Non-fiction

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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Map of Van Diemen’s Land or Tasmania – A.K. Johnston FRGS – 1844

A large scale quality map engraved by W & A.K. Johnston and published in Edinburgh in 1844.

The cartographer was Alexander Keith Johnston (1804-1871) and it was published in the National Atlas of Historical, Commercial and Political Geography both by the cartographer and his bother William in Edinburgh and by Robert Weir and James Lumsden in Glasgow. Alexander Johnston had been apprenticed to James Kirwood and the great William Home Lizars. His brother, later knighted, became the Lord Provost of Edinburgh.

Large scale with central fold the printed area 57cm by 47cm. Thick paper and very good condition with strong pastel colouring. The whole of map image is difficult to photograph due to its size so we have scanned various sections on our A3 machine so you can see the extent of the detail and the quality of the map.

An interesting historical map. The odd historical note is added such as the discovery of Adventure Bay by Furneaux in 1773 and Cook’s anchorage there in 1777; Baudin’s discovery of Oyster Bay in 1802 etc.

A summary note states “Van Diemen’s Land was discovered by Tasman in 1642 & is hence sometimes called Tasmania, it received its present name in honour of Anthony Vandiemen, Gov General of the Dutch E. indies. It was visited by Cook & Furneaux 1773-7 & was found to be an island by the discovery of the Bass’ Strait, 1798, in 1804 it was formally taken possession of in the name of Britain; and the site HOBART TOWN fixed on for the Capital. Emigration from England began in 1821, when the V.D. Land Bank was established, in 1825 it was declared independant (sic) of N.S. Wales & the chief authority vested in a Lieut. Governor & Council.”

Tooley reference 780 and Tooley maps of Tasmania 315, National Collection 22985553

Price $390.00 unframed.

One of the best maps of the 1840’s a full of interesting detail. Very good condition and would frame to make a significant statement.

$390.00

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Farthest North [The Voyage of the Fram] – Fridtjof Nansen – 1898

Farthest North: Being the Record of a Voyage of Exploration of the Ship Fram 1893-96, and of a Fifteen Month’s Sleigh Journey by Dr Nasen and Lieut Johansen.

Two volumes large octavo 480 pages and 456 pages after preliminaries before advertisements etc, large folding coloured map at rear of Volume I, coloured plate illustrated with a multitude of photographs and sketches by Nansen.

Published by George Newnes, London in 1898. A second edition after the first in 1897 but our preferred as there was a switch to these stunning pictorial covers are a hallmark of this set. Internally some insignificant marks and some rubbing to the cover spine ends and tips, hinges a trifle loose. On the whole the covers still remarkably bright, overall a very good set.

Nansen undertook this expedition to prove his theory that a drift current moved across the northern polar regions from the Bering Straits and New Siberia Islands towards the Greenland Coast. The theory had been supported by finding, near Greenland, parts of the ship Jeannette which was wrecked in 1881 in the Bearing Straits. Nansen’s ship, the Fram, was designed specially to cope with the risk of being crushed in an ice-pack. Built in Scotland the theory was that the Fram would be deliberately frozen into the ice and the design would lift the boat higher rather than crush it from the sides. They set off in June 1893 and successfully achieved this primary objective, the ship returning to Norway in 1896. Meanwhile, Nansen and Johansen had left the ship with husky drawn sleds in an attempt to reach the North Pole. They failed in this endeavour, as their dogs deteriorated, but still managed to reach the point “Farthest North” yet attained by man.

Fridtjof Nansen (1861-1930) was a very talented individual. He held a doctorate in zoology, contributed to the field of neurology, worked a a museum curator and a was great athlete. Prior to this expedition he was the first to explore the interior of Greenland on skis

Nansen’s Farthest North in our favourite Pictorial Bindings

$420.00

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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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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

Map of Van Diemen’s Land or Tasmania – A.K. Johnston FRGS – 1844

Farthest North [The Voyage of the Fram] – Fridtjof Nansen – 1898

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

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