homage to the great ballerina Anna Pavlova.

Published by Herbert Jenkins, London in 1913. Square octavo, 62 pages after preliminaries with 8 plates from period photographs. Original decorative green cloth covered boards, all in very good condition.

Russian born Anna Pavlova (1881-1931) hardly requires introduction. Principal artist of the Imperial Russian Ballet and the Ballets Russes … forever to be remembered as the dying swan.

Her name was pronounced Pa … vlova unfortunately the pudding designed in her honour Pav … lova has corrupted our understanding. Invented (the pudding) during her tour of Australia in the 1920’s … disputed by Kiwis across the Ditch who believe it was first made in Wellington.

Anna Pavlova … much more than a meringue with fruit!

$60.00

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The Secret History of White-Hall from the Restoration of Charles II Down to the Abdication of the late K[ing] James. – David Jones – First Edition 1697

Lengthy title continues … “Writ at the Request of a Noble Lord, and conveyed to him in letters, by _________ interpreter to the Marquess of Louvois, who by that means had the perusal of all the private minutes between England and France for many years: the whole consisting of a secret memoirs, which have hitherto lain conceal’d, as not being discoverable by any other hand / publish’d from the original papers, by D Jones gent.

A scarce first edition of an unusual work, published by R Baldwin, London in 1697. Six parts all bound in one volume. Octavo, 14, 80, 80, 80, 64,80,100. Bound in contemporary full calf, re-backed with red title label. Some rubbing and repair to joint, and pretty clean internally.

One of the most interesting “Secret Histories” described by Lowndes as a ‘scandalous work”. Exposes the secret negotiations, treaties, liaisons, conspiracies, court scandals etc in the reigns of Charles Ii and James.

David Jones (1776-1720), born at Llwynrhys, Wales, was a Captain in the Royal Regiment of Dragoons. He was at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. He spent much time on mainland Europe where he became fluent in modern languages and was appointed (as the title suggests) to serve the Marquis of Louvois, who was the French Minister for War. Jones was to publish several other “historical accounts”, including the History of the Turks.

Scarce 17thC account of the goings on during the reigns of Charles II and James II (of England).

SO SORRY SOLD

$390.00

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Bass and Flinders – Circumnavigation of Tasmania – 200th Anniversary Medal

Antique Microscope Slide – Human Fleas – E Bryan c1900

The Great Fitzroy Copper and Gold Mine, Mount Chalmers (Rockhampton District) – Dunstan 1907

Field or Students Microscope c1900- Large size with three separate objectives and group of antique French microscope slides – fine condition.

Poems to Pavlova – Tulloch Cull – First Edition 1913

The Secret History of White-Hall from the Restoration of Charles II Down to the Abdication of the late K[ing] James. – David Jones – First Edition 1697

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