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Haas/Homann Heirs, 1744 Hungariae Ampliori Significatu et Veteris vel Methodicae Complexae Regna: Hungariae Propriae, Croatiae Dalmatiae Bosniae Serviae Bulgariae Cumaniae Principatum: Transsylvaniae... This is a wonderfully detailed map of the region of present-day Hungary, Romania, and the Balkan republics. Political divisions, towns and cities, and topographical details are shown. Johann Matthias Haas was a professor of mathematics at Wittenberg and provided several fine maps for Homann`s various atlases. The map is completed by large decorative title and distance scale cartouches at the bottom corners, and an alternate title running along the top: Carte d` Hongrie en General Contenant Selon la Division Ancienne & Methodique, la Hongrie en Particulier la Croatie la Dalmatie, la Bosnie, la Servie la Boulgarie; la Principaute de Transylvanie les Despotats de Walchie & de Moldav.... 23.4"" W x 18.7"" H On a cockled sheet with light toning and some minor soiling. The margins have been trimmed at left and right, with a tiny portion of the neatline missing on both sides. Manuscript notations appear in the lower right corner and lower blank margin, and th

Anon., 1430 [Illuminated Leaf] ""A nice vellum manuscript from a French Book of Hours, in the style of a Rouen scriptorium. Written in brown and red ink, the leaf has one large initials and one line filler in red and blue and burnished gold leaf, as well as a decorative panel in the margin on the recto with ivy and flowers. The text is from Isaiah 7, verses 14 and 15. Beginning with the large initial """"E"""" on the recto, the text translates as: Behold, a virgin will conceive, and she will give birth to a son, and his name will be called Immanuel. He will eat butter and honey, so that he may know to reject evil and to choose good."" 4.4"" W x 5.9"" H Lightly toned with a few minute worm holes only visible when held to light.

Hardouin, Gilles 1518 [Illuminated Leaf] ""This leaf is from a Book of Hours printed on vellum by Gilles Hardouin for Germain Hardouin librayre demourant entre les deux portes du Palays en l’enseigne Saincte Marguerite (bookseller living between the two gates of the Palace at the sign of Saint Marguerite) of Paris. This leaf is from the transitional period when the new technology of printing with movable type was combined with the more labor intensive methods of hand painting. Illuminated manuscript books of hours were costly to make, and early printers realized the commercial value in printing larger quantities of illustrated books of hours at a lower cost. These printers tried to make their books of hours appear as similar to the manuscript books as possible, even going so far as to mimic the red lines scribes used to keep their text uniform. This leaf has numerous initials that were hand painted in red, blue and gold. The text is from Psalms 148 and 149. Beginning with the large initial """"D"""" on recto, the text translates as: Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: let his praise be in the church of the saints. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: and let the children of Sion be joyful in their king. Let them praise his name in choir: let them sing to him with the timbrel and the psaltery. For the Lord is well pleased with his people: and he will exalt the meek unto salvation."" 4.6"" W x 7.3"" H Minor marginal soiling.

1823 [Vellum Manuscript Indenture] This vellum indenture, signed on July 17, 1823, recognizes the lease of a farm and adjoining lands to Sir George Cooke of Wheatley in the county of York and Bryan Cooke of Owston in the county of York. Sir George Cooke was the 7th Baronet of Wheatley Hall. The term of the lease is 21 years, at a yearly rent of 3 pounds and 10 shillings. The lease was granted by Lord Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry Dean and the Chapter of Durham, the Hon. James Cornwallis. The indenture includes a tax stamp and a 4"" diameter wax seal. 17.9"" W x 16.8"" H Issued folding with minor toning.

1894 [Vellum Manuscript Indenture] ""This indenture serves as testament to the sale of land owned by the Walsall Wood Colliery to several members of the Macpherson family of Wyrley Grove, Lachlan Andrew Macpherson, his wife Elizabeth Macpherson, and George Macpherson. The land was sold for 1175 pounds with the contingency that the Walsall Wood Colliery retained the right to mine beneath the land. The Walsall Wood Colliery would not be permitted to enter the surface of the land, but could extend mine shafts from adjacent lands, without liability for any damage caused either to the surface of the land or any buildings upon the land. A large plat is included on the indenture with a scale of 4 chains per inch, depicting the boundary lines of the land in the sale. A table at bottom describes each of the areas on the plat and indicates in which parish the areas reside. The top of the indenture is cut in a jagged (""""toothed"""") line, as was the common practice with indentures. The legal contract was duplicated on a single sheet, and then the copies were separated by a jagged edge, so that the two pieces could be fit together again to verify authenticity. The indenture include tax stamps, the red embossed stamp of the Walsall Wood Colliery Company, and five red wax seals."" 27.1"" W x 21.7"" H Minor toning and soiling.

Cluver, Philipp 1694 [2 Volumes] Introductio in Omnem Geographiam Veterem Aeque… ""Cluver’s Introductio is considered the standard for 17th century geographical text books, as he is the father of modern historical geography. This edition of Cluver`s geography was published in 1694 by the heirs of Johann Buno in Wolfenbuttel, Germany. There are 37 copper-plate engravings including the world map, maps of the continents (America, Africa, Asia, and Europe), and many regional European maps. A few of the European maps have outline color. The map of America (9.8 x 8"""") was derived from the Nicolas Visscher map of 1658, with a Briggs type island of California and no Great Lakes in North America. The interior rivers of South America are all connected to a large, spurious lake labeled Lago de los Xarzyes. A depiction of the discoveries of Maarten Gerritsz de Vries` voyage appears in the waters north of Japan, and Abel Janszoon Tasman`s discoveries are shown in New Zealand. The map of Africa, Africa, Antiqua, et Nova (10.2 x 8.4""""), is an interesting continental map that is very similar to Sanson`s Africa Vetus. Well engraved with few place names in the south and only the major river systems and mountains shown. The Nile originates from two large lakes well south of the Equator in the Ptolemaic style. The Introductionis was published numerous times between 1624 and 1729 with each successive edition becoming more elaborate and the later editions including finely engraved maps. 608 pp. of Latin text. Octavo, original full calf binding with ornately embossed covers and raised bands on spine. All edges gilt (a.e.g.)."" 6.8"" W x 8.5"" H The maps have light to moderate foxing and toning throughout. A few of the regional maps have damp stains in the lower blank margin and a few others have manuscript notations in the blank margins (including the world map). Text has scattered foxing but

Ptolemy, 1966 Cosmographia Roma 1478 Cosmographia Roma 1478 is from the ""Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Series of Atlases in Facsimile Second Series - Volume VI,"" and is an excellent edition both in regard to the scholarship of the text and the accuracy of the maps, finely engraved after the Greek manuscript of Ptolemy preserved in Vienna. 260 pages including 27 double-page maps and a bibliographical note by R.A. Skelton. Folio, hardbound in brown cloth with gilt insignia on front cover and title on spine, with dust jacket. 12.3"" W x 17.8"" H Contents and covers are fine with only minor wear to dust jacket.

FILM COMPOSERS: Small selection of A.M.Qs.S. by various film composers comprising Ennio Morricone (eight bars from The Good, The Bad & The Ugly), Richard Sherman (several bars of music, with words, from Chim Chim Cher-ee, which featured in Mary Poppins), Lalo Schifrin (several bars of music from The Amityville Horror) and Trevor Jones (eight bars of music from The Last of The Mohicans). All are penned and signed on 8vo and 4to sheets of manuscript paper. VG, 4

JAMES BOND: David Arnold (1962- ) English Film Composer of the scores to five James Bond films. A.M.Q.S., David Arnold, one page, oblong 8vo (manuscript paper), n.p., n.d. In bold black ink Arnold has penned four bars of music which he identifies as being from Quantum of Solace (2008). Together with a second facsimile A.M.Q.S., David Arnold, one page, 4to (manuscript paper), n.p., n.d., being a copy of part of the score to You Know My Name from Casino Royale (2006). Signed in bold black ink by Arnold to the lower half of the page, 'From Casino Royale, with love, David Arnold'. Also including Charlie Higson (1958- ) English Comedian, Actor and Author of the Young Bond series of James Bond novels. Three pages of original typed manuscript, 4to, n.p., n.d. (c.2005), being part of Higson's original working manuscript for Blood Fever (2006). Each of the pages (numbered 164, 165 & 166) have extensive ink, pencil and highlighted corrections in Higson's hand and each page is also signed by him in black ink. Stapled together at the left corner with an A.N.S., Charlie Higson, on one side of his printed correspondence card, forwarding the pages of manuscript. VG, 3

MUSICAL THEATRE: Small collection of A.M.Qs.S. by various musical theatre composers comprising Richard Stilgoe, Claude-Michel Schonberg, Marvin Hamlisch and lyricist Herbert Kreutzer (together on one 4to sheet of manuscript paper, the composers penning several bars of music, with words, from some of their most famous compositions and Kretzmer penning a quotation from the lyrics of Bring Him Home from Les Miserables), Sandy Wilson (lengthy quotation, with words, from The Boy Friend), Leslie Bricusse (seven bars of music, with words, from If I Ruled the World) and an A.M.Q.S. by Peter Maxwell Davies, fourteen bars, with words, from his most popular opera The Lighthouse. Generally VG, 4

DICKENS CHARLES: (1812-1870) English Novelist. A very fine, large D.S., Charles Dickens, one page (vellum), large oblong folio (26.5 x 22), London, 21st March 1863. The attractively penned manuscript document is an Indenture made between Dickens ('of Higham, in the County of Kent') and John Brooker, a farmer, also of Kent, relating to 'a piece or parcel of land or garden ground containing by estimation eight acres and sixteen perches or thereabouts as now stumped off formerly woodland part of a piece of land formerly called or known by the name of “Seeming Ruff” but now called “Scrubby Bushes” situate lying and being at or near a certain place called Gads Hill in the Parish of Higham in the County of Kent…' Signed by Dickens in bold blue fountain pen ink to the foot either side of a red wax seal affixed to a small green ribbon. With an affixed blue revenue stamp in the lefty margin. Rare in this form. Some very light age wear at the folds, nevertheless an unusually clean and handsome document. VG Gads Hill Place in Higham was the beloved country home of Charles Dickens. The novelist first encountered the mansion in 1821 when he was nine years old and would often walk from Chatham to Gads Hill Place as he wished to see it again and again as an image of his possible future. Dickens was later to write, 'I used to look at it as a wonderful Mansion (which God knows it is not) when I was a very odd little child with the first faint shadows of all my books in my head - I suppose.' Thirty-five years later, Dickens, now famous and of wealth, discovered that the house was for sale and purchased it for £1790 in March 1856. Initially Dickens bought the house as an investment, intending to let it, but changed his mind and used it instead as a country retreat, moving into the house in June 1857.

LITERATURE: A good, small selection of original typed and holograph manuscripts etc., signed by various writers comprising Michael Stephen Fuchs (one page of original typed manuscript signed, with corrections, accompanied by a brief A.L.S. and an A.Q.S. to the verso of a colour promotional postcard for The Manuscript, November 2006), Anthony Horowitz (six pages of original holograph manuscript from Ark Angel, signed by Horowitz at the conclusion), Victoria Hislop (two pages of original typed manuscript, with holograph corrections, from The Island, bearing a signed label neatly pasted to the verso of the second page, annotated in her hand, 'Original manuscript from “The Island” by Victoria Hislop. Chapter 19 - Maria falls in love…') and also including a 10 x 8 Front of House still from The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner individually signed by author Alan Sillitoe and actor Tom Courtenay (together with a facsimile A.Q.S. by Sillitoe from Saturday Night and Sunday Morning). G to generally VG, 7

LITERATURE: A good, small selection of original typed and holograph manuscripts etc., signed by various writers comprising John Mortimer (two pages of a draft holograph manuscript from an unidentified work, signed by Mortimer at the head), Sophie Kinsella (two pages of typed manuscript from Shopaholic & Baby, both pages signed at the head by Kinsella), Barry Unworthy (three pages of holograph manuscript, with corrections, from The Rage of the Vulture, signed at the conclusion and accompanied by an A.L.S. sending the manuscript, 9th August 2006) and Marina Lewycka (six pages of typed manuscript, signed and annotated at the conclusion, 'This is the opening of version 16 of Two Caravans - as you can see, I subsequently changed some names. Maria Lewycka'.) Generally VG, 5

[AUTOGRAPH COLLECTING]: BENJAMIN WALTER R. (1854-1943) American Autograph & Manuscript Dealer, author and publisher of The Collector: A Monthly Journal Devoted to Autographs, the first issue of which appeared in September 1877. A.L.S., W R Benjamin, one page, 8vo, New York, 16th January 1924, to Mr. Currier, on his personal printed stationery advertising The Collector. Benjamin informs his correspondent, evidently a collector who had placed an order from one of Benjamin's catalogues, '3 of those you wanted had gone out - so I waited a few days to see if they would return - but they stuck', although continues to list nine further items, individually priced, which he has to offer to his correspondent. The list includes King Philip II ($15) and John Philip Sousa ($1). With a few pencil annotations in the hand of Currier, in some cases indicating his counter offers. VG

ABBERLINE FREDERICK: (1843-1929) British Chief Inspector with the London Metropolitan Police, a prominent figure in the investigation into the Jack the Ripper murders of 1888. A fascinating Manuscript Signed, F G Abberline, twelve pages, 4to, n.p., n.d. The holograph manuscript is headed Reminiscences of Ex-Detective Chief Inspector F G Abberline C.I.D. Scotland Yard and is entitled Three Successive Seasons, or twelve months, behind the scenes at Monte Carlo. Abberline writes, in part, 'Monte Carlo in appearance is simply a paradise and one can understand the many thousands of wealthy people flocking there every winter. The season proper lasts only about 4 or 5 months although the casino is open all the year round….The best and richest in Society can be seen there, also the lowest that can find money to get there. The English thieves have the credit there - whether they deserve it or not - of being the smartest and the English visitors frequenting the casino were being robbed by a number of the light fingered gentry at the time I was called upon to visit the Principality. The Vice Consul there at the time in consequence of so many complaints really compelled the casino authorities to employ me. On my arrival in Monte Carlo I found I had got into a very hot shop and instead of one man tackling such a crowd of English thieves and blackguards I ought to have had the support of five or six other officers. However the news travelled very quickly amongst them that I meant business, and it was astonishing the effect it had in making a clearances. Monte Carlo Mixtures. Monte Carlo Society is in itself an interesting study. A more cosmopolitan lot you never met. The prude who when at home interferes with everybody else's business is a very different person there. She is giddy and gay and do not be surprised if you see her at the Café Riche dancing till the early hours in the morning with men and women just as naughty. The faces of the players too. Sitting and standing round the gaming tables are quite a study to watch some hopeful others despondent, many uncertain. Then again the gambling rooms were occasionally enlivened by two well known ladies who had the credit of endeavouring to cut one another out in the quantity and quality of their dresses and jewels. Both were young and considered very pretty….Both were decked with jewels to the tune of £80,000 to £100,000. They each employed men to escort them from the casino to their various hotels, as a protection until their jewels could be placed in the safe at their destination….Amongst sharks and adventurers you find countesses rubbing shoulders with cocottes and noblemen and the elite of society elbow every rogue from all the sinks of Europe that can find the money to get there….Fair dealing and perfect honesty of the Bank are beyond doubt, but at times scenes occur through some of the croupiers I am afraid standing in with a certain class who visit the rooms for the express purpose of cheating….I refer only to some of the croupiers as the majority protect the players, but a few I feel convinced stand in with these money grabbing women….I may as well give a little explanation of what is called “Breaking the Bank”. A successful player may follow his run of luck to such an extent - as I have occasionally seen - that before the bank at the particular table can pay the amount he has won the Chef de Partie has to send upstairs to the Chief office for more money. It is only the work of a few minutes, but that is what is called “Breaking the Bank of Monte Carlo”….' Fixed together to the top left hand corner and with some light age wear, most evident to the head of the final page, only just affecting a few words of text but not the signature, about VG As the present manuscript suggests, Abberline worked for three seasons as a private enquiry agent in Monte Carlo before before taking over the European Agency of the famous Pinkerton National Detective Agency of America, for whom he worked for 12 years

GEORGE III: (1738-1820) King of the United Kingdom 1760-1820. Good ink signature ('George R') as King, on an 8vo portion neatly removed from the head of a manuscript Treasury warrant, ordering a payment of over Two Hundred pounds. Neatly inlaid and with some very light age wear, about VG

VICTORIA: (1819-1901) Queen of the United Kingdom Great Britain & Ireland 1837-1901. D.S., Victoria R I, as Queen, at the head, eight pages, folio, Court at Saint James's, 3rd April 1862. The manuscript document, on black bordered mourning paper, is addressed to Councillor Edward George Fitzalan Howard, Deputy to the Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal and Hereditary Marshal of England, and is a Licence for Allan Cowburn, Vicar of Tidenham in Gloucestershire to take the surnames of Smith and Masters and the Arms of Masters and Smith quarterly, and extensively detailing the events leading to Cowburn's petition for the same to the Queen, further instructing Howard that 'our Concession and Declaration be recorded in Our College of Arms to the end that Our Officers of Arms and all others upon occasion may take full notice and have knowledge thereof.' Countersigned at the conclusion by Sir George Grey (1799-1882) British Politician, Home Secretary 1846-52, 1855-58. With blind embossed paper seal affixed and tied to the left edge with the original black ribbon. Accompanied by the original envelope. Some light overall age wear and staining and some extensive, although neat, splits to the right edges of the folds to each page, only very slightly affecting the text, but not the signatures. G

CARNOT LAZARE: (1753-1823) French Politician, Engineer & Mathematician, the Organizer of Victory in the French Revolutionary Wars. D.S., Carnot, one page, folio, n.p., 29 Prairial, Year 2 of the Republic (29th May 1794). The manuscript document, in French, is issued by the Commission for Arms, Gunpowder and Mines of the Republic and states, in full, 'The Army of the Pyrenees Orientales is in urgent need of Cartridges. These are manufactured in Toulouse, but there will be an imminent shortage of Gunpowder. Consequently, the Commission proposes to the Committee of Public Safety to take from the Gunpowder manufacture of Toulouse 20,000 pounds of Gunpowder, to be transferred to the Artillery base of this town.' The proposal is approved by the Committee of Public Safety and signed by Carnot at the foot and countersigned by Claude Antoine, Comte Prieur-Duvernois (1763-1832) French Engineer & Politician and Jacques Nicolas Billaud-Varenne (1756-1819) Instrumental figure in the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. Some light age wear and minor areas of paper loss to the extreme edges and lower right corner, not affecting the text or signatures. G

E Carr, Stereo Lecture Series Sets: Hawk Mk V Projector, with 35mm stereo pair sets, each with manuscript listings - South Africa, New Zealand, Germany, Birds, Wales, Tunisia, Flowers, Cyprus and Malta (11 boxes, each 230 x 50 x 310mm), with unused mounts, Stereo Realist Hand Viewer, viewing spectacles and four reference books, images 1990s/2000s; with 35mm stereo slide sets - Thailand, Orchids, Australia and Madeira (4 boxes) (a lot)

Medical Compendium comprised of five 18th.C & 19th.C seminal works concerning human health and the pathology of disease. Titles in the volume are : 1. James Johnson : The Influence of Civic Life, Sedentary Habits and Intellectual Refinement on on Human Health and Human Happiness including an estimate of the Balance of Enjoyment and Suffering in the Different Gradations of Society, 1818 ( Remarkable current contemporary significance, possibly!); 2. James Clark : De Frigoris Effectibus in Corpus Vivum, 1817. 1st. (and only?) Ed.There is a manuscript dedication signed by the Author of this title to his friend and colleague Dr. Archibald Robertson.Scarce. ; 3. Richard Pews : Medical Sketches, 1785; Marshall Hall : On the Mimoses or a Descriptive Diagnostic & Practical Essay on Affections.....Dyspeptic,Hypochondriac,Bilious, Nervous, Chloritic, Hysteric & Spasmodic. 1818. 4. John Faithhorn : Facts and Observations on Liver Complaints and Bilious Disorders, 1820. 8vo. Qtr. binding, marbled boards. CONDITION REPORT: Binding - small loss to top of spine, hinges cracked but holding. Text block clean and tight.

19th.Century Education - Documentary Ephemera. Original vellum bound folio account ledger for 'Alpha House Preparatory School for Young Gentlemen' Cresswell Park, Blackheath, S.E. Names featured on the outer cover are : 'Miss E. Shair, 1866 to 1869 & Mrs. C.E.A. Gibbs, 1869 to 1873' - presumably Head Teachers. Entries in the ledger are mainly related to the accounts for individual students and include the following : One year's board, half a year instruction in German, 9 Postages to India, one History of Greece 3/6d, Euclid 2/6d., for slippers made to order, Xmas vacation one week 10/6d., Exc. to Crystal Palace 5/-, 2 teeth ext. 2/-, Haircutt (sic) & Pomade 2/- + 1/-, slate 1/-, and many more fascinating entries/items which provide perhaps a unique insight into the contemporary life of students in this environment. Also included loosely in the front of the ledger are a manuscript table of examination results for particular classes and a manuscript copy of a curriculum timetable which specifies times of lessons and content, starting with morning lessons and finishing with evening sessions! Also a note referring to a 'Bad Debt' amounting to £73.42p! CONDITION REPORT: Vellum binding somewhat marked but very sound. Contents, incl. loose items, very clean, bright and legible.

Hearn, Lafcadio (1850-1904). The Writings of Lafcadio Hearn. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1922. 16 Volumes 8vo. Large paper edition in three quarter brown levant morocco over tan cloth boards, spines lettered in gilt. Number 10 of 750 copies printed in Riverside Press, Cambridge, USA, with page of manuscript laid in volume I and signed by Setsu Koizumi (Lafcadio Hearn). Minor wear to extremities and spines lightly faded. Provenance: Alwin Charles Ernst (bookplate). Other Notes: *** Please inquire for shipping estimate prior to bidding. Shipping costs may exceed item values. *** Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion, and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Gray`s Auctioneers LLC shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging

A framed manuscript page, 25cm x 37cm

Maritime [Charles II] manuscript document dated 1671 being a petition to Charles II by Francis Cox^ a mariner from Dartmouth for a pension of £10 a year for life because of his long service in the navy and the wounds he received : ‘...wounded very much in two fights against Holland first with Prince Ruporte in the royall James: next the last of all ye four days battle was I wounded in 3 places at once aboard the old James...’ The document is appended with a note saying that the King had been ‘moved in favour of this petition’ and agreeing to the pension to be paid. 1p folio on paper ^ one small area of age discolouration but otherwise in fine fresh condition

British Spies in Russia 1819 – Secret Service manuscript document signed by Lord Cathcart dated St Petersburg October 10th 1819^ being a receipt for £500 from Lord Castlereagh ‘which I have disbursed for His Majesty’s Foreign Secret Service’

Hunting – Isle of Wight manuscript poem probably in the hand of Sir Thomas Worsley (d.1768) written in doggerel verse and concerning the Isle of Wight Harriers. Written on two sides of a folio sheet^ a little soiled but clearly legible throughout. Affixed to verso is a press cutting with the text of the poem and a covering letter from the eminent architect Sir Percy Stone explaining that he had just found the ms and providing genealogical information on Worsley and his family.

Yorkshire – Kirk Leavington Estates 1786 – remarkable record of the ‘Unhappy Countess’ – The Countess of Strathmore manuscript account of the estates of Kirk Leavington and High Worsal belonging to Andrew Robinson Bowes and the Countess of Strathmore^ dated June 3rd 1786^ 4to 29pp in original plain wraps. A detailed account of the land holding with field names^ tenants’ names^ state of cultivation^ acreage^ cultivation notes etc. The Countess of Strathmore – a distant ancestor of the Queen through the Queen Mother’s line – is known to history as the ‘Unhappy Countess’ on account of her marriage to Andrew Robinson Bowes – a licentious fortune seeker who virtually bankrupted the Countess during the years of their marriage – even trying to sell off the trees on their estates to make even more money for himself. It is more than possible therefore that the present document was taken as an inventory by Bowes with a view to plundering the wealth of these Yorkshire estates. Bowes treated the Countess as a virtual slave – locking her up in their mansion^ and even locking her up in a cupboard so that she could not see anyone to seek help. She eventually escaped and filed for divorce^ but Bowes caught up with her and abducted her taking her to the north – where he beat her up^ threatened to rape and kill her and carried her around on horseback in one of the coldest spells of an unusually cold winter. Mary was eventually rescued and Bowes arrested. Mary herself didn’t get much public sympathy however as it emerged that she had had many extra marital affairs^ and even had an affair with one of the lawyers in her divorce case^ as well as one of her footmen. A classic tale of 18th c licentious behaviour

Gray’s Elegy in a Country Churchyard – Literature – Thomas Gray^ Poet manuscript of Gray’s celebrated ‘Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard’^ written out on a large sheet of Dutch hand made paper approx 41x37cms with watermark of Jean Villedary. Also bearing in manuscript in a different hand ‘written by the dear hand of Mr Gray by request and given to Walter Nevison^ Wooler^ Northumberland^ August 1769’. Whether this ms is indeed in the hand of Gray is open to speculation. The general writing style does not conform exactly to the known ms copy in the British Library^ and whereas the BL copy has the word ‘ploughman’ here it is transcribed as ‘plowman’ and there are a few other variants of the known and printed text. However^ the watermark in the paper suggests that the ascribed date of 1769 is correct^ making this at the very least an early transcript of the poem. Gray completed his masterpiece in 1750 and it was published the following year.

Gerarde, John. [The herball or generall historie of plants.], second edition, lacks title-page, manuscript title laid down on ¶¶ recto, ¶¶2 to C1, and Tttttt6 to Aaaaaaa4 repaired with loss in upper left hand margin, H2, Ccc2, Ccc3 and Mmmmm1 repaired with substantial loss, Ii1 and Yyy2 repaired with minor loss, later leaves wormed in lower margin, lacking two leaves of index, but supplied in manuscript, light waterstaining, a few small rustholes, occasionally affecting text, contemporary reverse calf, folio, [London: Adam Islip, 1633] [Henrey 155]

Thorley, John. Messilogia, or the Female Monarchy. of Bees, first edition, engraved frontispiece and four plates, one folding, 2 plates with margins cropped, affecting border, 8vo, London: Printed for the Author, 1744; Hill, Thomas. The Arte of Gardening, 2 parts, 3 woodcut illustrations in text, A1-C4 with margins cropped, occasionally affecting fore edge notes, woodcuts, etc., title with contemporary manuscript annotations, worn, without half-title, 8vo, London: Edward Allde [and H.B.] 1608 [STC 13497]; Bickham, George, the younger. The New Years Gift or, Times Progress for the Year of Our Lord [1748], 12 engraved plates, London: For George Bickham, [n.d.], the three works bound in one, seventeenth century calf, the covers stamped in blind with the initials `E.F.`, neatly rebacked in the nineteenth century, 8vo

Biblia Sacra, vulgatae editionis. engraved title, lower portion neatly removed, manuscript notations to preliminaries, later morocco, worn, 8vo, Cologne: Bernard Gualteri, 1630; Horace, Works, half title, annotations to endpapers, contemporary polished morocco gilt, 8vo, Cambridge: Typis Academicis, 1713; and 2 others (4)

Evelyn, John. Numismata. A Discourse of Medals, Antient and Modern, first edition, presentation copy from the author, `For the Rigt. Honble my Lord Spencer from his most humble and most obedient servant J Evelyn`, a few leaves with manuscript corrections, engraved illustrations in the text, some light browning, contemporary mottled calf, neatly rebacked, folio, London: Printed for Benj. Tooke, 1697 [Wing E3505] A fine copy from the Sunderland Library at Althorp, bought by Sir Edward Sullivan (1822-1885) at the Sunderland Sale of 1881-3 and gifted by him to the then Lord Spencer in 1885, with an inscription recording the gift on the front-free endpaper. After a visit to Althorp, Evelyn described Spencer in his diary as `a youth of extraordinary hopes, very learned for his age, and ingenious` (18 August 1688). By 1699, Evelyn confirms that Spencer had `an incomparable library. wherein, among other rare books, were several that were printed at the first invention of the wonderful art.` (April 1699).

Balloon Mail. Two manuscript letters dispatched by balloon from the beseiged city of Paris during the Franco-Russian War, both to addressed to `Eugene Mayeur, 4 Great Lower Street, E.C. London`, dated `21 October [1870]` and `22 November 1870` respectively, providing news of the seige and the movement of Russian forces, each 4pp. but folded flat, the early letter with portion missing, the later without a stamp, framed and glazed (2) During the course of the Franco-Russian War (1870-1872) sixty-five unguided mail balloons were released.

Chard, Somerset. A collection of legal and other documents concerning the administration of the town and the Chard Turnpike Trust, c.1780-1860, mostly manuscript, including Particulars of Deed Polls, Security documents, etc.; a collection of letters and sales particulars for the purchase of a fire engine, including inquiries from insurance companies and replies, `When the last fire took place in Chard in November 1861 and the Atlas with other Offices were sufferers the state of the Fire Engines was a subject of general remark and complaints, the matter however was suffered to drop until a few days since when there was an alarm of Fire on the property insured in your office. and on the 2 engines belonging to the Town Council being sent for it was found that they were wholly useless.` (2 Oct 1862), advertising material from Shand and Mason, etc.,; and various documents and printed reports concerning the proposed construction of a canal connecting the English Channel at Beer and the Bristol Channel near Bridgwater (via Chard), a quantity

Harris, Elizabeth. A manuscript volume of exercises, elaborated with examples of penmanship, 48pp., contemporary vellum, the upper cover with the initials `E.H.` and dated 1750, 8vo

Nicholetts, H. Diary of a Voyage from England to India via the Cape of Good Hope. HMS Monarch, Captain Wiltshire, a manuscript of 129 pages, commencing 26 July 1858, contemporary half calf, gilt clasp (broken), 8vo

Numismatica. A General Collection of Coins and Medals in Gold, Silver &c., Stampt by Order of the King of England, &c., a manuscript volume of 65 leaves, the majority with detailed drawings of coins, divided into regions and periods, with a general title and prefatory texts, modern half morocco, small 4to, n.d. [c.1725] An early manuscript note in the back states, `This work was bought at a public sale by auction upon the premises of The Hive, St Johns, Ryde, I.W. Purchaser J.W. Duffield of the White Lodge, Swanmore, I.W. and of 29 Lower Phillimore Place, Kensington, W.`

Charles Struben MY MEMOIRS foolscap (34x21cms) typed manuscript, 7+199 pages, portrait frontispiece, 6 photographs, compliments slip `Capt. Charles Struben RNVR (retd)` : his life in South Africa 1877-1953 - personal, political, major events, important people; the manuscript was never published so this is a UNIQUE record of South African history; paper covers somewhat creased, stapled, linen backstrip very good St. James, Cape privately produced 1953 Reserve: $60 Click here to view further details and to bid

James Chapman Travels in the Interior of Africa 1849-1863 (Two Vols) Hunting and trading journeys from Natal to Walvis Bay and visits to Lake Ngami and Victoria Falls. Edited from the original manuscript by Edward Tabler. Map, photographs and ills. Dust jackets are worn with tears and pieces missing. Inscription to previous owner on ffep of both vols. Good Cape Town A.A. Balkema 1971 Reserve: $60 Click here to view further details and to bid

Naval interest, Naval Log Book, the manuscript sea journal of C.V.I. Norcock, originally on board the HMS Aurora & then HMS Duke of Wellington in 1902, then on HMS Good Hope 1902/03, approx 60 pages with annotated remarks plus daily recordings of bearings, wind, weather, watercolour maps, technical plans etc. The record includes a circumnavigation of Africa and an escort tour to Ireland with Edward 7th & Queen Alexandra (half buckram with leather label, covers slightly rubbed).

(x) MaltaEarly Letters and HandstampsMaritime Mail1875 (5 Apr.) entire to Constantinople, marked "Per S.S. Albanian", sent unpaid by private ship, showing despatch c.d.s. and "4d" in circle, and bearing extremely rare "Via brindisi" perforated green steamer label with manuscript "Albanian" inserted and with red British PO Constantinople arrival datestamp (13.4) on reverse; the entire with light horizontal filing crease, the label with some minor creases and two small tears at left. Only two examples of this label on cover have been recorded, this being much the finer. Photo Note: The label was issued by Delfosse et Cie Paris, and is believed to have been used to indicate the route for mail sorted on board ship, one label being put on the top cover of a bundle.provenance: "Rosemarie", November 1978Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

(x) MaltaGreat Britain used in Malta"M" Obliterators1858 (25 Dec.) treble rate entire to Messina, bearing 1855 LC 14 1d. strip of four, pairs (2) and a single, all clearly cancelled and tied, showing manuscript "30", oval-framed "p." in red and, on reverse, despatch and arrival datestamps. Photo Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

(x) MaltaGreat Britain used in Malta"A25" Obliterators1868 (17 Oct.) envelope to Taunton, marked "via Marseilles", bearing 1867 6d. Pl. 6 (some lightly stained perfs) tied by duplex, showing circular-framed "more/to/pay", circular-framed "s1/-d" and "deficient postage/fine___" h.s., both with manuscript "6" inserted and, on reverse, London and arrival datestamps. Scarce and attractive. Photo Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

(x) Mauritius1860 (8 Mar.) entire letter to Bordeaux via Suez bearing 1859 Dardenne 2d. pale blue horizontal pair with very large margins all round, tied by three mute barred oval cancellations, showing manuscript "8" rate marking and French maritime d.s., the reverse with three French transit c.d.s. and "mauritius/gpo" crowned circle d.s. A very rare franking with a pair of 2d. Dardennes. Photo Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

New South WalesLaureated Issues1853 (Nov.) mourning envelope from Sofala to Birmingham, bearing 1852-53 3d. with four margins and 8d. with large margins on two sides, both cancelled by unclear "104" barred numeral, showing manuscript "2/3" and framed "insufficiently/stamped" h.s. at left and, on reverse, despatch, "newspaper/new s. wales", London and arrival datestamps. A neat and most attractive franking. Photo Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

The Royal Niger Company's Territories1888-99 Handstruck StampsAkassa "the niger territories/post/office/p o/akassa." triple-oval d.s. Sacher Type 2, S.G. Type 11889 (30 Dec.) unstamped envelope to Germany, marked "Not stamps" in three languages and showing a good strike alongside "t" over "l" tax h.s. and manuscript "50" (centimes) and "80" (pfennigs) in blue crayon, the reverse with Liverpool Br. Packet (4.2) and Niederhagenthal (6.2) c.d.s.; a few small faults, mainly on reverse. Photo Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

The Royal Niger Company's Territories1888-99 Handstruck StampsAkassa "the niger territories/post/office/p o/akassa." triple-oval d.s. Sacher Type 2, S.G. Type 11891 (8 Aug.) unstamped envelope to Belgium, marked "Pas de timbres au Niger" with a light strike of the datestamp alongside, showing "t/lv" tax handstamp and with various manuscript rate marks, the reverse with Liverpool Br. Packet (13.9), Ostend (14.9) and Wyngene (15.9) c.d.s.; the envelope with minor imperfections though an unusual destination. Photo Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

The Royal Niger Company's Territories1888-99 Handstruck StampsAkassa "the niger territories/post/office/p o/akassa." triple-oval d.s. Sacher Type 2, S.G. Type 11892 (31 Aug.) unstamped envelope to Freetown, Sierra Leone, showing a largely fine strike of the datestamp alongside Freetown c.d.s. (17.9) and manuscript "6" charge mark in blue crayon; clean and most attractive. Photo provenance:H.G. Porter, 1956Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

The Royal Niger Company's Territories1888-99 Handstruck StampsBurutu "the royal niger company/chartered & limited./post office./burutu." double-framed d.s. Sacher Type 8, S.G. Type 61896 (31 Dec.) envelope to London marked "Please forward", showing a good light strike of the datestamp and bearing 1887-92 2½d. purple on blue cancelled by Paid Liverpool Br. Packet c.d.s. (date unclear), upon arrival redirected to "Meerut Bengal", the adhesive additionally tied by Bedford St. squared-circle d.s. (8.2) and showing, on reverse, a further London c.d.s. (3.2), manuscript "The blue ink stamp of Niger Company acts as postage stamp" and part Sea Post Office c.d.s.; small faults though an unusual redirected usage. S.G. Z47. Photo Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

The Royal Niger Company's Territories1888-99 Handstruck StampsBurutu "the royal niger company/chartered & limited./post office,/burutu." double-framed d.s. Sacher Type 8, S.G. Type 61898 (19 Mar.) unstamped envelope to England, marked "No stamps available" and with a fine strike of the datestamp, manuscript "2½" charge mark and Bath arrival c.d.s. (21.4), Liverpool Br. Packet c.d.s. (20.4) on reverse; small faults though the earliest use seen of this datestamp as a handstamp. Photo Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

The Royal Niger Company's Territories1888-99 Handstruck StampsLokoja1900 (2 July) envelope to England, bearing Northern Nigeria 1900 ½d. dull mauve and green pair sharing manuscript "Post Office Jebba 2/7/1900" in red ink and each lightly cancelled with "lokoja/post office" double-oval d.s. (Sacher Type 13) for 6 July, the reverse with a further strike of the oval d.s., Forcados River (13.7) and Cambridge (8.8) c.d.s.; the envelope with a few small faults, otherwise fine, attractive and an unusual usage of the old Niger Company handstamp after the formation of the Protectorate. Photo provenance:Col. J.R. Danson, 1971Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Northern Nigeria1898 (Nov.) officer's envelope (face panel rather stained) to England, marked "No stamps at Kyoma, Borgu. West Africa BRMG Comp" with "2d/466" tax h.s. with manuscript "½" added at right, the reverse with a largely fine strike of the Burutu boxed d.s. (Sacher Type 10) for 10 November alongside Liverpool Br. Packet (5.12) and Alton (7.12) c.d.s. Photo Note: "Kyoma" is probably KaimaSubject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Prince Edward Island1869 (6 July) envelope from Charlotte Town to Portree, Isle of Skye bearing 1862 (Nov.) yellowish toned paper, perf. 11½-12 3d. blue and 6d. yellow-green paying the single letter rate to U.K., both with central manuscript cross and lightly cancelled by barred numeral "13" with the 3d. additionally tied by "paid/liverpool/br. packet" c.d.s. (25.7) in red and showing, on reverse, Type P6 and arrival (23.7) datestamps. A very rare, neat and attractive franking. Vincent Greene Foundation Certificate (2004). Photo provenance:Martyn Cusworth, March 2005Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

QueenslandNew South Wales Used In The Moreton Bay DistrictDrayton Barred Numeral "85"1856 (10 Oct.) entire registered to Ipswich, bearing Diadem 2d. blue pair in combination with Registered 6d. vermilion and Prussian blue with light indistinct cancellations, manuscript "Registered" at left, the reverse with partially legible despatch and arrival (11.10) datestamps. R.P.S. Certificate (1973). Photo Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

QueenslandNew South Wales Used In The Moreton Bay DistrictDrayton Barred Numeral "85"1856 (27 Nov.) double rate large part entire registered to Ipswich, bearing Laureated watermarked 3d. yellow-green, Registered 6d. vermilion and Prussian blue and Diadem 1d. orange-vermilion, all with very light, slightly oily, strikes, manuscript "Registered" at left and with partially legible arrival oval datestamp on reverse. A rare and colourful franking. Photo Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

QueenslandNew South Wales Used In The Moreton Bay DistrictWarwick Barred Numeral "81"1856 (14 Sept.) entire registered to Ipswich, bearing Diadem 2d. blue (3) and Registered 6d. vermilion and Prussian blue very lightly cancelled, manuscript "Registered" under upright type under-inked "registered/warwick" handstamp, the reverse with Warwick c.d.s., Drayton (15.9) and Ipswich (16.9) oval datestamps. A rare and unusual franking. Photo Note: The rate on this item is unclear. There are several known examples of the "6d." rate which was the interstate rate but which may have been a misunderstood triple rateSubject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

QueenslandThe Chalon IssuesRegistered Mail1862 (Sept.) entire from Bungeworgorai to Brisbane, bearing 2d. blue and "registered" (6d.) olive-yellow both clearly cancelled "23" and showing "registered/bungeworgorai" handstamp alongside manuscript "174/Registered", the reverse with indistinct despatch c.d.s. and Brisbane (26.9) c.d.s.; repair at lower left corner and a little soiled though an attractive franking from this small office. Photo Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

QueenslandThe Chalon IssuesRegistered Mail1868 (29 Dec.) entire letter from Springfield, Brisbane "via Southampton" to Scotland and redirected to Edinburgh, bearing 6d. yellow-green and "registered" (6d.) orange-yellow cancelled with manuscript pen stroke and faint "gpo" in barred roller and with faint Brisbane Registered oval datestamp in red alongside; a couple of small imperfections though attractive. Photo Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Queensland1897-1911 Figures In All Four CornersRegistered Mail1904 (Mar. and Sept.) envelopes from Gladstone to Tasmania, each franked at 5d. with the stamps cancelled by "post office gladstone/queensland" oval datestamp and with "registered/gladstone" below (one previously struck "paid at" in error), all applied in violet; 1910 (30 Apr.) envelope from Mount Darry to Toowoomba showing manuscript "70 Mt. Darry" at left and bearing 2d. (2) sharing Toowoomba Registered c.d.s. in blue (rare), an unusual use of the registration service on a local "drop letter", and 1911 double rate envelope (222x102mm.) from Brisbane to England, bearing 1d. and 2d. (2) with c.d.s. in blue Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Queensland1897-1911 Figures In All Four CornersRegistered Mail1905 (28 Oct.) envelope (no flap and one corner damaged) from Girofia to Hobart franked at 2d., compulsorily registered as "Supposed to contain value", showing manuscript "Defic postage 2d./Fine 2d/Reg. fee 3d." in red ink and with original charge of "3D" altered to "7D" (demonstrating that no fine was payable on unpaid registration), and 1907 (1 July) envelope from Mitchell to Hobart, similarly treated and bearing Postage Due 3d., lightly tied by c.d.s., technically incorrect as the registration fee is for a service and not part of the postage rate. An most unusual and possibly unique pair Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.