Mining and Geology

Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania 1893 – [Includes catalogue of Tasmanian Minerals - Pettard]

Printed at “The Mercury”, Hobart and issued in June 1894. Usual original presentation, octavo, perfect bound, xxvi pages of “Proceedings” followed by 219 pages of “Papers”. Appropriately illustrated, good condition albeit creases and chip to top corner of front wrapper. Very clean and crisp internally.

W.F. Pettard’s 73-page catalogue of Tasmanian mineral and notes on their distribution commences the Papers. Pettard was a boot and shoe importer in Hobart and then Launceston. Other than that, he was a distinguished naturalist and scientist – he had a home laboratory to envy. He was an accomplished taxidermist and before coming to Tasmania too part in scientific explorations in the Solomons and New Guinea. This was his first mineral catalogue – he was to publish an update just before his death nearly twenty years later.

Other papers of interest include Geology around Lake St Clair; Glacial action in Tasmania; Notes on the Mt Lyell Mine; Rare fish; Fossil Flora etc

Special papers on the minerals, geology and mines of Tasmania.

$80.00

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The ABT Railway and Railways of the Lyell region [Tasmania] – Lou Rae

This is no 130 of a limited number of 500 hardbound copies. Signed by the author and annotated to “Frank the man with a bit on the side” – wink wink humour. Self-published in 1994 at a standard above the usual self-publish. Very good condition albeit minor crease to dust jacket back.

Folio presentation, 94 pages with near to two hundred images from period photographs [many coloured], good maps and diagrams.

Lou Rae is the man when it comes to writing about Tasmanian railway systems and this one does him proud.

Western Tasmania Mt Lyell Railways in all their glory – super book

$70.00

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Folding Georgian Guinea Scales c1805

A very good set of early Guinea Scales with contemporary instructions label. Manufactured Stephen Houghton who took over from Anthony Wilkinson at Ormskirk, Lancashire. Wilkinson had died in 1804. We have two very good examples this probably the best.

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. Once folded the end-button release mechanism sets and releases nicely.

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

$190.00

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Tasmania’s North East – Loone

A 1981 re-issue of the near impossible to get 1920’s publication by the respected Loone.

Octavo, hardback printed in Launceston, 189 pages set as the original with period images etc. Fine copy, with a perfect dust jacket albeit we do not take to the modern design.

Loone was a pioneer of the area and a dignitary of Scottsdale. He sets out his story in discrete chapters that tell their own story. Much about the early settler’s explorations, the development of Scottsdale. Mining in the area and specifics of various finds good and bad. Forestry and agriculture. Early recollections of aboriginal identities.

Tasmanian North East one of the worlds best North East’s,

$50.00

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Anakie – The Sapphire Fields of Central Queensland – Walda Scholler

Self published by Walda Scholler who lived at Anakie in Queensland which is just west of Emerald – still a reasonable drive from Rockhampton.

Card cover, 112 pages, nicely illustrated, this edition published 1990, printed at Yeppon.

Signed nicely by the author but we think they probably all were.

Some almighty special gems have been found at Annakie – they have names – The Golden Willow, Stonebridge’s Green, the Centenary Gem and the Black Star of Queensland [Biggest in the World]. That alone should get your gem hunting juices going.

Interesting content re the Kajanjian brothers of Los Angeles, gem cutters and dealers who bought the Black Star. To cement their control they purchased many of the big finds at Anakie.

Anakie Gem Fields almost a secret

$35.00

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Queensland Fossil Plants – Dicotyledon and Others – Redbank Plains Formation – 45 Million Years

A nice slab of carbonaceous shale showing numerous preserved plants from the middle Eocene era – circa 45 million years ago – a period regraded as the “dawn of modern life”.

Fossils were found in the Redbank Plains area as early as 1900 by settlers. Most of the sites have been built out which makes the having of specimens all that more cherishable.

A good example 19.0cm by 16.0cm, 3.0cm deep, weighing 1,180gms

Earliest examples of Australian modern plants – if that makes sense.

$65.00

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Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania 1893 – [Includes catalogue of Tasmanian Minerals - Pettard]

The ABT Railway and Railways of the Lyell region [Tasmania] – Lou Rae

Folding Georgian Guinea Scales c1805

Tasmania’s North East – Loone

Anakie – The Sapphire Fields of Central Queensland – Walda Scholler

Queensland Fossil Plants – Dicotyledon and Others – Redbank Plains Formation – 45 Million Years

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