Curiosities

A.G. Mumford limited – Engineers, Boiler Makers, Launch and Yacht Builders, Makers of Steam Pumps, Valves etc – Catalogue No & – 1906 Edition – Reprinted for Historical Reference 1985

Mumford’s were based in Colchester, England. Their Culvert Street Engineering Works was the centre for Marine Engineering development and manufacture.

Foolscap in size, 117 pages of diagrams and specifications that are simply a mechanical engineers delight. Mumford were contractors to the Admiralty, War office, the Colonies, Spanish and other foreign governments. The contents are best described by way of the example images shown

Marine Engineers Delight – Mumford

$50.00

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The World’s Wickedest Women – Andrew Ewart – First Edition 1964

Subtitled … “Intriguing Studies of Eve and Evil through the Ages” … written by a man.

First edition published by Odham’s, London in 1964. octavo, 288 pages in pretty good condition.

Starts with Sapho the Lesbian and Lecherous Layabouts of Ancient Rome and a new name for Cleopatra “Queen Harlot” .. so we get the tone. As the works becomes progressively more modern the work becomes more edgy and less theatrical and in the end is surprisingly enlightening although challenging.

Wicked Women not for the faint hearted

$40.00

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Original Share Script – The Consolidated Gold Mines of Western Australia – 1898

A great example of a late Victorian Gold Mine certificate produced and printed by Bishop & Co Engravers and Printers, London.

The Consolidated Gold Mines of Western Australia was incorporated in 1898 with a share raising of 81,000 British Pounds, being 324,000 shares of 5 shillings each. This is certificate number 165 for 40 shares issued to Mrs Rachel Mary Cleaver of “Beauregard” St Leonards [Sydney}. Signed by the Directors and Company Secretary, Lawrence Spicer. Impressed company seal. Nice example - would frame well.

In 1898 the Company was operating a gold mine at the Marble Bar, a town and rock formation in the Pilbarra, North Western Australia. Records show the mine had limited success. From a map drawn by engineer A F Calvert (see below) it is clear the Company had ambitions in a number of Western Australian gold fields.

Of particular interest is that the Managing Director of the mine was author, explorer, entrepreneur Albert Frederick Calvert (1872-1946). Calvert was a prolific writer and his Explorations of Australia 1844-1896 in two volumes still holds up very well … as does his The Discovery of Australia still a standard and collectable reference. His books on Western Australia are well honed based on personal experiences and adventures. Whilst he was not part of it [he was back in London]… he sponsored what is know as the “Calvert Expedition” into the heart of the Great Desert in which two adventurers sadly died.

Interesting early Gold Mine script with a rather unique background story.

$260.00

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The Life of Gerard Mercator – Set of Six Trade Cards – Liebig

A group of six brightly coloured trade cards by Liebig advertising their tasty products. Produced circa Mid 20thC and in very good condition. Comprehensive text in French on reverse.

Delightful chromolithographs depicting various phases in Gerard Mercator’s life.

Gerardus Mercator (1512-1594) a German-Flemish geographer studied at the University of Leuven. He appears in the matriculation records of 1530 … they still exist! In 1569 he created the principles that we now call the Mercator projection, fundamental to voyagers from that day forward. He produced a magnificent Atlas based on his projection technique and made many fine globes sold to Royalty and gentry all over Europe. Unfortunately, as were the time even though a devout Catholic he was accused of heresy and spent six months in prison. Each of these elements of his life is nicely displayed in this scarce card set.

Mercator … his projection is everlasting

$60.00

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(Australian) Settlers Camp – Newton & Co – Original Magic Lantern Slide – c1900

Very good condition magic lantern slide from Newton & Co, Fleet Street, London circa 1900, maybe earlier.

We date the slide to around 1900. New & Co were at 43 Museum Street London. They were the world’s longest established suppliers of scientific instruments being formed by Sir Isaac Newton’s cousin J. Newton in 1704. At the time of this slide the proprietors were still from the Newton family. The British Museum have Newton & Co out of business at Museum Street in 1913, but other references have it continuing.

The handwritten slide description included BGG who we presume is the photographer although we cannot find him in any records so far.

An interesting moment in the bush, very dry condition. We suspect that the two forward characters are having a break from working on the sizable log in front. The gent at the rear, heavily dressed suggesting winter conditions and perhaps well away from the coast. Super detail on magnification. Standard British size in fine condition. We believe this slide and image is pretty rare not being able to place it elsewhere.

Newton & Co’s address is in sight of the British Museum in London and also opposite The Plough …a favourite Voyager pub.

Settler Camp we suspect in the Queensland bush

$60.00

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Doctor at Large – Richard Gordon – 1950′s

Published by Michael Joseph for the Quality Book Club, London 1953 a first of type. Octavo and 248 pages of hilarity, top edge stained maroon as required. A very good copy.

A young Doctor Gordon finds himself in the usual spot as anew entrant .. competition for promotion does not go his way and he is shuttled off to the Midlands. An experienced practitioner suggests that getting to know fellow doctors wives is a good tactic. Not sure the advisor had in mind Gordan’s interpretation … all good clean fun viz the period.

Doctors Gordon Larger than Life

$30.00

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A.G. Mumford limited – Engineers, Boiler Makers, Launch and Yacht Builders, Makers of Steam Pumps, Valves etc – Catalogue No & – 1906 Edition – Reprinted for Historical Reference 1985

The World’s Wickedest Women – Andrew Ewart – First Edition 1964

Original Share Script – The Consolidated Gold Mines of Western Australia – 1898

The Life of Gerard Mercator – Set of Six Trade Cards – Liebig

(Australian) Settlers Camp – Newton & Co – Original Magic Lantern Slide – c1900

Doctor at Large – Richard Gordon – 1950′s

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