Meeker, William.
WILLIAM HENRY MEEKER : HIS BOOK.
- $1,075
Privately Printed, Limited Edition of 150 Copies Only. 1st ed., 1917. Vi + 257 pp., on Nettunia water-marked paper with monochrome tissue guarded portrait frontispiece + 5 other plates. Original quarter russet brown cloth , paper covered boards ; paper label to the spine ; 2 edges uncut. Some scuffing to boards, mainly to lower rear corner section o/w V.G.+. Presentation Copy Inscribed by Henry Meekers Parents, Dated 1925 ; Also a Letter on paper with printed address "Dormy House, Sasco Hill, Fairfield, Conn", "Dear Mrs. Havard, Thank you so much for letting me see this book. How sad it is to think of him being killed so soon after going over and before he really saw any fighting. I remember Esther always liked Billy Meeker very much. It was nice having you and your sister yesterday. Affectionately -------" Also, a Handwritten Note on title page "From "Mrs. Fred Courtney Jr. 1953. Found in Havard house on Old Post Rd, Fairfield when house was empty." Born in New York City in 1894, William Henry Meeker went on to become a student at Harvard University. He spent a summer at Thomas-Morse Aeroplane Companys School where he gained 300 minutes flying experience. " I also got some experience with engines, wings, fusilages, etc., by working in the factory for a while and helping to repair damaged machines." The author wrote for newspapers and magazines for several years and travelled considerably around the United States. He gained military experience for a year with the Harvard Regiment as a private, corporal, and sergeant and about three months as corporal, lieutenant and captain in the Harvard Reserve Officers Training Corps. Sailing to France, the author then received additional training at the French School of Avord. He reached Pau for training at the French School for Aviation Acrobacy on September 10th, 1917 but was tragically killed on his trial flight at Pau, on the following day. This Privately Printed, Limited Edition of 150 Copies, is printed on high-quality Nettunia water-marked paper and is an autobiography of sorts, told through notes and letters from the author. This particular copy is of special interest being a Presentation Copy inscribed by Meekers parents. A signed, typed letter and a hand-written note to the half title-page also add to the unique provenance that comes with this copy. No copies on COPAC VERY SCARCE.
More from Marine & Cannon Books
ADMIRAL LORD NELSONS FUNERAL GREENWICH TO WHITEHALL BY WATER.
N/A Pub. by J. T. Smith, 36, Newman Street, Feb. 15th 1806. Hand-coloured line engraving, drawn & etched. 46 x 27cm. Nr.FINE. Following Nelsons death and glorious victory at Trafalgar on the 21st October 1805, his remains went in VICTORY to Gibraltar before his flagship returned to England. Beatty performed an autopsy and Nelsons body was taken to Greenwich to lie in state. On the 8th January 1806, his remains were taken by water upriver to Whitehall and on to the Admiralty for the night. The possession up the Thames was an amazing sight, the funeral barge being accompanied by hundreds of boats, both official and private. J. T. Smith provides a lengthy description of the scene depicted, this above his large descriptive text-block. "An accurate View (drawn & etched by J. T. Smith, Engraver of the Antiquities of London & Westminster) from the House of W. Tunnard. Esq., on the Bankside, adjoining the scite (sic) of Shakespeares Theatre on Wednesday the 8th January ; when the remains of the great ADMIRAL LORD NELSON were brought from Greenwich to Whitehall ; comprehending not only the Vessels attending & the various other objects incident to that Procession ; but also the principal Buildings, &c., between the Monument & St. Pauls, inclusive." An evocative scene as Nelsons body neared St. Pauls Cathedral where it would be laid to rest on the following day. Thousands of spectators turned out to line the riverbanks in order to see the great water procession and to pay their last respects to the Hero whose victory had brought them security at the cost of his own life. A Near-FINE contemporary hand-coloured etching of 1806.- $573
- $573
AUTOGRAPH LETTER, SIGNED, FROM GENERAL SIR ANDREW FRANCIS BARNARD, (1773-1855).
N/A 1830. 1 side + inscription by recipient to verso, 23 x 18cm, tipped on to 19th c. extra leaf. FINE. A fine letter with bold signature, all in the clear legible hand of General Sir Francis Barnard, (1773-1855), one of the British Armys best and most popular regimental commanders. Born in County Donegal, Barnard became an ensign in 1794 ; captain 1794 ; served at St. Domingo in 1795, and subsequently in the West Indies under Sir Ralph Abercromby. In the Netherlands he took part in the expedition to Helder in 1799, served in the Mediterranean, and was appointed lieutenant-colonel and inspecting field officer of Militia in Canada (1808-1809). He fought in the Peninsula War from 1810 to 1814, gazetted to the 95th Rifles as lieutenant-colonel in March 1810 (colonel & KCB, 1813). He served in this regiment with the greatest distinction ; severely wounded in command of the 3/95th at Barrosa, he commanded a brigade of the Light Division from August 1811, led the division after Craufurds death at Ciudad Rodrigo until after Badajoz, and was desperately wounded by a bullet through the body at Nivelle. When assured that death was not imminent, he declared that "If any man can recover, I know I shall." When he re-joined his brigade exactly one month later, he was greeted by prolonged and spontaneous cheering. Barnard went on to fight at Quatre Bras and was wounded again while commanding the 1/95th at Waterloo and was appointed by Wellington to lead the British division during the occupation of Paris. From 1821 he held important posts in the royal household, and this letter of 1830 dates from that period. He became lieutenant-governor of Chelsea Hospital in 1849 and rose to the rank of a full general in 1851. Barnard was a highly skilled soldier and universally popular with those under his command. He had a thorough knowledge of his profession : a man of great courage he remained perfectly cool and calm under fire, having great presence of mind in battle: he always displayed gentlemanly manners. The only criticism he attracted was for the dense smoke he produced from the cigars he smoked in the Peninsula ! This letter addressed to an unknown Lord, was written from "Windsor Castle, June 2nd, 1830" and concerns his being sworn in at a ceremony in London. Barnard writes: "My Lord, Sir William Keppel and myself are coming to London tomorrow to be sworn in, and shall be much obliged, if your Lordship will have the goodness to leave word at your house, where, and at what hour, we may be permitted (after one oclock) to wait upon you for that purpose. I have the honor to be with great respect My Lord, your Faithful and Obedt. Humble servt. A. F. Barnard." (Signed). FINE LETTER FROM A PENINSULA & WATERLOO VETERAN, SEVERAL TIMES WOUNDED IN BATTLE : GENERAL SIR ANDREW FRANCIS BARNARD.- $287
- $287
U.S. AERIAL ARMAMENT IN WORLD WAR II : THE ULTIMATE LOOK. VOL. 1 : GUNS, AMMUNITION, AND TURRETS. VOL. 2 : BOMBS, BOMBSIGHTS, AND BOMBING. VOL. 3 : AIR-LAUNCHED ROCKETS, MINES, TORPEDOES, GUIDED MISSILES, AND SECRET WEAPONS.
Wolf, William. 3 Vols., Complete : Schiffer, Atglen. Vol 1 : 1st ed., 2009. 448 pp., numerous photo-ills., + ills. Vol 2 : 1st ed., 2010. 285 pp., numerous photo-ills., + ills., including various cold. Vol 3 : 1st ed., 2010. 344 pp., numerous photo-ills., + ills., + a couple of cold., ills. All Vols : Marbled e.p,s ; d.j.s. 28 x 22cm. FINE. This three-volume study is the definitive work on U.S. aerial armament in World War II in which the author draws from his extensive library, microfilm archives and technical manuals. The first volume covers aerial machine guns and cannon ; a discussion of the machine gun versus cannon controversy, ammunition ; gunsights ; gun cameras ; search radar and radar gunsights ; Central Fire Control systems and remote sighting ; an extensive section on the development, installation and description of the numerous bomber turret and non-turret gun positions ; fighter aircraft armament ; gunnery training ; bomber and fighter air-to-air and strafing gunnery tactics ; fighter and bomber gunnery "aces" ; and a survey of the armament installations on all World War II U.S. fighters and bombers. Each topic is introduced by a history of its development and manufacture, followed by a detailed description and pictorial of the weapon, its installation, and use. The second volume covers the development of Bombs and Bombing Theory and Strategy ; an extensive chapter on Conventional Bombs and Fuses ; Bomb Handling and Release and Control Mechanisms ; an extensive chapter on Conventional and Radar Bombsights ; The Bombardier ; Bombing Missions Described ; Bombing Tactics ; Effects of Bombs ; Miscellaneous Ordnance. The third volume covers : Dive Bombers, Fighter Bombers, Rockets, Napalm, Torpedoes, Depth Charges, Aerial Mines, GT-1 Glide Pattern Torpedo, Speedee Bomb, Hydrobomb, Disney Rocket-Assisted Bomb, Very Heavy Conventional Bombs, Atomic Bomb, Poison Gas and Biological Bombs, Leaflets, Animal Aerial Weapons. There is an extensive chapter on guided missiles including GB (Glide Bomb) Series, VB (Vertical Bomb) Series, Drones (Aphrodite, Anvil, Castor, Willie Orphan, XBQ - 1 / 2 / 3 and PQ Series, and USN TDR drones), SWOD (Special Weapons Ordnance Device) Series (Robin, Pelican, Moth, and Bat / SWOD Mk9), Glomb, Gargoyle, Gorgon, JB : Jet Bomb Series (JB-1 through 10). A complete set in three volumes FINE.- $258
- $258
JAGDGESCHWADER 53 : A HISTORY OF THE “PIK AS” GESCHWADER. VOL. I : MARCH 1937 MAY 1942 ; VOL. II : MAY 1942 JANUARY 1944 ; VOL. III : JANUARY 1944 MAY 1945.
Prien, Jochen. Three Volumes : Schiffer, Atglen, 1st eds., 1997 (Vol. I) & 1998 (Vols 2 & 3). Vol. I : 400 pp. Vol. II : pp., 401-752. Vol. III : pp., 753 1216. All Vols : Numerous photo-ills., including some cold., in vols., i & ii, + some ills., maps & plans. D.j., marbled e.p.s ; 31 x 23cm. FINE. Jagdgeschwader 53 - or as it was better known, the "Pik As" (Ace of Spades) Geschwader - was one of the oldest German fighter units of World War II with its origins going back to the year 1937. This first volume, of a three-volume set, covers the early years of the Geschwader from its founding in the spring of 1937 up to May of 1942. JG 53 had a considerable share in the successes achieved by the Luftwaffe in the early stages of the war in the West, and at the outset of the war in the East until mid-1942, and through the tough battles fought over the Mediterranean fronts and suffering bitter losses in the vain attempt to stop the Allied bomber-offensive against the Reich. Equipped exclusively with the legendary Messerschmitt Bf 109, JG 53 "Pik-As" became the Luftwaffe's most successful unit during the so-called "Phoney War." When on May 10, 1940, the Wehrmacht invaded France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, the "Pik-As" Geschwader was in the centre of the action and it ranked highly amongst the top scoring Luftwaffe units. JG 53 later took part in the Luftwaffes strategic aerial campaign over Britain in 1940 then subsequently in the German invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, in the Mediterranean theatre of operations, North Africa, Sicily and Malta. Volume II covers from May 1942 to January 1944 and includes service at Stalingrad and the Caucasus, in North Africa where, attached to JG 27, the Gruppe took part in every major battle which eventually brought the German Afrikakorps to the El Alamein line, over Malta and the central Mediterranean. The subsequent fight over Tunisia saw JG 53 once more at the peak of its abilities although losses were severe and included two of the Geschwaders leading "Experten" Hptm. Tonne and Lt. Crinius. Immediate operations over Sicily followed where the Luftwaffe were driven from their bases only days after the Allied invasion, Operation "Husky", in 1943. During the second half of 1943 JG 53 saw continuous action over southern Italy with losses mounting to an unprecedented level. Volume III covers from January 1944 to May 1945 and opens by continuing with the bitter fighting over Italy at Cassino and Anzio/Nettuno bridgehead, and over northern Italy. Between them, I. II. III. and later IV./JG 53 saw action over Romania, protecting the oilfields and refineries around Ploesti, in Hungary, on the south-eastern part of the Russian Front in the autumn of 1944 and early 1945, Czechoslovakia and Austria, on home defence, in many of the major air battles over the Reich in the first half of 1944, in Operation Overlord where II./JG 53 was decimated, over the Dutch battlefields in Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, Operation Bodenplatte and Remagen bridge before the majority of the Gruppen and Staffeln were finally disbanded a few days before VE-Day. Thus JG 53 had taken part in World War II from the very beginning to the very end, claiming a total of nearly 4,100 aerial victories, but losing at least 600 pilots killed or missing as well as 241 ground staff which meant the unit had lost a total of almost six times its original complement. The service record of JG 53 can undoubtedly be regarded as uniquely representative for the rise and fall of the Luftwaffe, with the unit seeing action on every major war front. This final volume of the epic saga of JG 53 concludes with : a list of the officers in command of the Geschwader, its Gruppen and Staffeln ; a listing of all known victories claimed by JG 53 ; strength returns ; and other appendices. A complete name index for the three-volume set is also provided. All three volumes appear here for the first time in English, and contain, in total, over 350 additional photos not published in the original German language edition. Together they contain over 1,460 photographs, revised text and maps, and aircraft line drawings, as well as updated aerial victory and loss listings. An outstanding complete set of three volumes in FINE condition.- $287
- $287
AN ORIGINAL ENGRAVED CHART OF 1693. CHART NO. 28 : FOR SAILING INTO BEAUMARIS AND OVER CARNARVAN BAR INTO THE MENAI STRAITS, BY CAPTAIN GREENVILE COLLINS, ROYAL NAVY.
N/A N.P. N.D. (London : Printed by Freeman Collins, sold by Richard Mount, Bookseller, at the Postern on Tower Hill, 1693.). Framed in black & gold Hogarth frame ; glazed. 62 x 50cm (24 ½" x 19 ¾"). Light central fold from original publication ; small amount of distress to paper in a blank area of the chart, not greatly discernible and not affecting any of the charts printed area ; o/w FINE. N.B. Being glazed, this item needs to be collected rather than trust to the post. Please contact us to make arrangements. The first proper English survey of the British Isles was carried out by Captain Greenvile Collins, R.N., appointed in 1682 by King Charles II. Prior to this period, English mariners relied on Dutch charts, or copies of them, notoriously inaccurate with often fatal consequences. It took Collins seven years to complete his task, by which time William & Mary were on the throne. The first collected edition of Collinss charts was published in London in 1693 under the title Great Britains Coasting Pilot. Armed with instructions from Samuel Pepys, Collins surveyed the whole of the English and Welsh coasts, part of the east coast of Scotland, part of the Continent and several Irish harbours. He produced 47 hydrographic charts in total, together with Sailing Directions and Tide Tables, this being Chart number 28 covering the Menai Straits and part of Carnarvonshire from the Great Orme and Conway, to a point some miles on from Carnarvon itself ; also part of the Isle of Anglesey from Priest Holme Isle (Puffin Island) and the coast around Beaumaris, to Landdwin Point. An inset shows a close-up of the area around Priest Holme Isle, and an attractive pictorial cartouche is inscribed : "To the Right Worshipfull (sic) Sr. William Williams Barrt. This is most humbly Presented and Dedicated by Capt. G. Collins." An historic original chart of part of North Wales published in 1693, in its original un-coloured state, handsomely framed & glazed and ready for hanging, being the first English survey on that coast.- $573
- $573
A BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR-THEMED CHESS SET AND BOARD.
N/A Studio Anne Carlton (SAC) chess set, burgundy & ivory, in original box 43 x 26 x 12cm. Board, engraved/embossed wood with green baize back, 60 x 60cm. Box a little scuffed but chess pieces & board are FINE. The original and most attractive chess set with Lord Nelson as King, Lady Hamilton as Queen ; a naval officer with sextant & telescope as Bishop ; a naval officer with sword in hand bending over a cannonade as Knight ; a four-sided stern of a man-o-war as Rook ; and sailors holding a cannon ball and manning the guns as Pawns. Produced by Studio Anne Carlton, each piece is originally hand sculpted prior to making the moulds. All of the pieces are handmade from silicon moulds into which quality crushed stone enriched resin is poured and all air bubbles removed in a vacuum chamber giving a superior finish. Any mould lines are hand removed, first with a surgical blade then hand polished. They are then painted with acrylic paints using a specially mixed traditional burgundy and ivory colour, hand buffed to remove the paint from various parts of the pieces to give a deliberate distressed feel. Every single piece is therefore individual and no two are identical. The board is equally attractive and is a substantial platform in wood with a carved embossed border and every alternative square also elaborately carved ; the whole backed in green baize. FINE.- $573
- $573
LADY HAMILTON : A MEZZOTINT OF 1806 BY WILLIAM SAY, AFTER THE PAINTING BY JOHN JAMES MASQUERIER.
N/A Pub. May 20th 1806 by the Engraver, 92, Norton Street, Marylebone. Mezzotint. 50 x 37cm overall ; actual picture & letters within platemark 38x28cm. Some light foxing in margins o/w FINE. A Fine & Rare mezzotint of Lady Hamilton from a painting by John James Masquerier (1778-1855), engraved and published by William Say (1768-1834) in May 1806, only a few months after Lord Nelson was laid to rest. Lady Hamilton is depicted in a semi-reclining position, facing left from her couch on a balcony, overlooking the sea in the Bay of Naples, Vesuvius erupting in the distance, just visible through the cloudy moonlit sky. She wears a high-waisted gown, her hair blown to the front, her right arm resting in her lap, her left elbow is on the head of the couch and her left hand caresses her long auburn hair. This picture was reproduced, although not in its entirety, in Sichels epic work of 1905 (detail only, p.262) ; and in Bailys work of the same date (p.118). William Says engraving, however, has never been reproduced as an individual picture and consequently, although the image is quite well-known, this large full-size picture is rarely encountered. The artist, Masquerier, was born in Chelsea of French Huguenot parents. The family returned to Paris in 1789 where John Masquerier witnessed many of the horrors of the French Revolution. Following the massacres of the first reign of terror, rumours circulated that all foreigners would be arrested. Masquerier fled back to England where he built up an enviable reputation as a member of the Royal Academy. William Say, born on the outskirts of Norwich, became an eminent mezzotint engraver, engraving the works of William Beechey, J. M. W. Turner, and Sir Joshua Reynolds producing a total of 335 plates, signed Wm. Say as here. [Frankaus Catalogue, p. 108]. FINE copy.- $1,075
- $1,075
AUTOGRAPH LETTER, SIGNED, FROM MAJOR GENERAL R. D. BLAKE, TO THE HOME SECRETARY, REFERRING TO ALLOWANCES DUE FOR SERVICES IN IRELAND.
N/A London, 1811. Two sides plus address panel. V.G. Major General R. D. Blake had been Colonel of the 8th Garrison Battalion which was ordered to Ireland in 1803 and then disbanded in Ireland in March 1805, in consequence of His Majestys Commands communicated on the 18th February 1805 by Lord Hawkesbury. In this letter to the Right Hon. Richard Ryder, (1766-1832), Home Secretary 1809 - 1812, dated from Dunns Hotel, Bridges Street, Westminster, February 28th, 1811, Blake enquires about allowances due to him as Colonel which depend upon whether during his time as Colonel any notice was given from the Offices of the Secretary of State to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to cause the Establishment of the 8th Garrison Battalion to be reduced.- $93
- $93
FISHING AT HOME & ABROAD.
Maxwell, Rt. Hon. Sir Herbert. (Ed.). The London & Counties Press Assoc., 1st ed., 1913. Limited to 750 Numbered Copies Only, of which this is No. 76. Xii + 413 pp., guarded port. frontis. (George V) + 7 cold. plates, 5 monochrome plates, 5 photogravure plates, & 51 half-tone plates. Brown full morocco ; gilt ; t.e.g., others uncut. 32 x 26cm. Light staining & scratches to covers ; extremities rubbed ; some foxing chiefly to blank endpapers & flyleaves. Bookplate of E. Lynton-Vicars (1881-1953) of Coed-y-Celyn, Betws-y-Coed, North Wales. A lavishly produced book printed on fine art paper and illustrated with a number of fine plates, this book describes the world of angling shortly before the outbreak of the First World War, dealing not only with fishing in British waters, but also in Canada, New Zealand, etc. Chapters include : Atlantic Salmon. Salmon Flies. Tyee Fishing at Campbell River, British Colombia. Sea Trout Fishing. The Grayling. American Trout Fishing. Pike and Pike-Fishing. Perch and Perch-Fishing. Chub and Chub Fishing. The Bream. The Barbel. Tench and Tench Fishing. Roach & Rudd. Small Fry. Hybrids. Fishing in the East. The Tarpon. The Tuna or Tunny. The Bass. Grey Mullet. Mackerel. Conger Eel. Coarse Fish of the Sea. Sharks, Dogfish and Skate. Etc. The coloured plates are particularly attractive and include a beautiful plate with seven varieties of flies. There are also over 60 photographs and other plates, and the book is handsomely bound in full morocco with uncut edges.- $358
- $358
A CARICATURE CELEBRATING BRITISH NAVAL VICTORIES FROM 1794 TO 1798, ENTITLED : A TOAST FOR NEW FRANCE.
N/A Pub. Novr. 1st 1798 by R. Ackerman, No. 101, Strand, London. A hand-coloured caricature by George Woodward. Closed tears around edges o/w V.G. A caricature by George Moutard Woodward (1760-1809) a friend and drinking companion of Thomas Rowlandson. Nicknamed Mustard George, Woodwards drawings were almost always etched by others, most often by Rowlandson. Rudolph Ackerman (1764-1834) was an Anglo-German bookseller who rapidly developed his print business on the Strand between 1797 and 1800. This satirical print shows two French naval officers sitting drinking, mournfully, at a table, lamenting British naval victories so far in the war, from Howes Glorious First of June in 1794, to Nelson annihilation of the French fleet at the Nile in 1798. The toast for the day is : May the Names of Howe, St. Vincent, Duncan, Nelson and Warren be eternally erased from our recollection !! (See front cover of the catalogue).- $430
- $430
AUTOGRAPH LETTER, SIGNED, FROM GENERAL SIR WILLIAM THOMAS KNOLLYS (1797-1883), WRITTEN FROM MARLBOROUGH HOUSE.
N/A 1864. 3 sides, embossed notepaper with address & motif of the Prince of Wales. 18 x 11cm. FINE. General Sir William Thomas Knollys (1797-1883), son of William Knollys, 8th Earl of Banbury, held courtesy title of Viscount Wallingford until 1813. Educated at Harrow and Sandhurst, he received his first Commission in 1813 and was dispatched to the Peninsula. He rose to adjutant in 1821 ; lieutenant-colonel 1844 ; and regimental colonel in 1850. He initiated Prince Albert into the art of soldiering and was made major-general in 1854 and governor of Guernsey. The following year he organised the newly formed camp at Aldershot, and, at the time of this letter, was serving as treasurer and comptroller of the household to the Prince of Wales (1862-1877). He received many subsequent honours and was author of a number of books. In this letter, written from Marlborough House, (the home of the Prince of Wales in Pall Mall), Sir William refers to the Mayor of Sheffield and the payment of £150 which "His Royal Highness did not consider this amount to be sufficient and directed me to make it £200 in my telegram and for this sum I have this day sent a cheque to the Mayor of Sheffield. The Princess has also sent £50 as her own subscription " LETTER FROM AN EMINENT VICTORIAN GENERAL WITH SERVICE IN THE PENINSULA.- $86
- $86
AIRCRAFT IDENTIFICATION : FRIEND OR FOE ? 4 PARTS. Part I :
Aeroplane, The. 2nd imp., 1940. Part II : Rev., ed., 1940. Part III : 2nd imp., 1941. Part IV : 1st ed., 1941. All Parts : 64 pp., each numerous photo-ills., + silhouettes. P.c., 14 x 20cm. Signatures & some markings to covers o/w V.G. These four wartime volumes describe, photograph and silhouette aircraft to enable identification of Allied and Axis aeroplanes. The first part covers British and German fighters and bombers ; Part II : British and German troop carriers and seaplanes British trainers ; Part III : Italian fighters, bombers and seaplanes ; Part IV : American types for the R.A.F. Four interesting volumes profusely illustrated.- $86
- $86
THE RAF : A PICTORIAL HISTORY.
Robertson, Bruce. 1st ed., 1978. 256 pp., frontis., + numerous photo-ills., + ills. D.j., 23 x 15cm. FINE. A comprehensive review of the RAF in photographs, sketches, charts, diagrams and tables, with supporting text and captions. In this critical survey of the Force in peace and war, some of its basic problems, hitherto rarely touched upon, are highlighted. Its origins and organisation are traced and the squadron, the basic unit, is examined down to tradesmen and transport. The training organisation of 1918 is shown conditioning the post-war location of stations. Subsequent changes in operation strength are tabled for periods throughout the book. Cameos are presented on overseas commitments in the inter-war years, the 1936 expansion programme is detailed, and aspects of all commands during World War II are chronicled. With a wealth of previously unpublished photographs.- $29
- $29
TABLE FORK OF c.1900 FROM ONE OF THE SHORT-SEA PASSENGER STEAMERS OPERATED BY THE GREAT EASTERN RAILWAY COMPANY.
N/A Silver-plated fork 4-prong fork, 18cm (7") in length. FINE. A Victorian or Edwardian fork dating from around the turn of the last century, with a lined handle engraved with the words G.E.R. upon a shield with the winged logo from the companys houseflag. The Great Eastern Railway was formed in 1836 when a 126-mile track was laid from London to Norwich and Great Yarmouth. During the years that followed they expanded to Ipswich and Harwich and in 1848 they took control of Lowestoft docks. Steamship services were established between Harwich and Antwerp, Hook of Holland, Rotterdam and Hamburg. In 1854 they bought their first paddle-steamer, RIVER QUEEN (built in 1839), sailing between Norwich and Harwich. The company was amalgamated with other lines in 1923 to form the London & North Eastern Railway Company. The last G.E.R. steamer, the MALINES, was built in 1921. A scarce relic from an early Railway Steamer.- $43
- $43
FOUR PILOTS WINGS : TWO BRITISH EMBROIDERED DOUBLE-WINGS, TWO AMERICAN METAL DOUBLE-WINGS FRAMED.
N/A N.d., (c. WWII & later). One Royal Air Force pilots double-winged badge embroidered white wings with the letters RAF in the centre surrounded by a brown wreath and a white crown on top ; mounted on blue felt ; 4 x 11cm. Another (more modern) embroidered RAF double-winged badge white wings with a yellow and red crown in the centre and a yellow lion on top ; mounted on blue felt ; 4.5 x 13cm. USAAF pilots double-wings gold coloured metal with wings either side of a crest with vertical bars and some horizontal bars on top ; 2 x 7.5cm. USAAF Bombardiers Wings silver coloured metal showing double wings with a bomb in the centre darting southwards through three rings ; 2 x 8cm. All mounted on green baize in a black plastic frame ; 22 x 27cm. V.G. Available here are a collection of four pilots wings as follows dating from around World War II and later : One Royal Air Force pilots double-winged badge embroidered white wings with the letters RAF in the centre surrounded by a brown wreath and a white crown on top ; mounted on blue felt. Another (more modern) embroidered RAF double-winged badge white wings with a yellow and red crown in the centre and a yellow lion on top; mounted on blue felt. USAAF pilots double-wings gold coloured metal with wings either side of a crest with vertical bars and some horizontal bars on top. USAAF Bombardiers Wings silver coloured metal showing double wings with a bomb in the centre darting southwards through three rings. All mounted on green baize and framed.- $115
- $115
THE AUTHENTIC ARABIAN HORSE AND HIS DESCENDANTS. THREE VOICES CONCERNING THE HORSES OF ARABIA. TRADITION (NEJD, INNER EAST), ROMANTIC FABLE (ISLAM), THE OUTSIDE WORLD OF THE WEST.
Wentworth, Lady. Allen & Unwin, 1st ed., 1945. 388 pp., cold. frontis. + 25 other cold. plates + 265 half-tone plates & many diagrams in text. Blue cloth ; gilt ; with gilt armorial front cover. (fragments of d.j. tipped-in, including the full front cover). 28 x 22cm. V.G. Errata slip present. Lady Wentworth of Crabbet Park, 16th Baroness, had previously written another book on horses entitled Thoroughbred Racing Stock which immediately became the standard work on the history of the horse. This beautifully illustrated book was designed as a companion volume, containing a wealth of information on the celebrated Arabian horses and their breeding. It was ready for publication in 1939 but the outbreak of war delayed its publication by six years. The fact that the type, binding cloth and paper were kept in stock, meant that this book did not suffer the austerity restrictions of so many post-war publications, explaining its fine presentation in 1945. In addition to her own experience, she presents to the public the lifework of Lady Anne Blunt (1837-1917), the authors mother, who, on her death, left an invaluable manuscript on the subject of Arabia, its horses and its tribes. The full-page plates form a unique collection in themselves, each of the 26 coloured plates and 265 half-tone plates chosen for their pictorial excellence and interest "regardless of cost". The hitherto unpublished paintings of famous horses are not to be found elsewhere. The plates depict the horse from earliest times to the pre-war era. The book also contains price records of Arab and racing stock. Contents include : The Arabian horse in fact and fiction ; the stormy life of Lady Anne Blunt during the 19th century ; boar-hunting in Mesopotamia ; the Sultans of Egypt and their horses ; the Arabian stud at Crabbet Park where a horse breeding farm was established in 1878 ; its show records ; Arabian horses in North America, Australia, Brazil, and Argentina ; Anglo-Arab breeding in France ; Arab racing in India ; riding and breaking hints ; veterinary notes ; feeding notes ; skin problems ; Lady Anne Blunts last words, etc. At least 90% of Arabian horses alive today trace their lineage to Crabbet Park. First Edition.- $287
- $287
TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE COMMONS OF GREAT BRITAIN IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED. THE HUMBLE PETITION OF CAPTAIN ANDREW EMMERICH.
N/A (London), c.1772. Printed: 9 pp + title. Disbound. 31 x 20cm. V.G. A printed document dating from the Seven Years War, being a petition from Andreas (or Andrew) Emmerich, a Prussian officer serving with English allies against the French in Germany in 1761. The Seven Years War (1756-1763) was fought between, on one side, Great Britain, Prussia and Hanover; on the other, France, Austria, Russia, Sweden, Saxony, and eventually Spain. The two main aspects of the conflict were a duel between France and Great Britain for supremacy in America and India, and a struggle by Prussia against foes encircling her on every side. Britains sea power dominated the colonial struggle and the capture of Quebec destroyed French power in Canada, and the British also defeated the French in India. In Europe, British policy was to support Frederick of Prussia who, with the help of the British Army, defeated his enemies. Captain Emmerich carried out secret services behind the rear of the French Army annoying the enemy by a variety of means, lying low in the forests and mountains during the day. In his petition he lists his services to the British Crown in detail, describes the subsequent suffering of his family his father died in prison at Landau; his wife was currently confined to prison for debt in Holland and looks to the British Parliament for the payment which he feels is due to him. To support his claim, he provides four certificates: one from Lt.Col. C. Friedrichs, Queens Regiment of Light Dragoons. And three from Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick & Lunebourg. PETITION FROM A PRUSSIAN OFFICER SERVING BEHIND ENEMY LINES FOR THE BRITISH ARMY DURING THE SEVEN YEARS WAR.- $64
- $64
PER NOCTEM PER DIEM : THE STORY OF 24 SQUADRON, SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE.
Tucker, E. N. & McGregor, P. M. J. 24 Squadron Album Committee, 1st ed., 1961. 291 + cold., frontis., + a wealth of b&w photo & other plates + a fldg., map. D.j., 25 x 18cm. Some typical wear to edges of d.j., o/w Nr. FINE in V.G.+ d.j. Signed Presentation Copy from one of the Authors : "Peter McGregor". This is a superb Second World War history of 24 Squadron, South African Air Force, from December 1940 through to 1945. It served in the North African and Mediterranean theatre including at Gazala, the Battle of Alamein, the Advance to Tripoli, the Battle of Mareth - and in the Italian Campaign featuring chapters on Operations from Sicily ; Difficulties, Gloom and Triumph at Gambut ; Return to Italy ; Targets in Italy ; New Targets and New Tactics from Jesi ; Aiding the Blockade of Italy ; and more besides. Along with a coloured frontispiece, a wealth of black and white photographs and other plates and a folding map, this book also includes a Roll of Honour, Honours and Awards and 24 Squadron Nominal Roll. Complete with its dust-jacket, this is the Scarce First Edition, signed by "Peter McGregor".- $287
- $287
JOHN HARDEN OF BRATHAY HALL 1772-1847.
Foskett, Daphne. Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Kendal, 1st ed., 1974. Xx + 72 (text) + 34 (plate) pp., port. frontis + 5 cold. plates & 109 b&w plates + 1 map & 2 family trees. D.j., 28 x 22cm. Nr.FINE. John Harden was a local Lakeland artist who kept a journal describing day to day family life of the upper classes and their servants during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. In addition to his journal, John Harden, of Brathay Hall, Ambleside, has left us a wealth of his sketches made with pen and pencil, illustrating Lakeland and Scottish life, as well as journeys further afield, depicting villages, countryside, architecture, and personalities. These drawings and watercolours were generously donated to Abbot Hall Art Gallery in Kendal, by Hardens great grandson, on condition that a biography of the artist was undertaken. This is the result, illustrated with coloured and black & white plates of John Hardens work.- $36
- $36
ACE ! A MARINE NIGHT-FIGHTER PILOT IN WORLD WAR II.
Porter, Colonel R. Bruce. With, Hammel, Eric. Pacifica Press, 1st ed., 1985. 278 pp., photo-ills. D.j., 23 x 15cm. Light mark to top edge o/w Nr.FINE. Ace ! tells the authors life as a Marine combat fighter pilot from his earliest days as a naval aviation cadet before World War II, to his adventures guarding Americas most forward defence line in the South Pacific, to his aerial combat over the Solomons. This book allows the reader to follow the author through his exciting night-fighter training and fly with him on his rare double-kill night mission over Okinawa.- $36
- $36
THE NEW GUIDE TO CHELTENHAM : BEING A COMPLETE HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF THAT CELEBRATED WATERING PLACE ; EMBRACING A MINUTE ACCOUNT OF THE VIRTUES AND QUALITIES OF ITS MINERAL WATERS, AND A SUMMARY OF THE DISORDERS IN WHICH THEY ARE RECOMMENDED : TOGETHER WITH A SKETCH OF THE SURROUNDING COUNTRY, AND AN ACCOUNT OF GLOUCESTER AND ITS CATHEDRAL, AS WELL AS OTHER PLACES WORTHY OF NOTICE. ACCOMPANIED BY AN ACCURATE MAP.
Bettison, S. Cheltenham : Printed for S. Bettison, Library ; by F. Vigurs, Stroud, N.D. (c.1814). 204 pp., 1st frontis., hand-coloured view (fldg ); extra illsd. title-page, hand-coloured ; 2nd frontis., map (fldg.) ; + 5 other hand-coloured views ; + an extra hand-coloured plate of Bettisons Library. Original boards ; front board printed ; later paper title-piece to spine ; all edges uncut. 19 x 11cm. Some rubbing of boards o/w V.G. The date of publication of this Georgian guide to the pleasures of Cheltenham is somewhat uncertain. We have found a watermark of 1814, but this only confirms the age of the paper. There is only one copy on COPAC (British Library) and they say "1825 ?" but there copy has only 201 pages as opposed to our 204 so it may be a different edition. Of all the copies we have been able to trace that have come on the market in recent decades and there are not many of them none have hand-painted illustrations. The hand-colouring appears to be contemporary and is exceptionally fine ; the colours and the plates as fresh and crisp as the day they were executed. Bettison was a local Bookseller, Stationer & Perfumer to His Grace the Duke of Wellington, and dealt in everything from jewellery and gold ornaments ; to umbrellas and Tunbridge-ware. His guide describes the Cheltenham of the early 19th century and its surrounding countryside, covering its assembly rooms, auctioneers, baths, churches, coaches, gaol, gas lights, hotels, libraries, markets, music teachers, newspapers, poor houses, races, schools, theatres, etc., etc. These are amongst the most attractively hand-painted plates we have seen in any comparable book ; they are a delight and RARE in this state.- $717
- $717
STIPPLE ENGRAVING : THE FUTURE LADY HAMILTON AS ALOPE.
N/A Pub. August 1st, 1787 by John & Josiah Boydell, Cheapside, London. Overall 42 x 35cm (picture 33 x 26cm). Foxing chiefly to margins o/w FINE. Engraved in 1787 by Richard Earlom from the original painting by George Romney a year after Emma Hart had been tricked into going to Naples. The engraving appears in three states, this being the second, title in open letters without description. In mythology, Alope was the daughter of Cercyon, a man so strong he could bend and fasten together the strongest trees. Alope had a son by Neptune called Hippothoon. Emma/Alope is seen reclining in a wood, in red drapery, her left arm and shoulder bare. A naked child stands at her head, having apparently run to her for protection. Alope looks with a startled and defiant glance towards a lion and lioness appearing in the distance. A stream crosses the landscape in the middle distance. The whereabouts of the original painting is unknown. It was bought by Admiral Vernon and was last recorded in 1902. The only image we now have is this engraving and a small oil copy. An early, RARE and attractive stipple engraving of 1787 in FINE condition. [Frankau Catalogue, No. 1] For Frankau see Item No. 101.- $860
- $860
LITHOGRAPHIC VIEWS OF THE BUILDINGS & MONUMENTS ON THE BATTLEFIELDS OF WATERLOO, 1842.
N/A 1842. 11 cold., & 12 b&w lithographs, in many cases of the same view for artistic comparison ; 29 x 21cm. Attractively bound in an imitation book : cloth covered boards ; marbled paper edges ; mounted title to front ; 2 compartments within, 1 for each set of lithographs ; 31 x 24cm. Lithographs V.G. Small bump to 1 corner of binding o/w FINE. Two attractive collections of lithographic views of the buildings and monuments on the battlefields of Waterloo dating from 1842. Included are illustrations of the chateau of Hougoumont, the Lion of Waterloo, general view of the field of battle at Waterloo, the building where Napoleon spent the night on the 17th and 18th June at the time of the Battle in 1815, the monument to Major Arthur Rowley Heyland at Mount-St. John, the church at Waterloo, the monument to the Prussians at Planchenoit, the tomb of Major Ed. Stables at Waterloo, a view of the village of Mont St. Jean, the scene of the Grand Alliance near Waterloo, and other illustrations. One collection is lavishly coloured, and both are uniquely presented in a recently bound mock book folder with marbled edge effects and two separate compartments within. An unusual and attractive early Victorian item.- $215
- $215
THREE PRINTED & ONE MANUSCRIPT DOCUMENT DETAILING COURT MARTIAL PROCEEDINGS WITHIN THE 45TH REGIMENT.
N/A 1807, 1809, 1827 & 1837. 2 printed 1 side with title to versos & manuscript insertions : 33 x 21cm. 1 printed 2 sides + title : 31 x 18cm. 1 MS. 1 side + address panel, 31 x 19cm. Those for 1807 & 1809 with general stains & tears at folds (one with a few holes ; the other with a fold repaired) o/w V.G. That for 1827 foxed & with fore-edge frayed (tiny loss). GOOD. The MS. for 1837 has small hole without loss, o/w FINE. Four documents of considerable interest in tracing the genealogy of members of the 45th Regiment, as it was the practice in the 19th century to strike the name of officers found guilty at Courts Martial from all records and, therefore, it is possible that these documents are the only ones proving that these individuals ever served. They are also of considerable interest in the social history of the Army. The first is against Assistant Surgeon John Carter, dated 25th August 1807, accused of using abusive language and striking a fellow officer. The Court Martial was held aboard the Transport BRUNSWICK in Table Bay, while the Regiment were serving at the Cape of Good Hope. Carter was found guilty and dismissed His Majestys Service. His victim fared little better: " the Conduct of Mr. Brinley was so extremely reprehensible as to render him an unfit Person to bear His Majestys Commission and that His Majesty has no further occasion for his Services." Printed signature of Harry Calvert, Adjutant-General. Manuscript signature of Lieut-General Macdowall at the Regiments Headquarters back in England, 8 April 1808. The second is against Lt. Edward Keating, dated Horse Guards, 26th May 1809, charged at Camarata, in Portugal, during the Peninsula Campaign, with "conduct unbecoming the character of an Officer and a Gentleman using most abusive and opprobrious language, towards his superior Officer, Captain Lightfoot " Keating was found guilty and cashiered. The third is against Lt. John Smeaton Brooke, dated Horse Guards, 12th November 1827, charged, amongst other things, "For being in the Public Streets of Chatham, in a disgraceful state of intoxication". And, "For assaulting and striking Corporal John Graham, of the 63rd Regiment of Foot near the Garrison of Chatham " This officer was found guilty on two of the three charges brought against him and dismissed the Service. A particularly tragic case on account of the officers youth, contrition, and that several members of his family "have served with Honor, and some of whom have fallen gloriously in the Service of their Country." Finally, the manuscript dated "His Majestys Criminal Goal, 14th February 1837", is a document in which Thomas Morgan addresses the Adjutant-General of H. Majestys Forces and applies to His Majesty King William IV for a mitigation of his sentence. Signed by the Prisoner with heading, address, etc., in extremely fine copper-plate handwriting. FOUR DOCUMENTS RELATING TO COURTS MARTIAL IN THE 45TH REGIMENT BETWEEN 1807 AND 1837.- $251
- $251
