Curiosities

Exquisite Fungi Model – Boletus Pinophilus

French (who else) model of the edible fungi Boletus Pinophilus. Made likely just after WWII and still in near perfect condition. Stands 17 cms tall and is made to a high standard. Commonly known as the Pine Bolete or Pinewood King Bolete this beauty is regarded as a form of porcini.

Quite common in Europe in pine forests – including Scotland and the South of France where it seems to be more prolific. The flesh is white, soft and does not change colour when bruised. The taste is pleasant and has been likened to pork and pork crackling (yummy).

Collectable Fungi for those that understand and desire them. Click on me to see my proud fungusness!

$290.00

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Voyage autour de ma Chambre – Xavier de Maistre – Beautifully Illustrated by Maggy Monier

Published by Nilsson, Paris the “Collection Emeraude [Emerald]” c 1930 with twelve aquarelles (watercolours) by Maggy Monier tipped in at front and throughout. A striking and delightful production.

The author Xavier de Maistre (1763-1852) wrote this work in 1790 and it was published in 1794 when he was under arrest in Turin as a result of a duel.

Voyage autour de ma chambre is a parody set in the tradition of the grand travel narrative. An autobiographical account of how a young official, imprisoned in his room for six weeks, looks at the furniture, engravings, etc., as if they were scenes from a voyage in a strange land. He praises this voyage because it does not cost anything, for and he recommends it to the poor, the infirm, and the lazy. “When I travel through my room,” he writes, “I rarely follow a straight line: I go from the table towards a picture hanging in a corner; from there, I set out obliquely towards the door; but even though, when I begin, it really is my intention to go there, if I happen to meet my armchair en route, I don’t think twice about it, and settle down in it without further ado.” Later, proceeding North, he encounters his bed, and in this way he light heartedly continues his “Voyage”.

It was later quoted or referenced by Somerset Maugham, D H Lawrence. Jorge Luis Borges and other literary greats.

Another beautiful french illustrated book

$120.00

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Orange Parson – Salmon Fly

The Orange Parson is a sure thing for catching a lovely silvery Salmon. Not to be confused with a slightly irate priest!

Wear it in your lapel for the full “country effect”. Click on me to see all my parson!

$20.00

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Author’s Letter and Book – C.A. Wendell – Author of “Out of the Fog”

An unusual letter and again a nice turn of phrase to his Doctor following a “refund check”

“Here is a copy of my latest book: “Out of the Fog”. It’s pure fiction, but fiction with a purpose. You may not have time or the inclination for fiction, but the story contains a few pages which may interest you – and your wife too maybe – in case you care to find them” etc etc

Amusing letter and advice and we found the pages … a Voyager secret!

$30.00

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Telepathy Mental Telegraphic Communication: What it is, and How it is Done – Stocker – 1904

Published 1904 by Fowler in London. Bound in original grey thick boards, 73 pages plus publishers catalogue. Illustrated with there unusual plates. Very good condition and a rare item.

The author Dimsdale Stocker refers to Bennett of the Society for Psychical Research “The conclusion seems to be irresistible, that the five senses do not exhaust the means by which knowledge may enter the mind. In other words, the investigator seems to be driven to the conclusion that thought transference must now be included among scientifically proved facts”

Use your mind on a different level.

$60.00

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Tasmanian Invention – 1909 Patent – Fred Dando (of Beaconsfield) Game of Skill

British Patent no 19,390 by Fred Dando of Beaconsfield, Tasmania. Lodged 1908 and accepted ‘as patented” in 1909 – four pages of text and one double page with excleent drawings showing how the invention is constructed.

The invention relates to an improved game of skill and apparatus for playing same the game being played preferably by two persons one against the other, from each end of a race or box whereat is located a compound lever designed when quickly depressed to project a marble or ball to the desired distance and height to strike and, if possible, displace one of a series of marbles or balls of similar size arranged centrally one each on a tier located transversely at about midway of the said race or box [Long sentences patented also!]

The compound lever near each end of the box is designed to be struck by the players finger and thus cause its inner part upon which the marble is placed to project it forward with the object of striking on the before mentioned shelves and which latter are numbered 1 to 5 representing the players count when a marble is struck or displaced

The apparatus is made in the form of a two part box hinged together under the tier of shelves and capable of being folded together while also pockets or recesses are provided at each end for the players marbles and further the edges of the box are perforated and numbered to receive count pins etc etc…

Voyager considering making this device although probably not meet modern safety standard (hum) or have many digital application (ho hum) … but good marble chucking fun!

Games ingenuity in Beaconsfield in 1909

$70.00

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Exquisite Fungi Model – Boletus Pinophilus

Voyage autour de ma Chambre – Xavier de Maistre – Beautifully Illustrated by Maggy Monier

Orange Parson – Salmon Fly

Author’s Letter and Book – C.A. Wendell – Author of “Out of the Fog”

Telepathy Mental Telegraphic Communication: What it is, and How it is Done – Stocker – 1904

Tasmanian Invention – 1909 Patent – Fred Dando (of Beaconsfield) Game of Skill

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