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ƟThe reference book of Pietro Gai, an Italian ‘vetturino’ or coachman, containing endorsements by Robert Browning and others, in English, Italian, French and German, manuscript on paper [Italy (various places), 1853-1877]71 leaves, with entries in autograph and thus of varying sizes and hands, mostly in pen (small number in pencil), large blue crayon cancelling many pages (presumably marking payment), small smudges and scuffs, trimmed at edges (only affecting text at foot), overall good condition, 190 by 140mm.; near contemporary binding of marbled pasteboardsPietro Gai was a vetturino, who ferried tourists around Italy in his horse driven coach in the second half of the nineteenth century. He was also evidently well thought of, with an exclusive clientele, and he appears to have tried to maintain this level of business by soliciting written references on the safety of his driving, cleanliness of himself and his coach and the comfort of the journey from his best clients. Here in this little book, among the nobility of Europe, a cluster of wealthy Americans and a Mexican lawyer, are Lionel de Rothschild (1808-1879) who travelled with his family in October 1865, the Bostonian zoologist Theodore Lyman (1833-1897), who travelled from Florence in June 1862, the ethnologist Henry Lewis Morgan (1818-1881), who travelled to Lausanne in August 1855, the New York philanthropist Benjamin Fitch, who went from Rome to Perugia (and noted “it is a pity he does not understand French a little better”) in February 1856, as well as the poet and playwright, Robert Browning (1812-1889), who took his family from Florence to Rome “by the Perugia road” in December 1859, taking the same route again in November 1860. Ɵ indicates that the lot is subject to buyer’s premium of 25% exclusive of VAT (0% VAT).  Please see our Terms & Conditions for more information.

Thomas Gardner - AN HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF DUNWICH, ANCIENTLY A CITY, London, printed for the author, and sold by him at Southwold, Suffolk and also by W. Owen, at Homer's Head near Temple Bar, 1754, 4to, title, pp (XVIII), 260, (VIII) pages 177-184 misprinted 161-168. Contemporary calf rebacked and repaired, large folding plan laid down on linen, the two plates called for in explanation of plates (and Upcott), two additional plates, one, the fine folding Southwest prospect of Southwold -not found in all copies, illustrations in text. This copy is unique, many blank leaves and bound in and many additional engravings are mounted: E.G. a copy of the large folding map is cut up, tinted with what appears to be varnish and mounted in appropriate portions of the text, all the illustrations in Ware’s Southwold (1839) including the folding plates are present, there are many manuscript pages, particularly for events between 1690-1705, we see the large folding engraving of ‘A view of the free British fishery: Shetland from Sumburgh Head Cliff’, there is a fine advertisement for the funeral of the Duke of Wellington, Nov. 18th 1852, ‘the Mayor expresses a hope that the inhabitants of the Borough (Southwold) will close their shops, suspend business....;’, the input of additional materials appears to have come at different times from the Rous and later the Blois family members

A late 19th century Mughal painted manuscript depicting two lovers and an attendant, framed and glazed, 18 x 11.5cm

A 1911 dated manuscript birthday card from HMS "Perseus", together with three silk postcards

Unsigned typed manuscript Twelve Minutes in the Lufbery Circle and account of a War time incident from US WW2 ace Frank W Klibbe to an Air Force Magazine, with biography page. Good Condition. All signed pieces come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.99, EU from £5.99, Rest of World from £7.99.

Three Reproduction Japanese Manuscript Holders

Bible, English.- Bible (The), with additional 6 folding maps not called for, these all with the imprint of Richard Ware, all torn and with tape repair, some with a little loss, divisional title, ink manuscript family history to title verso, [Herbert 1048], Oxford, John Baskett, 1740, bound with The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments..., Oxford, John Baskett, 1741, and Sternhold (Thomas) & others. The Whole Book of Psalms, Collected into English Metre..., by A.Wilde, for the Company of Stationers, 1737, and The Historical Part of the Holy Bible or the Old and New Testament Exactly and Completely Describ'd in above Two Hundred Historical Cuts..., engraved title, frontispiece portrait, and 51 plates, printed and sold by H.Parson & others, ?1728, woodcut initials, fragment of ink manuscript dated 1723 tipped to front endpaper, browning and soiling, most ff. nicks, closed tears, and creases, contents separating a little, upper hinge splitting, later sheep, worn, 4to. ⁂The plates comprising the last title are all present but are distributed throughout the Baskett bible.

Norwich (Sir Walter de, chief baron of the exchequer, d. 1329) Charter, I Peter de Mellis son of Peter de Mellis deceased have conceded and confirmed to Walter of Norwich my entire holdings in Mellis in Suffolk including messuages, arable, pasture in the village of Wenhaston, witnesses: William Kerdeston, Robert de Olkeston, Peter du Brok and others, manuscript in Latin, on vellum, 17 lines, lacks seal, top right corner torn with slight loss of legibility, further damage affecting last parts of last five lines, another small tear in top margin, folds, slightly creased and browned, framed and glazed, 150 x 230mm., Edward II, 1316.

Kent.- Charter, I Robert Mellore vicar of Willesborough [Ashford] grant and confirm to John Serlis carpenter land in Willesborough near Ryssehet owned by Gregory atte Broke in the east and the lane called Brokmannotane in the west and the land called Bernysfeld in the south and the land of Gregory atte Broke in the north, witnesses: William Elys, Simon Serlys, John Sprot and others, manuscript in Latin, on vellum, 9 lines, lacks seal, a few small brown spots slightly affecting text, creased and yellowed, 70 x 245mm., 1352.

Kent.- Charter, I Stephen Stace of Little Chart grant to John de Suryngden [Surrenden] of Pluckley an acre in Little Chart, manuscript in Latin, on vellum, 12 lines, oval red wax seal with good impression, 110 x 252mm., 1363.

Kent.- Obligation bond by Thomas Borden of Rochester to John Jurdan for the sum of one hundred pounds payable at Easter, manuscript in Latin, on vellum, 2 sides, obligation bond 5 lines, conditions of obligation 13 lines, remains of seal, a few small holes, slightly creased, 64 x 245mm., 1489.

Yorkshire Estate map.- Ableson (William, surveyor, of Hutton Rudby, Stokesley, North Yorkshire) A Survey & Map of an Estate at North Ottrington taken for Mr. John Holt, manuscript title and one page, manuscript double-page estate map, watercolour wash map in green and pink, on paper, small tear in all margins, some foxing, original wrappers, folds, ink stains, 8vo, 1766.

Library Catalogue, manuscript, 56pp. excluding blanks, original blind-stamped crushed morocco, rubbed, metal clasp, g.e., 8vo, [c. 1835].

Diary.- Candy (Dorothy M., schoolmistress, of Bransgrove, New Forest and Bournemouth) Private Journal, autograph manuscript, title and 212pp., slightly browned, original cloth, slightly creased, 8vo, 1910-13.⁂ "Yesterday Mr Algernon Blackwood [(1869-1951), writer of supernatural fiction] called with some work. I am longing to meet him again - he was a most interesting man - such eyes & voice."

World War I.- Diary of a British Army signaller on the Macedonian Front, Salonika Campaign, manuscript, 63pp. excluding blanks, central folds, slightly browned, original card wrappers, slightly creased and marked, lacks spine and lower cover, 123 x 178mm., September 1916 - January 1917.⁂ Day to day life on the Macedonian Front. "21st Novr The village of Kjurpi, Kumli and Barakli were shelled rather heavily by the enemy, but enemy batteries NW of Kamaroto and SSW of Mirsla were silenced by us. Later when Ormanli was shelled we again retaliated on Kamaroto trenches."

The Benedictional of Saint Aethelwold, Bishop of Winchester (963-984), reproduced in facsimile from the manuscript in the library of The Duke of Devonshire at Chatsworth by Sir George F. Warner, privately printed for presentation to members of the Roxburghe Club (1910) (see illustration). CONDITION REPORT: This book contain a bookplate on the inside cover but other than this the binding and the book itself are in very condition, clean throughout with no rips, tears, stains or markings.

Otto Brandt (German 1828 - c.1890)"Una Furbetta" (A Mischievous Girl) O.O.C., manuscript note on reverse, signed Otto Brandt, bought from the painter, Rome, May 11 (1880), approx. 20cms x 16cms (8" x 6 1/4") in decorated gilt frame. (1)

A 19th Century jade Pendant, with Arabic text, the shaped stone with detailed lettering, transcribed "In the Name of the Most Merciful compassionate God, O'Muhammad - O God.. etc.," approx. 6.5cms w x 4.5cms h (2 1/2" x 1 3/4") together with manuscript letter and transcription relating to same. (3)

Circa 1330 AD. A heavy iron war mace, with hexagonal prismatic head surmounted by an iron button, the faces of the hexagon divided by lines preserving traces of gilding; mounted upon an iron staff with traces of silver, characterised by a ring of entanglement at the top and three concentric circles below. See ??????? ?.?. ???????-????????? ?????????? ?????? ???????? XIV - ?????? XV ??. // ??????????? ????? ? ??????? ? ???????? ????? ??????, ?., 1983; Head, 1984, Armies of the Middle Ages, volume 2, Worthing, 1984; Nicolle, D. Arms and Armour of the Crusading Era, 1050-1350, Islam, Eastern Europe and Asia, London 1999; Bashir, M. (ed.), The Arts of the Muslim Knight, The Furusiyya Art Foundation Collection, Milan, 2008. 1.5 kg, 45.5cm (18"). From an important private family collection of arms and armour; acquired on the European art market in the 1980s, and thence by descent; believed originally from Eastern Europe; accompanied by an academic report by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato. The war mace belongs to the group of the eastern war maces used by the Mongol armies in 13th century. In particular it is an interesting parallel to a mace published by Gorelik (1983, pl.27, n.67), having the same hexagonal prismatic shape, dated at the 13th century AD. It is also the same kind of mace that was brandished by the Il-Kh?nid Persian-Mongol warriors (scene of the battle of Ardashir and Artavan) in the very famous manuscript Demotte Sh?hn?mah, made in ?dharbayj?n in about 1335 AD (Nicolle, 1999, figs.632J"). The mace, perhaps because of its ancient associations, acquired a legendary quality, second only to the swords in the Islamic world, and therefore also of the Ilkhanid Turco-Mongol warlike state, that with the Sultan Ghazan adhered to the Islam in 1295 AD. Amongst Mongols and Turkish warriors, the mace became a symbol of office, and maces, gilded like this one, played a role in ceremonies which significance was a mixture of religious and military elements. From a military point of view, it was an extremely effective weapon in close combat, particularly from horseback against an armoured opponent, where a heavy mace could easily damage even the thickest steel armour and crash heads and helmets at the same time (Bashir, 2008, p.235"). The Ilkhanid Empire was originally part of the Mongol Empire founded by Genghis Khan, its Persian branch created by Hulegu, grandson of Genghis Khan himself. Settled in Persia, the Mongols fostered the growth of cosmopolitan cities with rich courts and wealthy patrons, who encouraged the arts to flourish. At the death of Kublai Khan the Ilkhanid Khanate was de facto independent, until his dissolution in 1335 AD. The core of its army were the powerful armoured cavalrymen, of Mongol, Turkish and Iranian origin, covered with Khuyagh armour, a lamellar or laminated corselet, mainly in iron, sometimes in bronze; they wore hemispherical helmets with reinforced brow, a plume tube or a spike, and mail, lamellar or leather aventail, round shields and offensive weapons like sabres, bow and arrows and naturally war maces (Heath, 1984, pp.114-115"). Most probably our specimen is from an excavation. The piece is very rare and is in excellent condition. The mace is a type of short-arms, a weapon of impact-crushing action, consisting of a wooden or metal handle (rod) and a spherical pommel (head), which can be smooth or studded with spikes. The mace is one of the oldest types of edged weapons, a direct heir to the club, which began to be used in the Stone Age. It became widespread in the late Middle Ages, which was due to the excellent 'armour-piercing' qualities of this weapon. The mace was great for breaking through heavy armour and helmets. The heads of some maces were huge. Mace has several significant advantages over bladed weapons. Firstly, a mace (like a hammer) never got stuck in enemy armour or shield, which often happened with a sword or a spear. With the help of maces, it was possible to completely deprive the enemy of the shield, inflicting several strong blows on it. In this case, either the shield broke, or its owner received a fracture of the limb. You can also add that the blows of the mace almost never slide off. Secondly, you can learn to use a mace much faster than a sword. In addition, these weapons were relatively cheap and almost 'unkillable'. The mace has a significant advantage in comparison with the war hammer: the enemy can be beaten with either side of the weapon. The mace was an essential weapon according the Islamic Fur?s?yah during close combat, and some military treatises are devoted to this weapon (for example, the 'Kit?b Ma?rifat La?b al-Dabb?s f? Awq?t al-?ur?b wa-al-?ir?? ?alá-al-Khayl,' held in Paris, BNF MS Ar. 2830 and BNF MS Ar. 6604; Istanbul, Ayasofya MS 3186; on the fur?s?yah treatises dealing with the art of the mace, see also al-Sarraf, 'Mamluk Fur?s?yah Literature and Its Antecedents'"). The most common name for the club/mace was the Persian 'gurz' and its derivatives: garz, horz and gargaz. The written sources describe four methods of conducting battle: throwing at an enemy from a long distance: close combat at a distance proportioned to the length of the club; rotation of the mace when a warrior was surrounded by enemies; defeating the enemy in front of you. The maces or clubs with huge heads and relatively short poles were suitable for throwing. Our mace belongs to a simplified form of maces, a sort of cube-shaped tops with six cut corners transforming it in hexagon (type II"). All the specimens are in iron and date back to the 12th–14th centuries. A very widespread category of finds is made up of type II maces, mainly found in the excavations of the Southern Russian cities that were destroyed during the Tatar-Mongol invasion. They were also found in Novgorod, Moscow, and in the peasant Kostroma barrows. Usually, maces were considered to belong to the nobility, but the simpler specimens probably were widely available as weapons for ordinary soldiers, citizens and peasants. This is also supported by the simplicity and sometimes carelessness in the decoration of the maces themselves. Fine condition.

15th century AD. A vellum manuscript leaf from a Book of Hours with twenty lines in two blocks of text in batarde script, decorated versals, painted frame of gold leaf cord with tassel and elaborate knot; capital 'D' with red rose detail symbolising Christ's blood and Mary's charity; mounted in a glazed frame. 507 grams, 27.7 x 22.5cm (11 x 9"). From a private UK collection, acquired on the London art market 1990-2000. [No Reserve] Very fine condition.

Early Printing- Julii Caesaris Scaligeri de Causis linguae latinae libri tredecim. Geneva, P. Santandreanum, 1580. PP:(xxix), (i)blank, 451. Page 125 misnumbered 129. Printer device to title. Cont. full blindstamped vellum, dated 1581 on upper cover. Spine browned, manuscript notes to front endpaper; light damp staining to margins

ITALIAN MANUSCRIPT: 'Meditazioni per i dieci degli esercizi practicati qunualmente da Padri Cappuccini' (Meditations for the ten exercises practiced annually by the Capuchin Fathers). No date, c.17th to 18th century. Neatly handwritten in ink, PP: Title, (i) blank, (iv), 1-97, (i) blank, (vii). Full vellum bound. Stain to lower inner margins

1- Pelham, C: The World: Or, The Present State Of The Universe. Being a General and Complete Collection of Modern Voyages And Travels . 2 volumes. Stratford, 1806-08. PP:764; 870; Plus 120 Plates and 9 Maps. Recent half leather and new endpapers. A restored copy, specially the first volume; extensive damp staining and restoration. A/F ; 2- Holland, F W: Sinai & Jerusalem or Scenes From Bible Lands. no date, c1880. With 12 coloured photographic views including a folding coloured panorama of Jerusalem, Original covers, aeg. The glue has deteriorated, hence a number of pages are loose ; 3- Valentine, L: Palestine Past and Present. Warne, 1893, 1st. Edn. with 8 colour plates including frontis and extra title page. pictorial cloth and aeg. Lacking front blank endpaper ; 4- Brassey, Lady: The Last Voyage To India and Australia in The 'Sunbeam' . Longmans.. 1889, 1st. Edn. with an autograph letter signed by her husband : Mr. Moncriff, from Brassey, In memoriam. He finished the manuscript and published it after her death. Original cloth gilt, and teg; 5- Kline, M F: Official guide for shippers and travellers to the orient, by the Osaka Shosen Kaisha. Osaka, Japan, 1914. With numerous full page adverts, plates and maps. Original covers; rubbed and with tears; Plus 5 others (11)

A BLUE AND WHITE PORCELAIN SAUCER DISH Jiajing six character mark within a double circle to base 16cm diameter / 280gr Provenance: purchased from an Indonesian trader in 1969 Inventory: P253 (see copy of manuscript in the images attached) Condition: One small chip to rim (approx. 1.2cm long) _________________________ ABOUT MR QUEK KIOK LEE : Quek Kiok Lee (1921- 2018) arrived in Singapore in 1938. Despite not speaking English, he finished first in his school’s Cambridge exams. He was then appointed Assistant Secretary of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. This was the start of his rapid ascension in business and society. Mr Quek proved himself to be a very successful businessman, banker, entrepreneur and investor. In his free time, he met with collectors and dealers of Chinese works of art from around the world. He also read and researched as much he could to build his knowledge. He became well known to the leading auction houses and authorities because of his encyclopaedic knowledge and his increasingly impressive collection of Chinese art. In 1970s, the Singaporean newspapers nicknamed him “the Jade King of Singapore”. Mr Quek loved to share his knowledge and experience and was one of the founding members of the Southeast Asian Ceramic Society (SEACS). In 1994, he was appointed by the Chancellor of Singapore University as the Acquisitions Advisor on Chinese antiquities, where he served for 6 years. Mr Quek was not just a collector; he meticulously researched every piece and collated detailed records. For the pieces which are documented, HotLotz is happy to share Mr Quek’s original records on request. Mr Quek’s inventory numbers are recorded in our catalogue. Following successful sales in Hong Kong and London, HotLotz is proud to offer the majority of this unique collection for sale in Singapore.

WW2 German Mother's Cross, gilt First Class, in issue box marked B.H. Mayer Pforzheim, with ribbon and miniature; and German Iron Cross with later manuscript note 'Hans Walter, L.37603, L.G. PA. Berlin 9.9.41' Condition Report Click here for further images, condition, auction times & delivery costs

ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT OF SPEECH DELIVERED BY FIELD MARSHALL EARL HAIG, 'At the Opening of the Ex-Servicemen's Institute on 7th Day of November, 1925', comprising seven sheets and front page from the manuscript around a central picture of Haig, mounted and framed with brass dedication plaque marked 'Gifted by Wishaw Club in Memory of 2/ Lieut. P.M. Cunningham, H.L.I., Liet. Jas. Gibson, M.G.C., 2/ Liet. A. McEwan Fisher, S.R., Killed in Action', under glass, 90cm x 75cm

Blake (William) An Island in the Moon: A Facsimile of the Manuscript [edited] by Michael Phillips with a Preface by Haven O'More, number XI of 25 deluxe copies, from an edition limited to 775, illustrations, leather book-label of Haven O'More, original pigskin, t.e.g., with another copy of the facsimile in original wrappers in pocket in original pigskin folder, together in board slip-case, a fine copy, small folio, Cambridge, printed at the Stamperia Valdonega of Verona for the Institute of Traditional Science, 1987.⁂ Reproduced from Blake's manuscript at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge.

Emerson (Ralph Waldo) The Complete Works, 12 vol., 'Autograph Centenary Edition', number 24 of 600 copies signed on behalf of the publishers and with a window-mounted 23-line autograph manuscript tipped in, photogravure plates, leather book-label of Haven O'More, contemporary crushed green half morocco, gilt, spines gilt in compartments, light rubbing to joints, t.e.g., others uncut, 8vo, Cambridge, Riverside Press, 1903.⁂ A fine set of Emerson's complete works including the first publication of his Essays. The leaf of manuscript which includes a few lines crossed through and some corrections in pencil, comes from a passage on greatness in his Letters and Social Aims.

Copernicus (Nicolaus) De revolutionibus orbium coelestium , facsimile of the original manuscript, leather book-label of Haven O'More, original cloth, original card box with small colour portrait of Copernicus on one cover, folio, n.p., n.d. [? Krakow, 1976].⁂ A very good facsimile of arguably the most important scientific manuscript ever written. It includes a facsimile of the Nostitz family bookplate and the cloth binding reproduces the vellum binding of a re-used manuscript leaf.

Ptolomaeus (Claudius) Geography . . . translated into English and edited by Edward Luther Stevenson, number 1 of 250 copies, this with 5 plates specially coloured by hand and heightened in gold, engraved title vignette, facsimile plates of maps and text from the Ebner manuscript, leather book-label of Haven O'More, contemporary half calf, extremities a little rubbed, slip-case, folio, New York, 1932.⁂ A seemingly unique copy of this facsimile. A loosely inserted pencil note indicates that this copy was given to George F. Baker Jr. (to whom along with Grenville Kane this work is dedicated) by way of thanks for his donation to the library.

[Vesling (Johann)] The Anatomy of the Body of Man: Wherein is exactly described every Part thereof, in the same Manner as it is Commonly shewed in Publick Anatomies, translated by Nicholas Culpeper, Second English Edition, 24 full-page engraved plates, each plate with a leaf "An Explanation of the Table" opposite, slight worming in upper corner to A4 and in lower margins to L4, slightly browned, a few 19th century manuscript medical words on verso of one of the leaves of Explanation, engraved bookplate of Nathan C[ooper] partly torn away on front pastedown, contemporary calf, rubbed, corners and edges worn, joints splitting, [ESTC R23770; Wing V287; Russell 835], sm. folio, London, for George Sawbridge, 1677.

Nash (Paul) Places: 7 Prints reproduced from Woodblocks, designed and engraved by Paul Nash with illustrations in prose, number 35 of 210 copies, decorations and 8 full-page illustrations including large pictorial tail-piece, text reproduced from the original decorated manuscript, light spotting to endpapers, original cloth-backed pictorial boards, rubbed and spotted, spine worn at foot, 1922; Aerial Flowers, limited edition, signed presentation copy from the author's wife inscribed on inside front wrapper, illustrations, one colour and tipped in, original printed wrappers, variant with portrait of Nash mounted on upper wrapper, light soiling and faint staining, Oxford, 1947, 4to (2)⁂ The second item was "...designed by Paul Nash shortly before he died on July 11th, 1946, and is now published by his friends, one year later, as a small tribute to his memory...".

Fables.- Dialoges of Creatures Moralysed (The), collation: [flower]4 A-X4 2A-2T4, first edition in English, this copy lacking all before C1 (but for B2) and Q1, upper half of T2, Aa2-4, Pp1-4 and Tt1-4 (in total most of 23 leaves), printed in black letter, woodcut initials and numerous illustrations, with illustrated title and penultimate leaf with colophon supplied in good facsimile, most missing leaves replaced with blank leaves, soiled and water-stained, C3 defective at lower edge with loss to signature and large initial on verso, D1 with ink stains and torn at foot (repaired without loss), M signature slightly torn and defective at upper outer corner just touching text (old repairs), wormhole to Ss3 & 4 affecting a couple of letters, cropped, with early 20th century manuscript notes loosely inserted, modern black morocco, upper cover slightly marked, [STC 6815], small 4to (170 x 115mm.), [Antwerp, Jan van Doesborch], [c.1530]; sold not subject to return⁂ Rare collection of Italian 14th century fables, usually found incomplete.

Shakespeare's Treacherous Aumerle.- Edward [Edward of Langley, Edward of York], second Duke of York, Duke of Aumale, magnate, the eldest son of Edmund 1341-1402, the fifth son of Edward III, and Isabella of Castile d. 1393, second daughter of Pedro the Cruel r. 1350-69, c. 1373-1415) Indenture by the most puissant prince Duke of Aumale Earl of Rutland & Cork and Constable to William Peytevyn esquire, and Joan his wife of the Manor of Oxeye [Oxhey] and its appurtenances in the county of Hertfordshire without waste of wood on the estate, the duke also agrees to pay William £10 at Michaelmas and Easter, manuscript in Anglo-French, on vellum, 13 lines, in brown ink, indented chirograph at head, 4 small wormholes, folds, browned, red wax seal of Aumale's signet, edges chipped with loss but image strong, 135 x 297mm., housed in a full morocco box, London, 16th October 1398.⁂ "Take it, brave York." - Shakespeare. Henry V.A document by one of the most important members of the Royal Family in the reigns of Richard II, Henry IV, and Henry V. A firm favourite of Richard II, "Jean Creton considered that there was no man alive whom Richard loved better" (Oxford DNB). Despite this favour Aumale nevertheless acquiesced in Henry IV's usurpation of the throne, and was present when Richard was detained at Flint Castle in north Wales. At the first parliament of Henry IV Aumale was subjected to much hatred by the new king's supporters and narrowly avoided being attacked physically. The king resisted his impeachment but he lost many of his titles, including Aumale, and the constableship of the Tower. In 1399 he was caught up in a conspiracy to kill the king, and at least knew of another plot in 1405. Despite this he held several important offices during the reign of Henry IV. In 1402 Edward became duke of York after the death of his father, and in 1403 was appointed lieutenant of South Wales. The future Henry V, fighting against the Glendower rebellion, praised York in Parliament, he "had served and laboured in such a way as to support and embolden all the other members of the company, as if he had been the poorest gentleman in the realm wishing to serve him in order to win honour and renown". York was also a noted authority on hunting, his Master of Game, dedicated to the prince of Wales, translated the Livre du chasse of Gaston Phébus, count of Foix, with the addition of several extra chapters of his own. With the advent of the reign of Henry V, York fought in the Normandy campaign, commanding the van of the army at the battle of Agincourt, where he was killed, either by a head wound or in "much heat and pressing". His bones were buried in Fotheringhay Church, Northamptonshire.Aumale/York, as the character Aumerle occupies a central position in Shakespeare's play, Richard II. In the play Aumerle is portrayed as a man who is loyal to King Richard and one of the main conspirators against the newly crowned King Henry IV. When his father, the Duke of York, discovers his part in the plot, he immediately informs the king. Aumerle, however, reaches the king first and begs for pardon, which he is given due to his mother's intercession. Aumerle's character makes a brief appearance in Henry V before the battle of Agincourt, this time as Duke of York, requesting that he be given charge of the vanguard, which the king grants. "My lord, most humbly on my knee I beg/The leading of the vaward/Take it, brave York/Now, soldiers, march away: And how thou pleasest, God, dispose the day!" - Shakespeare.

Shakespeare's Falstaff.- Henry V (King of England and Lord of Ireland, and Duke of Aquitaine, 1386-1422) & Sir John Fastolf (soldier and landowner, 1380-1459) Indenture agreement between Henry V as King of England and Regent of the Kingdom of France and Sir John Fastolf appointing Fastolf to be Keeper of the Bastille of St Anthony at Paris, for providing soldiers and with terms of wages paid, manuscript in French, on vellum, 28 lines, in Anglicana cursive script, chirograph at head, remains of red wax Privy Seal broken with loss but preserving a good impression of the arms of England and France (France old style), later docket on verso, folds, vellum slightly yellowed, 214 x 355mm., 24th January 1421.⁂ The terms of the agreement are for Fastolf to hold the bastille of St Anthony of Paris for a year, keeping twenty men at arms and sixty archers well-mounted, armed, and arrayed for war. Fastolf was to take wages of war of two shillings a day, and to pay each man at arms twelve pence a day and archers six pence a day. This appointment was no sinecure, Fastolf as a seasoned soldier defended the fortress during the disturbances after the battle of Baugé in 1421. Any connection between Fastolf and Falstaff begins and ends with the name and the fact that Fastolf owned the Boar's Head in Southwark. Sir John Fastolf was a consummate warrior trusted by Henry V (though never a close friend), Thomas Duke of Clarence, John Duke of Bedford and Humphrey Duke of Gloucester. Fastolf fought at the battle of Agincourt and numerous actions across France before retiring to England, much lamenting the loss of England's hold on France. "Shakespeare adapted Fastolf's name for his character Sir John Falstaff, the personality he gave him was wholly imaginary. In the original draft of Henry IV (1597) the companion of Prince Hal was the historically correct Sir John Oldcastle (d. 1417), who had also figured in the Famous Victories of Henry V (1594). Apparently to meet the objection of Oldcastle's descendant, Lord Cobham, Shakespeare changed the name to Falstaff... . Shakespeare introduced the character of Oldcastle-Falstaff to emphasize Henry V's conversion on his accession from a life of riot and dissipation. The corpulent, cowardly, and mendacious Falstaff was the opposite of the austere and dedicated king who historically had repudiated his former companion Oldcastle on account of his Lollard beliefs." - Oxford DNB.

Henry VIII (King of England and Ireland, 1491-1547) Chancery document relating to Arthur Key and James Alderley and Margaret his wife of a messuage with land in Almondbury [West Yorkshire], manuscript document, 17 lines, large initial for "H" not filled in, folds, slightly yellowed, Chancery wax seal, quarter of image lacking, edges chipped and image blunted, 255 x 510mm., 28th November 1539.

Wimborne, Dorset.- [Wimborne late deanerie manor court book], manuscript, in several hands, c. 245pp., a few ff. torn with loss, browned, some edges creased, bound in contemporary vellum from a legal document relating to Sir John Dackombe (1570-1618), MP and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, upper cover mostly cut away, rubbed and soiled, folio, 1625-84; sold subject to the Manorial Documents Rules, this manuscript may not be removed from England and Wales.Saleroom notice: It has been noted that the above lot contains manorial documents which are subject to the Manorial Documents Rules 1959, 1963 and 1967, administered by The Historical Manuscripts Commission at The National Archives on behalf of the Master of the Rolls.Please be aware that the purchasers of the documents lie under an obligation to notify the Secretary of the Commission of their acquisition and to provide details of where they will be kept. The Secretary of the Commission can be contacted by post as Head of Archive Sector Development at the address below or by e-mail at mdr@nationalarchives.gov.uk 

Cookery & Medical.- Pennington (Mrs) The Housewife's Companion [Collection of recipes], manuscript, 44pp. excluding blanks, slightly browned, printed recipes laid down on upper and lower pastedowns, original limp vellum, lettered direct on upper cover, soiled, sm. 4to, [c. 1750].⁂ Recipes include: "Imperial, a Cooling Drink"; "To make butter'd chicken"; "To fry Calf's Lights"; "To make a Tansey"; "To make Daffy's Elixir"; "To pickle Oysters"; "To stew Pears red"; "To make Orange Wine from Mr Wm Hawes of Marlow"; "ffor a Consumption"; "ffor the Bite of a mad dog"; "Cole. Madden's purging Gout-Cordial from Mr Dupuis" etc.

Cookery.- H. (E.) [Collection of recipes], manuscript, 104pp. excluding blanks, in a variety of hands, browned, numerous ink and splash marks, original vellum, lettered direct on upper cover, soiled and stained, sm. 4to, 1808-30.⁂ Recipes include: "Italian Cheese"; "A Bread Pudding"; "English Madeira"; "Champagne from Green Grapes"; "Parsnip Wine"; "A Receipt for making Salad"; "The Chelsea Pensioners Receipts for the Rheumatism"; "Guava Jelly"; "Topsy Cake... Mrs. Beeton" etc.

Scotland.- Quarme (Robert, Gentleman Usher of the Green Rod, Gentleman Usher to the Order of the Thistle) Statutes of the Most Ancient & Noble Order of the Thistle, manuscript signed "Robt. Quarme" at end, 29pp. excluding blanks, slightly browned, original green crushed morocco Scottish binding, gilt lettered direct title on upper cover, gilt floral border on both covers, gilt panelled spine, g.e., 8vo, 1768.⁂ A handsome Scottish binding.

18th century Commonplace book.- Harrison (John L., Captain, of Bishop's Hall, Bethnal Green) Commonplace book of letters and poems, manuscript, c. 80pp., one page cut in half, ff. excised at end, slightly browned, original vellum, yellowed and soiled, sm. 4to, 1771-75.⁂ Includes some unpublished poetry. Poems include: "A Journey to Pool To Mr A-m M-t"; "Wrote in the Arbour of my Friends Garden On Christmas day morning occasion'd by their Laying A Bed very late 1772"; "Wrote by Particular desire of A young Lady Man's Insincerity" etc.

Wilberforce (William, politician, philanthropist, and slavery abolitionist, 1759-1833).- Beck (Mary, widow of Joseph Beck, Quaker, merchant of Bristol, of Frenchay Manor, Bristol, ?d. 1799) Journal and Letter book, autograph manuscript, 142pp. excluding blanks, ruled in red, slightly browned, a few ff. excised, original panelled reverse calf, in extremely good condition, sm. 4to, 1797-98.⁂ A friend of William Wilberforce. Beck was related to the Harford family (Charles Harford married Joseph Beck's daughter in 1739) and William Wilberfoce was a visitor to Frenchay.Saleroom notice: This may not be the Charles Harford mentioned who married Mary Beck in 1739.Entries include: "I have long admired my good frid Wilberforce's Philanthropic Character... Thy truly sincere friend M Beck"; "I have read Mr Wm Wilberforce's contrast between real, & nominal christians... I wish he had spoake more fully on the pernicious consiquences of Plays & novels... "; "The preparations for an Invasion from France continues... Last week O'Connel & some numbers of the corrispondant Society was taken in their way to France... discovered a deep laid Plot in Dublin, by the Club of the United Irish men..."; "My fever rather subsided yesterday & today but I have reason to fear a new calamity is coming on as I feel my eyes weaken apace this winter & to day I have discovered that I cannot see but very little with one of them this will be a great trial indeed, as my chief amusement is now confined to reading and writing... & the dispensary business business... ." - Mary Beck.The journal of a wealthy Quaker widow living in Frenchay, now a suburb of Bristol in the 1790s, interspersed with abstracts of letters to family and friends including to her "true and sincere friend", William Wilberforce, and news of national events. Much of the journal consists of domestic matters, including family, illness, visits to Bristol, and business matters relating to tenants and the administration of various properties.

Children's Rhymes.- ?Griffin (Joe Henry) [Collection of rhymes], 55pp. excluding blanks, manuscript, numerous hand-coloured scraps cut from prints (many by Bewick) and watercolours, ?author's name on lower endpaper, slightly browned, some marks, original roan, rubbed, corners and edges worn, remains of brass catch, oblong 8vo, watercolour dated 1829.

Brunel (Isambard Kingdom, civil engineer, 1806-59) Mr Brunel's Reports on Col Serrell's plan & Estimate [Report on Clifton Suspension Bridge], manuscript signed "I B Brunel" in the form of a letter, 13pp. & 1 blank f., later manuscript note attached to blank f. "... original Report (only one in existence) by Sir Isambard Brunel", folds, stained, folio, Westminster, 24th November 1857 § Agreement between John Miles and Edward Wellman Serrell to complete Clifton Suspension Bridge, manuscript signed "Edward W Serrell", 3pp., folds, browned, folio, 1857 (2 pieces).⁂ Brunel submitted plans twice over to build the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the second time successfully. "Thus he came to design the elegant suspension bridge which still provides one of the finest sights in Bristol. But he did not build it, because even though construction began with high hopes in 1836 the funds ran out when only the two towers had been completed; the project was abandoned during the remainder of Brunel's lifetime and was revived only after his death as a memorial to him, and completed in 1864." (Oxford DNB). In between the project being abandoned and restarted, proposals were made to erect a cheaper lightweight suspension span to the design of American engineer Lieutenant Colonel Edward Wellman Serrell (1826-1906).

Dibdin (Thomas John, playwright and actor, David Garrick's godson, 1771-1841) Tom's Coffee House A Parody... Respectfully inscribed To the Patrons of Punch and Poetry, autograph manuscript inscribed by the author "No. 1. Original M.S. T. Dibdin" on title, title and 8pp., central folds, slightly browned and marked, sm. 4to, 1836.⁂ ?Unpublished. Dibdin was a prolific playwright who wrote songs and small theatrical pieces like the one above. This piece was written towards the end of Dibdin's career, the last was in 1837.

Ruskin (John) Salsette and Elephanta: a Prize Poem, recited in the Theatre, Oxford; June 12, 1839, first edition, 20pp., numbered "24" in ink manuscript at head of title, faint spotting to final three leaves, disbound, [Wise I, 1], 8vo, Oxford, J.Vincent, 1839.⁂ Scarce; the author's first book. At his third attempt Ruskin won the Newdigate Prize with this poem, beating Arthur Hugh Clough. who came second.

Calligraphic manuscript.- [Bible, New Testament]. Parables, calligraphic manuscript on vellum, 10pp., 2 large initials and 6 words in gold, 2 large initials in silver colour, double column, in black ink, ruled in green, side notes in green, vellum endpapers, original vellum, lettered direct on upper cover in gold "Parables", in a modern cloth chemise with leather book-label of Haven O'More and slip-case, very finely calligraphed, folio, n.d. [second half of 20th century].

Africa.- Leo Africanus (Johannes) Historiale Description de l'Afrique, tierce partie du monde, collation : *, **8, A-Zz8, a-e8, f4, g-i8, second edition in French, woodcut printer's device on title and verso of final leaf, woodcut head-pieces, initials and 20 woodcut illustrations, contemporary ink inscription to foot of title, lightly water-stained, mostly at beginning and end, paper flaw hole to L2 with loss of catchword, short tear to lower margin of Tt2, contemporary limp vellum, lacking ties, rubbed and stained, [Not in Adams], 8vo, Antwerp, Christopher Plantin, 1556.⁂ The first book on Africa written by an African. Johannes Leo Africanus, real name Hasan ben Mohamed Alfasi, travelled all over the Moslem African countries and in 1517 was captured by Christian pirates, who took him and the manuscript of his travels to Rome. There, under the protection of Pope Leo X he translated his manuscript into Latin for publication. It was later translated into French by Jean Temporal and published by the translator in Lyons in the same year as this Antwerp edition. The woodcut illustrations include personifications of Africa, Arabia, Egypt, Alexandria and the Nile and depictions of camels, veiled women, date palms and crocodiles.

Australia.- Hunter (John) An Historical Journal of the Transactions at Port Jackson and Norfolk Island...With an Abridged Account of the New Discoveries in the South Seas, stipple-engraved portrait after R.Dighton, engraved vignette title, folding engraved map and folding plate of New South Wales family engraved by William Blake after King, with 3pp. advertisements at end, foxing to portrait and title, some other light spotting, map with short tear to inner edge, original boards, uncut, spine titled in manuscript, rubbed and soiled, spine browned and with short tear at foot, [Ferguson 153; Wantrup 14a], 8vo, John Stockdale, 1793.⁂ John Hunter served under Arthur Phillip in the first convict fleet and succeeded him as the second Governor of the colony from 1795 to 1799.

World.- Purchas (Samuel) Purchas his Pilgrimes. In Five Books..., 5 vol. including vol.5: Purchas His Pilgrimage, first edition of vol.1-4, vol.5 fourth edition, second issue, lacking additional engraved title (as often, supplied in old photographic facsimile), with 7 folding and/or double-page engraved maps of the Mogul Empire, China (duplicated in vol.5), Greenland (Spitsbergen), North America, New England and Virginia (the latter in Verner's state 7 of 12) , 81 half-page engraved maps after Hondius (58 in vol.1-4 and 23 in vol.5, the latter duplications of maps in vol.1-4), a few other engraved or woodcut illustrations including Aztec pictograms from the Codex Mendoza in vol.3, vol.1 with Hondius's 'Map of the Christian World' appearing twice at pp. 65 and 115 i.e. lacking 'Map of the Whole World', and with G3-4 uncancelled as usual, also 4M4-5 uncancelled and second state of 4M2, severe paper flaw to 3M6 in vol.1 with loss to 5 lines of text and side-notes, vol.4 with map of Virginia torn and creased (repaired) and final 2 leaves slightly defective at fore-edge with loss to edge of 'Map of Great Brittaine and Ireland', occasional soiling or browning, a few stains, some other minor tears and defects, some repaired, near uniform contemporary calf ruled in blind, rubbed, vol.1-4 lacking ties and with holes from ties and hasps for chains, rebacked, new pink morocco labels, endpapers replaced, [Hill 1402-3; Sabin 66682 & 66686; STC 20508-9], folio, by William Stansby for Henrie Fetherstone, 1625-26. ⁂ An excellent tall set of this important collection of voyages, a continuation of Hakluyt's Principal Navigations, with fine impressions of the maps and in a contemporary (once chained) binding with a distinguished provenance. The map of the Mogul Empire by William Baffin is the earliest English map of the Mogul territories; the map of China is based on a Chinese original and one of the earliest such to be published in Europe; the map of Greenland (actually Spitsbergen) incorporates scenes of whaling and bear-hunting; the map of North America, by Elstracke after Henry Biggs, is the first to show California as an island; the map of New England was first published in 1624; the map of Virginia by William Hole after Capt. John Smith is one of the most important early maps of America and includes a large Indian figure and a vignette depicting the interior of Powhatan's hut.Provenance: vol.1-4 from the ancient chained library of Queen's College, Oxford, presented by Anthony Hawles. With contemporary ink manuscript presentation label pasted to head of titles of vol.2-4: "Ex dono Anthony Hawles in Artib. Com.m / Christophero Potter S.S Theol. D. Praeposito. 1629" (partly removed from vol.2 & 3), and engraved Queen's College bookplates to verso of titles of vol.1-4. The library contains a second set, the present set was probably sold as a duplicate with other works in 1938.A detailed collation and list of faults is available on request.Anthony Hawles (1609-1663), was chaplain to Charles II while in exile, Archdeacon of Salisbury 1657-63 and a canon of Windsor from 1660 until his death. Christopher Potter (1591-1646) was elected Provost of Queen's College in 1626. He was a chaplain to Charles I, a canon of Windsor and appointed Dean of Worcester in 1635, before being arrested in 1642 and having his Worcestershire properties sequestered.

Book of Hours, Use of Rouen, manuscript on vellum, in Latin and French, 98 leaves including initial and final blanks: fols. 1, 22v, 59v, 98v also blank, Modern foliation in pencil on the upper right corner (not taking into consideration first blank leaf), single column, 20 lines, ruled in brown ink, written in brown ink in a regular textura, major feasts in Calendar in gold, others alternating blue and mauve, 14 lines of prayers on fol. 98r in a different and slightly later hand,14 fine full-page miniatures, mostly in arched compartments, with full floriate and foliate borders, inhabited by birds, squirrels, monkeys and fantastic animals or occasionally flanked by multi-coloured marbled columns, smaller illuminated miniatures in Calendar, each page of text with illuminated floriate and foliate border on one side, in gold and colours, including some animals, numerous decorated illuminated initials in varying sizes, line-fillers throughout, a few small spots and stains but generally in bright and fresh condition, 20th century dark brown morocco by Baum, spine gilt, gilt-stamped morocco pastedowns, earlier gilt edges, 8vo (165 x 108mm.), Rouen, [1480s].⁂ An excellent example of an illuminated book of hours, the intimate prayerbook for the laity, produced in Rouen in the last quarter of the 15th century (possibly c.1480-1485): a mixture of devotion, literacy and luxury executed for a patroness. The style of the illumination and iconographical features allow us confidently to attribute its production to the workshop, or a close follower of the Maître de l'Échevinage, so named after a group of manuscripts he illuminated for the library of the Council of Aldermen (échevins) of Rouen, and now in the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris. This highly esteemed and influential artist worked in the Norman town from 1450 to c.1485, and is also known as the Master of Latini Geneva, from a Brunetto Latini manuscript in the Geneva Library. The manuscript opens with the Calendar, in which the names of local saints are included - among others, Ansbertus (9th February), the patron of Rouen Romanus (23rd October), and Martialis (3rd July) - and further confirm its place of production. Each month is framed within an illuminated border containing vignettes representing the relevant sign of the zodiac and seasonal labours respectively. Landscapes and details are rendered with great care. Moreover, the manuscript contains 14 full-page miniatures, each introducing the traditional sections of the Book of Hours. The elaborate carved architectural structures or thrones, the draperies shaded in gold, and the landscapes visible beyond, with views of a walled town (possibly Rouen), are remarkable. The miniature opening the Gospel sequences (fol. 14r), which depicts all four evangelists, is particularly noteworthy. It departs from the standard iconography: while the four evangelists are normally all the same size, here the emphasis is placed on St. John, seated on Patmos island and in the act of writing on a scroll. Luke, Matthew, and Mark on the other hand are depicted in smaller marginal vignettes, and are represented in different activities: Luke writes, Matthew reads, and Mark examines the point of his pen. This unusual iconography is distinctive of the Échevinage Master, and is repeated - in slightly variant forms - by his followers. Other stylistic or iconographical characteristics are recognisable in the eight miniatures illustrating the Hours of the Virgin, and or in the macabre image of the Three Living and Three Dead introducing the Office of the Dead (fol. 72r), a set of prayers for the dead and dying. More specifically, the manuscript shows striking similarities with the MSS Walters 224 and 241 of the Walters Art Gallery in Baltimore, both produced in the 1480s by a follower of the Échevinage Master. Occasionally customers paid for having special miniatures in their Book of Hours, usually one representing themselves kneeling before the Virgin or a particular saint. This is the case in this manuscript: the miniature on fol. 91r depicts its unknown patroness, dressed in a rose-madder robe and wearing a black headdress, kneeling before a seated Virgin Mary holding the Christ child. The manuscript is therefore the issue of female patronage, and the coats of arms on fol. 96v, which, in a certain sense, signs the manuscript, is also possibly related to the family of this woman.Text (for the use of Rouen):Fols. 2r-13v: Calendar, in French; fols. 14r-17vr: Gospel sequences; fols. 17r-19v: Obsecro te; fols 19v-22r: O Intemerata; fols. 23r-54r: Hours of the Virgin: Matins (fol. 24r: Lauds; fol. 31r: Prime; fol. 40r: Terce; fol. 43v: Sext; fol. 46r: None; fol. 48r: Vespers; fol. 50r: Compline; fol. 51v); fols. 54v-56v: Hours of the Holy Cross; fols. 57r-59v: Hours of the Holy Spirit; fols. 60r-71v: Seven Penitential Psalms, Litanies; fols. 72r-90v: Office of the Dead; fols. 91r-96v: Marian hymns (Fifteen Joys of the Virgins), in French.Illustration:Calendar. Fol. 2r (January): The Water Carrier; Feasting; fol. 3r (February): The Fish; Warming by fire; fol. 4r (March): The Ram; Pruning; fol. 5r (April): The Bull; Hawking; fol. 6r (May): The Twins; Riding; fol. 7r ((June): The Crab; Shearing sheep; fol. 8r (July): The Lion; Reaping; fol. 9r (August): The Virgin; Winnowing; fol. 10r (September): The Balance; Sowing; fol. 11r (October): The Scorpion; Treading Grapes; fol. 12r (November): The Archer; Slaughtering a Pig; fol. 13r (December): The Goat; Roasting a Pig.The subjects of the 14 full-page miniatures are as follows: 1. fol. 14r: St. John in Patmos at centre, the other evangelists in smaller vignettes; 2. fol. 24r: Annunciation, episodes from Virgin's life at base; 3. fol. 31r: Visitation, drollery at base; 4. fol. 40r: Nativity, drollery at base; 5. fol. 43v: Annunciation to the Shepherds and Shepherdess; 6. fol. 46r: Adoration of the Magi; 7. fol. 48r: Presentation in Temple, drollery at base; 8. fol. 50r: Flight into Egypt; Miracle of Cornfield at back; 9. fol. 51v: Coronation of Virgin, drollery at base; 10. fol. 54v: Crucifixion with thieves; 11. fol. 57r: Pentecost; 12. fol. 60r: King David penitent, admonished by Nathan, Combat of Goliath at base; 13. fol. 72r: Three Living and Three Dead, a man run through by skeletal Death with his dart at base; 14. fol. 91v: Virgin and Child enthroned with the female manuscript owner kneeling.Provenance: first female owner depicted on fol. 91v; two coats of arms on fol. 96v; the German collector George Nestle-John (1839-1895; see Bibliothek George Nestle-John. Illustrierte Bücher des xiii.-xix Jahrhunderts, Frankfurt, 6 October 1931, lot 81, and pl. lxiib; estimated 1,500 Reichs-Marks), copy of catalogue included in the lot.Literature: G. Swarzenski- R. Schilling, Die illuminierten Handschriften und Einzelminiaturen des Mittelalters und der Renaissance in Frankfurter Besitz, Frankfurt 1929, no. 125 and pl. lxiib; R.S. Wieck, Time …

Lincolnshire, Fleet.- Charter, I, Richard de Flet [Fleet] by this charter grants and confirms to Leofwine de Fulmere seven acres of land in Fleet for the annual payment of 8 solidos due on the feast of St Margaret, payment after decease to Godwin my son and Juliana my wife, witnesses: Richard Bacun, Geoffrey de Flet, Thomas de laceles, Hugh de normanebi and others, manuscript in Latin, on vellum, 11 lines, in a fine charter hand, small hole in lower margin, small brown mark in left margin, folds, slightly yellowed, lacks seal, 110 x 185mm., housed in a custom made box, [c. 1165].

Norfolk, Shropham.- Charter of William son of Eluric to John son of Aylmer, leasing land at Waterslede beside the grantee's door for an annual rent of two pence and a down payment of six shillings, witnesses: Peter of Shropham and his brother, and Robert and Henry of 'bradecher' [Bradcar, a manor in Shropham] and others, manuscript in Latin, on vellum, 7 lines in a Gothic book hand, 6 small wormholes in text, lower right corner cut away slightly affecting one word of text, folds, creased and a little browned, white wax seal of a floral device surrounded by grantor's name, seal worn and edges chipped, 82 x 206mm., preserved in a custom made box, [c. 1180].⁂ Provenance: from the collections of Francis Blomefield (d. 1752) and Sir Thomas Phillipps with his manuscript no. 36398 on verso.

Bedfordshire, Arlesey.- Charter, William Hoye conveys for 67 shillings to Robert Weweneshale a croft three roods, three and a half acres and a half rood of land in the fields of Arlesey lying in the Northfield at Scutteford, at Shortemad, under Stocken etc., witnesses: Roger Burnard, Will. Rixpaud, Ric' the clerk and others, manuscript in Latin, on vellum, in a fine charter hand, 17 lines, folds, slightly creased and browned, original wax seal of a flower terminating in a cross, lacks a third of seal but image still visible, 120 x 205mm., n.d. [c. 1250].⁂ A very fine charter.

Medieval Kent weaver.- Indenture, William the weaver of Copton [?Copton and Stone near Faversham] mortgage to Richard Thundre lease of land in Copton for 16 shillings a year to Richard Thundre three virgates of land in Copton at a rent of 12 pence, witnesses: Roger the clerk of Sir Thomas Jay, William de Makunhaued, Giles, John the weaver and others, manuscript in Latin, on vellum, 16 lines, indented chirograph at head, folds, slightly creased, lacks seal, 100 x 165mm., 29th September 1253.⁂ Provenance: Sir Edward Dering first baronet (1598-1644), Kentish antiquarian and collector with ownership mark on verso.

Crowland Abbey.- Charter, Abbey and Community of Crowland grant of a tenement in Burthorpe in exchange for pasture for 60 sheep in the valley of Burthorpe [?Suffolk], manuscript in Latin, on vellum, 12 lines, indented chirograph at head, in brown ink, in a fine charter hand, folds, later inscription on verso, green wax Abbatial seal, chipped with loss in margins but central sharp and clear, overall in extremely good condition, 90 x 175mm., January 1259.⁂ Extremely scarce. Crowland Abbey was a monastery of the Benedictine Order in Lincolnshire, founded in memory of St. Guthlac early in the eighth century by Ethelbald, King of Mercia. After various vicissitudes it became one of the richest monasteries in East Anglia, and this document is indicative of its business acumen.

Devon, Combe Martin.- Charter, I, William de Hawera have by this charter granted and confirmed to Agatha de Hawera a tenement in Cumba [probably Combe Martin, Somerset], witnesses: Alexander de munfort, William de Clivedune [Clevedon], Arnold chaplain of Combe, William chaplain and Martin chaplain, manuscript in Latin, on vellum, 15 lines, in black ink, in a fine charter hand, 2 holes repaired (affecting 1 word), folds, slightly creased and yellowed, 2 small brown stains, lacks seal, good condition, 125 x 205mm., housed in a custom made box, [c. 1270].

Henry II (King of England, Duke of Normandy and of Aquitaine, and Count of Anjou, 1133-89).- Copy of a forged charter of Henry II to the nunnery of Wix, being a general confirmation to Wix Priory, of their properties in Wix, Frating, Tolleshunt (Essex), Chattisham, Hintlesham (Surrfolk), assart up to 100 acres in Essex, the right to keep two greyhounds (leporarios) and four brachets (bractatos) for hunting hares with permission to hunt in the king's forests in Essex etc., witnesses including, Roger, Bishop of York, Richard, Bishop of London, Reginald, Earl of Cornwall and Thomas, chancellor (i.e. Thomas Becket), manuscript in Latin, on vellum, 33 lines, stab holes at head and tail where stitched to two other sheets, small tear at head with small loss of two words on first line, folds, slightly browned, some creasing at head, Phillipps manuscript 31943 with number on dorse, 338 x 250mm., housed in a custom made box, [purporting to be Northampton, c. 1155-58, originally forged c. 1196-99 but this copy c. 1280s].⁂ Wix Priory, dedicated to St. Mary, was a small convent of Benedictine Nuns situated at the top of Abbey Hill, Wix, Essex, between the present parish church and Wix Abbey farmhouse. It was founded in the reign of King Henry I by the sons and daughter of Walter the Deacon who owned much of Wix in the late 11th and early 12th centuries.

Lincolnshire & Cambridgeshire.- Charter, Roger de Heriz of Gretford for the salvation of his soul and the souls of his ancestors and descendents gives and confirms by this charter to the Hospice of Santa Maria de Novo Loco (Newstead) at the bridge of Offington property in the village of Ufford, witnesses: Lanceleve de Ufford, William de Offinton and others, manuscript in Latin, on vellum, 15 lines, in a good charter hand, green wax seal of Roger de Gretford and lettered as such with a central image of a fleur-de-lys, folds, slightly creased and yellowed, 6 small holes (mostly along folds), 6 brown stains obscuring four words, 130 x 180mm., housed in a custom made box, [c. 1290].

Staffordshire, Cheadle. Charter grant by Richard Sibille of Cheadle to Lord Simon Basset a burgage tenement in Cheadle and to allow the rights to fish and warren together with the lands woods and wastes for 12 silver pennies, witnesses: William bene de Chedle, Ad[am] le Bedil and others, manuscript in Latin, on vellum, 15 lines, in brown ink, small remains of green wax seal, 95 x 205mm., 1297.