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Curiosities

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  • The Picture of Kebes the Theban – Rendered into English by Hugh E Seebohm – Rare Private Printing Essex House Press [Following Kelmscott] 1906

    The Picture of Kebes the Theban – Rendered into English by Hugh E Seebohm – Rare Private Printing Essex House Press [Following Kelmscott] 1906

    A scarce little delight of a book by the intellectual banker Hugh Exton Seebohm (1867-1946). Seebohm’s father was expert in classical matters and his family followed in his footsteps as well as increasing significantly the value of the family pile. Small squarish octavo, 52 pages, title page printed in red and black, three page note at end printed in red. Olive grey papered boards with separate paper title to front and spine. A very good copy.

    Seebohm also issued a book on the Structure of Greek Tribal Society.

    The original of this work known as the “Tabula Cebetis”, an influential antique dialogue which addresses questions relating to the way of life.

    A translation of the only existing book of Kebes, who was a disciple of Philolaus and a friend of Socrates.

    Essex House was founded by Charles Ashbee in 1898 using printing gear from the then closed Kelmscott Press of William Morris. True Arts & Crafts style .. Ashbee regarded as a founder of the movement with his Guild. Great care was taken with the typographical design and the wild carnation motif which represented Essex House Press at the rear.

    Would make a delightful gift for the thoughtful.

    Essex House Printing of Seebohm’s translation of Kebes … a true book lovers delight.

    $140.00

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  • Cased Anemometer By Baird & Tatlock

    Cased Anemometer By Baird & Tatlock

    A pretty good example of a low speed air meter by top maker Baird & Tatlock. Likely designed for and used in the coal mining industry.

    In its original felt lined leather case with attachment screwed to case lid as required. The only blemish is a pressure crack on the face and some paint loss on the blade casing.

    The instrument still works well which is somewhat unusual as discard was one way these instruments left their place of work.

    The instrument comes with a sliding braking system which protects the delicate gearing. Overall a good example now hard to find

    Measure air flow for accuracy and pleasure

    $180.00

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  • Bowie – Fashion – 1980

    Bowie – Fashion – 1980

    Super original copy of this iconic single …. Scream like a Baby on the B side. From the album Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps).

    Ooh bop, do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do..

    Robert Fripp from King Crimson played the lead guitar. Bowie coined a new meaning for the word “Fascists” which likely amused him.

    David Bowie will never be forgotten ..

    $40.00

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  • The Awakening of the Soul – Ibn Tufail – from the translation of Paul Bronnle -1907

    The Awakening of the Soul – Ibn Tufail – from the translation of Paul Bronnle -1907

    A scarce translation of Hayy ibn Yaqzan a 12th Century work by Moorish philosopher Ibn Tufail. The first philosophical novel ever written.

    Small octavo, 87 pages, missing blank free end paper, clean inside, good green cloth covered boards with title and design to front, titles similarly on spine. Very scarce.

    Published by the Orient Press, London as part of the Wisdom of the East Series. We believe this publisher was part of the John Murray enterprise.

    The work not only had an influence or later Arabic work but also, over time, a significant influence in Europe, especially during the period of European Enlightenment.

    An allegorical novel which recounts the story of a feral child who is brought up by a gazelle alone in the desert. Without any human contact the child discovers ultimate truth through a process of reasoned enquiry. The child, Hayy, meets a castaway Absal through whom he understands the human desires for material goods … Hayy concludes that such things are distractions and should be abandoned to maintain ultimate truth.

    As an aside the author had a varied career including physician to the Almohad King and was a supporter of dissection and autopsy .. expressed in the novel.

    Small but powerful first philosophical novel – scarce in this form.

    $45.00

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  • Folding Georgian Guinea Scales c1805

    Folding Georgian Guinea Scales c1805

    A good set of early Guinea Scales with contemporary instructions label. Likely by Stephen Houghton who took over from Anthony Wilkinson at Ormskirk, Lancashire. Wilkinson had died in 1804.

    The end pin is bit tight which means the set need to be pulled gently to open.

    Self-erecting and known generally as the Lancashire Gold Balance. The brass beam is rectangular in section and has a hinged “turn and swing” overweight which counter poises the beam for the guinea or half-guinea. This set has an uncommon variation with the weight having two components, clearly designed for additional weighing standards.

    A small rectangular sliding weight on the load arm registers in graduations to show discrepancies in of under-weight coins.

    The collapsing mechanism makes the whole entirely portal in the gentleman’s trouser.

    Functioning Georgian Gold Sovereign Scale

    $220.00

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  • Relic from the Otago – Skuttled in the Derwent, Tasmania – Past Captain being the Distinguished Author Joseph Conrad.

    Relic from the Otago – Skuttled in the Derwent, Tasmania – Past Captain being the Distinguished Author Joseph Conrad.

    A solid piece of wood with some remnant attached claimed to be from the vessel “Otago” which was sunk in the Derwent before bits were reclaimed – in particular scrap metal which went to Japan much to the chagrin of the locals.

    18cm by 13cm by 3cm.

    The inscription reads “Otago 367 ton Barque – 1869 Built Glasgow – 1900 Used as a coal hulk, Hobart – 1931 Stranded, Otago Bay Derwent River, Tasmania. – She was the only command of the Author Joseph Conrad”.

    See also our scarce publication by Crowther relating to the Otago hatch in the Hobart Maritime Museum … perhaps the best Museum in Australia! .

    Conrad’s Otago – A remnant – and an unusual artifact with a literary connection.

    $60.00

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