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Click here to subscribeShropshire – Shrewsbury a fine indenture on eight leaves of parchment dated 1896 being the transfer of a very large area of land and properties in the Meole Brace^ St Julians^ and St Alkmonds areas of Shrewsbury. The indenture features an extensive schedule listing land with names of land holders and tenants and two large folding manuscript plans. A fine indenture with considerable information on this part of Shrewsbury.
Herefordshire – railways – the Golden Valley Railway small group of printed ephemera relating to the railway which linked Hay on Wye on the Hereford/Wales border with Pontrilas south of Hereford through the glorious Golden Valley^ including a manuscript list of shareholders for the Hay Extension of the line^ with printed notices to shareholders^ a printed list of the shareholders of the entire line^ a printed petition to the House of Lords opposing the building of the line^ a printed balance sheet dated 1879 and a printed report of the directors of the same date
Boer War Records^ presented by Sergt Maj T H Harwood^ 2nd Battalion the Royal Warwickshire Regt^ manuscript in ink written in a very neat hand^ on approx 120pp 4to with black morocco binding and gilt embossed front cover featuring the Regimental badge of the Royal Warwickshires. An outstanding primary source account written by an NCO (and therefore someone who was in the thick of the fighting^ rather than a high ranking officer who was stationed miles away). The account covers the Regiment’s involvement throughout the entire war from November 24th 1899 through to December 28th 1901. Sgt Maj Harwood is meticulous in his observation^ listing the full complement of the Regiment^ broken down into the numbers of the various ranks^ and details where the Regiment travelled to and the fighting in which it was involved. He also makes observations about the kit issued to the men^ their clothing and other details which are often omitted from official reports. He also mentions details which would otherwise definitely not be included in official reports such as : ‘.[the detail] was composed of men medically unfit^ under 20 years of age or who had not been put through a course of musketry.’ The account also includes official dispatches and messages from leading officers including Smith-Dorien. A particularly valuable aspect of the account is the appendix section at the end which includes important details such as the daily rations given to the men^ the roll of men wounded in action^ and the nature of their wounds^ the roll of those who died^ giving the cause of death and where they were buried^ and a full index roll of Warrant Officers^ NCOs and men. One page has been torn with loss of text^ and there is overall light smudging to pages consistent with pages being constantly referred to over the years^ but the account remains fully legible throughout.
Fletcher Christian – leader of the mutineers on HMS Bounty and founder of Pitcairn Island manuscript document signed by John Christian and Ann Christian^ the mother of Fletcher Christian^ dated 1776^ being an obligation bond in the sum of £800 [say £50^000 in today’s money]. An important and exceedingly rare document in the life of Fletcher Christian^ who led the famous mutiny on the Bounty and who took his fellow mutineers to Pitcairn Island where they remained – and where their descendants still live today. Fletcher’s father^ a barrister^ had died in 1768 when Fletcher was only four. His mother^ Ann^ was profligate with money^ and this document bears testimony to the huge loans she took on^ leading to debts in excess of £6^500 [equivalent to about £700^000 in today’s money] by 1779 – just three years after this document was drawn up. The family home – listed on this document – at Moorland Close^ Eaglesfield^ near Cockermouth in Cumbria^ was lost and Ann^ together with her three children^ fled to the Isle of Man where English Creditors had no power – from the evidence of this document^ Ann’s creditors included members of her own family. At the time of this document^ Fletcher Christian was 12 years old^ and was attending Cockermouth Free School^ where one of his school mates was the poet William Wordsworth. The family debts and forced impoverished lifestyle doubtless had a crucial effect of Fletcher’s decision to go to sea – with his ultimate encounter with the fate which has made his name famous throughout history. A rare document.
Postal History three manuscript letters with European postal history features^ the first bearing a postage fee service stamp dated April 1860^ the second^ a letter from Bordeaux to Marseilles dated June 1782 bearing a stamp with stylized trefoil lily over the letter ‘B’ as a sign of the city of Bordeaux and the third bearing stamps from the Duchy of Parma dated 1855.
Extremely rare handwritten Account of the Battle Saragarhi India – a 1st edition of ‘Tirah 1897’^ from the collection of historian Byron Farwell^ with his occasional pencilled underlinings. Laid in is an 6pp signed manuscript letter marked `Please Read only Yourself’ – will give you some idea of what is going on at the front` written and signed by J A Lindsay^ a member of the Tirah campaign^ who arrived at Sargarhi as the relief force^ after the bloody battle^ where 21 Sikhs of the 4th Battalion of the 36th Sikh Regiment of British India defended an army post against 10^000 Afghan tribesman. The long letter is headed ‘Tirah Field Force^ Fort Lockhart^ Samana^ 6 October 1897’ folded^ written on rectos and versos^ approximately 600 words. It is very clean and legible^ with no tears. Lindsay describes the Battle of Saragarhi (one of history`s great last stands) and the aftermath. He says that ‘Saragarhi is an awful sight which 21 Sikhs behaved so admirably.and the place is anything but sanitary^ as of course not much burying could be done.’ He goes on describe the current military situation and to complain of the intense cold and the lack of water and proper clothes. He talks of the strategic positions and engagements on the range^ `The 36th Sikhs marched over from Gulistan (4 miles) this morning carrying the standard they had captured from the enemy – they are a splendid corps and have made a great name for themselves.` An interesting insight into the fighting on the North-West Frontier`s most famous post. Original red cloth binding^ black spine lettering. With five maps (one folding). Saragarhi was a military post between Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan^ The Battle of Saragarhi was fought during the Tirah Campaign on 12 September 1897 between 21 Sikhs of the 4th Battalion (then 36th Sikhs) of the Sikh Regiment of British India^ defending an army post^ and 10^000 Afghan and Orakzai tribesmen. The battle occurred in the North-West Frontier Province^ now named the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and is part of Pakistan. The contingent of the twenty-one Sikhs from the 36th Sikhs was led by Havildar Ishar Singh. They all chose to fight to the death. Considered by some military historians as one of history`s great last-stands. This letter written three weeks after Saragarhi gives an insight to the Saragarhi post by a soldier arriving days after the battle^ giving the aftermath of the battle at first hand by a British officer who was part of the campaign. Provenance: From the collection of the late Byron Edgar Farwell (1921-1999) American military historian and biographer.
WWII – the SA manuscript booklet produced by a member of the German SA being a somewhat humorous souvenir of his time in training at Thurnau during April 1937^ with many well executed cartoons showing life in the training camp^ with accompanying text. 20pp approx 29x25cm. In remarkably good order considering its age and history.
(lot of 4) Mesopotamian clay tablets, 2200-2000 B.C, the largest fragmentary tablet, Old Akkadian, with 32 lines of text on one side, 30 verso, relating to the payment of wages to various named people, 4" x 3", one, Old Akkadian with nine lines of text and three verso recording delivery of barley to named people, 2" x 1.5", a small tablet, Old Akkadian, relating to the delivery of one sheep and seven lambs, .75" x .75", and a Mesopotamian tablet, 3rd Dynasty of Ur, with nine lines of text regarding portions of barley for named people, the back uninscribed, 2" x 1.5" Provenance: Acquired first quarter 20th century by Mr.Reginald Berti Haselden (1881-1952) Collection, Pasadena, CA, Mr. Hasledon formed and curated the Manuscript Department at Huntington Library, California Starting Price $2000
Indian/Persian Framed Manuscripts (lot of 2) Indian/Persian manuscript pages, with an image of a night scene with a couple being carried by demons, ink and color on paper; a raj in a canopy bed along with two attendants, sight: 8"h x 4"w, overall (with frame): 16"h x 8"w Starting Price: $75
COOK, Robertus. Disputatio Juridica de Inofficioso Testamento. Leiden: 1676. 8vo (183 x 129mm.) Woodcut printer’s device to title, 12pp. later manuscript notes bound at front and rear. (Some soiling and damp-staining, final printed leaf torn and repaired.) Mid-19th Century calf (rubbed, chipped at head and foot of spine). Provenance: John Cook (manuscript notes and presentation inscription to:); John Lee.
ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT BOOK. – H. CASTLE (calligrapher). [Extracts from The Beatitudes. N.p.: n.d. but circa 1850-1870.] Presentation page and 8pp. of illuminated pages, folio (278 x 220mm.) The verses contained within wide decorative borders incorporating flowers and leaves, 1 p. also incorporating birds. Contemporary maroon morocco gilt over bevelled boards, by T. Kerslake & Co., Bristol, the covers elaborately tooled with fleurs-de-lys and shamrock tools within fillet borders, the spine in six compartments with raised bands, each compartment with repeat decoration in gilt, wide gilt turn-ins, g.e. (neatly rebacked, old spine laid down). Provenance: Rachael Castle (presentation page from H. Castle); A. & M. Bamborough (modern bookplate to front pastedown).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR, SUSSEX. A bound collection of letters from Custom House, London, to Shoreham. [N.p.:] Letters dated 4th January 1820 – 1st January 1821. 400pp., folio (325 x 197mm.) The typed and manuscript letters giving the harbour board orders, advice and details of possible attempts to smuggle contraband items into the country and regarding the collection of duty. (Some spotting and browning, first leaf torn and repaired.) Contemporary half-calf (worn, covers detached, stitching weak and some leaves, mostly preliminaries).
MASTIN, John. The Autobiography of a Picture. [N.p.: n.d. but circa 1909-1910.] Original blue carbon typescript for the book, 212pp., folio (327 x 180mm.) Some corrections ?by Mastin, extra-illustrated with mounted newspaper reviews for the author’s previous book ‘Through the Sun in an Airship’. Original cloth-backed wrappers (slightly soiled). – And a duplicate typed manuscript (2).
BOTANY. Hortus Siccus or Dried Herbarium. [N.p.: n.d. but 19th Century.] 26 mounted specimens of ferns and fern-allies on thin card with orange sugar paper overlays, with identifying manuscript Linnaean binomial nomenclature (sheet size 220 x 198mm.) (Some samples with slight loss.) Contained within original cloth folio, the upper cover titled ‘Ferns’ (slightly affected by damp, chipped and considerably soiled and discoloured).
Robinson (Robert) Two manuscript diaries, giving a detailed account of the day to day activities of Robert Robinson (born Nov 1838) from May 21st 1859 to January 31st 1861. Robinson, who married into the Pease family, was an engineer who worked for the Stockton and Darlington Railway from 1858, later setting up his own offices near North Road Station in Darlington. He surveyed the Stockton-Middlesbrough-Saltburn Railway as well as the Barnard Castle and Stanhope Railways. In the 1860`s he designed and built the first bridge over the River Brisbane in Australia and, closer to home, the cart bridge over the Tees at Hurworth. He was also involved in bank strengthening at Blackwell and the construction of the Teesdale reservoirs. manuscript in two folio notebooks (covers well worn), a randomly selected day reads; Thursday August 25th 1859 Up at 5.40. Breakfast. Off by train at 6 to Middlesbrough. J.Ianson with me. Fixed position of frame for Creosote cylinder door. Made survey of rails and gateway to Snowdon and Hopkin`s works. Done. Looked at Staith. Off to get some breakfast at Crown Hotel. Off home 11 train. Went to Hope Town Foundry to see Hudson about some of the iron work. Down to office. Began to plot survey. Finished at 6.30. Went with Sam Rutter to have hair cut then I went to baths and had cold bath and plunge. Home. Read a little of Cassell`s paper and phrenology. Looked a good many words out. I forgot to mention that I had a narrow escape from being killed this morning in going to the station. There was a long train of wagons standing with the engine to them. A guard wanted to be across the way at the same time so we both got on to each a wagon to cross it just as I got on to mine the engine moved on and gave the wagon a jerk and nearly threw me down between two wagons and on the rail. I just had presence of mind to seize hold of the side of wagon as I was going consequently stopped myself. Otherwise I would have gone directly across the rail and been cut in two by the next wagon before the engine could be stopped. I have learned a lesson from that never to cross a wagon which is likely to move unless I find it very needful and then only in the middle. To bed 10.30. Very fine and hot day. [The lot is sold with a typescript of the diaries on CD]
Rocque (John) A Plan of the Cities of London and Westminster, and Borough of Southwark with the Contiguous Buildings ..., to which are added, All the New Buildings and Alterations to the Year 1761, nd. [1761], folio, bound engraved map on 24 double page sheets, each 540mm x 740mm, preceded by double page key plan and a French index map, manuscript French sheet number verso of each map, a.e.g., half morocco (damp staining to endpapers, some restoration to binding) [Howgego 96 (3)]
Andrews (John) & Dury (Andrew) A Map of the Country Sixty Five Miles, Round London; from Actual Surveys, 1774-7, folio, bound engraved map on 20 double page sheets, 535mm x 735mm, hand-coloured, manuscript titles verso, later half calf [Howgego 160 (1); sheets 5 and 19 with earlier imprints than called for]
`Wyvern` [Kenney (Herbert)] Culinary Jottings for Madras, A Treatise in Thirty Chapters ..., 1880, Madras; Higginbotham, 3rd edition, original cloth; Recipe Book, 19th century notebook with manuscript recipes, domestic lists, etc., (Indian interest), sheep binding (worn); Dali (Salvador) translated by Moore (J. Peter), les diners de Gala, 1973, 4to., dust wrapper (3)
Recipe Book 18/19th century notebook with manuscript recipes, quarter sheep with marbled boards; Recipe Book, 18/19th century notebook with manuscript recipes, marbled paper boards; Cambridge University, A collection of approx 122 menus from various Cambridge Colleges, 19th century, manuscript and printed; with a dozen recipes on individual sheets (4)
Receipts Book An interesting manuscript recipe book, 18th century or earlier, 4to., culinary and medicinal recipes, including early cancer remedies, preceded by `alphabetical table of the following receipts`, hand writing changes through the book (see images on-line), last entries c1800, reversed calf with blind-stamped panels (re-backed) [believed by the vendor to have originated from Scotney Castle, Kent]
A 19th century Qu`ran (Koran) calligraphed manuscript on polished paper written in pen in black and red ink, within rectangular borders in pen and red, blue and gold ink, with small ornaments in gold ink within lines in tooled leather covers with applied gilt in recessed borders and central motif.
ADDRESS TO MISS ANNIE PARNELL An attractive illuminated manuscript Address to Annie Parnell, sister of Charles Stewart Parnell and founder of the Ladies' Land League, offered by a Committee of the Graigue and Killeshin branch of the Irish National Land League, tendering 'our warmest welcome of friendship on your arrival at Carlow' and congratulating her on 'your earnest and noble efforts of success in comforting the many distressed families suffering in these times of oppression and trial', with the names of five committee members subscribed. On card, 22 x 17 ½ ins [56 x 45 cms], within an attractively painted and gilded frame of flowers and leaves, with four real photographs attached around edges. With a few stray paint marks, partly obscuring a word or two, no significant loss. Anna Catherine Parnell [1852-1911] founded the Ladies' Land League in January 1881 with the assistance of her sister Fanny, and took over the effective direction of the land campaign during the months when her brother Charles was imprisoned in 1881-2. She was tactically more radical than her brother, and when Parnell was released under the 'Kilmainham Treaty' he cut off funding to the Ladies' League. In later years Anna was estranged from her brother, and lived alone in Devon under an assumed name. She is regarded as 'the first outstanding woman agitator in modern Irish history' (Hickey & O'Doherty), and was much admired by Michael Davitt. Material relating to Anna Parnell is scarce.
CHARLES STEWART PARNELL A manuscript signed letter, written in a secretarial hand with Parnell's autograph signature, to the Hon. Chief Justice Shea of New York, Aug. 13 1883, on House of Commons mourning paper, 2pp, introducing 'Mr. Russell who is visiting America. He is anxious to learn the status, political and social, and the views of our leading and representative countrymen in the States; and, although not a member of our party, he has always done what he could both in and out of Parliament, from his own point of view, to serve the interests of Ireland.' Parnell did not often write such recommendations.
CHARLES STEWART PARNELL Two original manuscript letters on Irish affairs, viz. - A manuscript signed letter, written in a secretarial hand with Parnell's autograph signature, to an unnamed recipient (possibly Russell), 29 July [18]80. 'I do not think I could fairly engage in such a matter as you propose. The Commission does not command our confidence, nor will its recommendations have the confidence of the people of Ireland, & after the late refusal of the Govt. to put on a single representative of the tenants' claims, it wd be scarcely consistent on my part, to do anything wearing the appearance of countenancing the already discredited body.' [This probably refers to the Bessborough Commission, which in January 1881 recommended giving Irish tenants the 'three F's' - fixity of tenure, free sale and fair rents.] - An autograph signed letter from Westminster, dated Jany 15 / [18]84, to Charles Russell Q.C. M.P., 2 pp. 'We are very anxious to issue the prospectus of, and launch, the Land Purchase Company before the opening of Parliament, and I trust it has been possible for you, since our interview, to give such a consideration to the matter as to enable you to join the Board.' [The Land Purchase Company presumably was intended to assist tenants in the purchase of their land.] (2)
[CHARLES RUSSELL QC] A very good collection of about 20 autograph signed letters to Russell from leading figures in British politics, law and society in the late 19th century, including some dealing with Irish issues, as follows: - Sir William Harcourt, Liberal Home Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer. Four signed manuscript letters to Russell, 1885-94, some possibly in a secretarial hand, all with autograph signatures, including an interesting letter about his election activities, June 26 1886. Harcourt was seen as Gladstone's natural successor, and probably would have succeeded him as Prime Minister but for Queen Victoria's preference for Rosebery. - William E. Forster, a Quaker, known as 'Buckshot' Forster while Chief Secretary for Ireland 1880-82. Two A.L.S. from Chief Secretary's Lodge, Sept.1880 and Nov. 1881, the first concerning constituency matters, the second, marked 'Private', responding to a letter from a Mr. Clarke about the arrest of certain suspects. 'He is entirely mistaken in supposing that arrests are made on account of the influence of local gentlemen. I shall not be surprised if some of the suspects really believe themselves innocent of any offence. Many of them have been so demoralised by lay or clerical teaching that they think it a meritorious act to ruin their neighbours .. I wish you could read the speeches of priests some of them addressed from the altar which constantly come before me.' - Arthur James Balfour, later Prime Minister. A signed letter (dictated) to Russell, March 27th 1900, marked 'Private', on notepaper of 10 Downing Street, concerning the Irish Universities controversy. 'The two great difficulties in the way of settling this most difficult question appear to me to be, in the first instance, the prejudice of the British people, and in the second place, the attitude of Irish ecclesiastics .. I greatly doubt whether the Hierarchy genuinely desire a national university of the kind you indicate. It is probable, and it is also natural, that they should wish to have an institution substantively under ecclesiastical control; and this I do not believe the Roman Catholic laity of Ireland really desire.' Balfour was Lord Salisbury's nephew, and succeeded him as P.M. in 1902. At the date of this letter he was Chief Secretary for Ireland, where he acquired the nickname 'Bloody Balfour'. - Asquith, H.H., later Prime Minister, Russell's assistant at the Parnell Commission hearings. An A.L.S. to Russell dated 1 May 1894 thanking him for a gift to mark the ending for the time being of their cooperation in 'what we both have felt to be great & good causes'; with a second, 14 May 1898, agreeing that 'Macdonnell's services entitle him to a C.B. if he wishes for it'; and another letter addressed to 'Arthur' [Balfour?], July 1896, asking if he could arrange a place for Mrs. Asquith to hear the Jameson trial [at which Russell presided, see below]. - Sir Matthew Ridley, Home Secretary. A.L.S. on Home Dept. notepaper, July 31 [1896], advising Russell as Lord Chief Justice that after consulting with colleagues, he has decided to 'advise the commutation of the sentence upon the [Jameson] Raid Prisoners into one of imprisonment as first class misdemeanours. My principal reason .. is that the ordinary conditions of imprisonment which are laid down by statute, are so rigid as to prevent the exercise of any dispensing power .. and prevent the S. of S. giving such reasonable relaxation to them as, I believe, would be generally desired in the present case.' [The 'Jameson Raid' was an armed attack on the Transvaal Republic carried out by British subjects from British territory, designed to provoke an uprising by English settlers, and widely believed to have been condoned in British Government circles. It failed, and the instigators were arrested and tried in London under Russell. Finding the jury apparently in sympathy with the defendants, he required them to answer a number of specific questions, and then informed them that in view of their findings on these points, they had no option but to convict the accused. The Home Secretary's decision allowed the transfer of the prisoners to a more relaxed form of custody, where they could in due course be quietly released.] With an unsigned autograph letter to Russell - the only one retained in his collection - dated 29 July 1896, conmgratulating him on his conduct of the trial. - Cardinal Vaughan, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster. Two A.L.S. on his headed notepaper, one dated Dec. 4 1895, thanking him for a speech on education, the second marked 'pbly abt '96', asking him to advise on some material enclosed. 'The point we aim at is to obtain a modification of the Coronation Oath before it is too late', and quoting a letter of Cardinal Wiseman. 'We ought to take an early opportunity to get this Oath modified. It would probably be impossible to do this after the death of the Queen before it would have to be administered to her heir.' - Henry FitzAlan-Howard, Duke of Norfolk. An A.L.S. on his headed paper dated Dec. 15 1891, marked 'Private and Confidential', concerning a paper presented by Count Deyne on behalf of his Government, saying that 'in the cause of peace they would welcome such a pronouncement from the Pope as we have been pressing for', etc. [Traditionally the Duke of Norfolk has been regarded as the leading lay spokesman for English Catholics.] - John Morley, leading Liberal writer. Three A.L.S. to Russell, 1886-88-89, the first concerning Gladstone's Land Bill, the third, dated April 14 1889, congratulating him in fulsome terms on his closing speech [to the Parnell Commission] . 'What I want to express is my delight as a critic in a great work of art, showing some of the very finest powers of the human mind at their highest.' - Lord Coleridge, Russell's predecessor as Lord Chief Justice. Three A.L.S. to Russell, two of congratulation on a speech and his appointment (as Attorney General); the third, dated Easter Eve 1894, making it clear that pressure has been brought on him (Coleridge) to resign early on full pension, but that he has no intention of yielding to it; with a note to Russell from Lord Bowen, May 1894, confirming the same information. Evidently there was a move (whether inspired by Russell or not, is unclear) to create circumstances where Russell could replace Coleridge, but the latter declined to cooperate. In the event, he died soon afterward, and Russell was appointed in his stead as Lord Chief Justice. As a collection.
Keegan (Comdt. H.) South Leitrim Brigade. An autograph signed letter dated 18.3.25, to 'President A. de Valera,' complaining that after seven years as an IRA officer, he has been subjected to disciplinary proceedings, explaining his case and asking for a full enquiry. Apparently the writer spent some time in a Free State barracks after the 'split' and helped Republican prisoners to escape, but his actions were misunderstood. As a manuscript, w.a.f. Provenance: Maurice (Moss) Twomey Archive. Independence Sale 2010
1916 PROCLAMATION: THE ORIGINAL PRINTING An original copy of the first printing of the Proclamation of the Provisional Government of the Irish Republic to the People of Ireland, printed at Liberty Hall on the evening of Sunday 23 April, and read by Patrick Pearse outside the General Post Office in Dublin on the morning of Easter Monday 1916 at the opening of the Easter Rising. Single sheet printed one side only, letterpress, on the usual poor quality paper with a greyish tinge, framed and glazed. With closed tears at top and bottom (professionally repaired), extensive fold marks, one tiny hole with no loss of text, generally in attractive condition in spite of signs of wear. With the various typographical peculiarities identified by Bouch [1936] as indicating the original printing, and without any of the features which identify later printings. Type a bit smudged in places, as usual. With three short vertical printed bars visible in the first three lines of the second section (commencing 'The Irish Republic is entitled ..'), probably due to space bars catching the ink, as in the copy sold in these rooms in April 2012. Visible dimensions of paper (within the mount) 29 ½ ins x 19 ½ ins; depth of printed surface 28 ¾ ins, separation between upper and lower parts of document ½ in. Length of printed line, as measured in the frame, 18 1/8 ins at top, 18 ins at bottom. This last measurement is very slightly smaller than that indicated by Bouch (18 ¼ in.); we believe this small difference is accounted for by the fact that the document is slightly rumpled and does not lie completely flat in the frame. In all other respects the document is consistent with Bouch's measurements and findings. We believe it to be genuine and authentic. Signed on back of frame 'Eamonn Bourke" and with the signature of a Commissioner of Oaths, and with an original certificate of authenticity issued by Eamonn de Burca of De Burca Rare Books 2001, a witnessed affidavit to the same effect signed by Eamonn Bourke, and two certificates dated 1999 and 2001, both signed by John Farrell (Preservation Officer) and Donall O Luanaigh (Keeper) of the National Library of Ireland, giving as their opinion that 'this particular copy is part of the first printing of the Proclamation'. These documents may be inspected on request, and will be passed to the purchaser. The Proclamation of the Irish Republic, recognised as the founding document of modern Irish nationhood, was drafted probably by Patrick Pearse, possibly with amendments by Thomas MacDonagh and James Connolly. The original manuscript has never been found. The text was printed under armed Citizen Army guard at Liberty Hall on the evening of Sunday 23 April 1916, using paper bought by James Connolly for his Workers' Republic and a font of type borrowed from a nearby printer. The type available was insufficient to set the entire text; hence the various improvised letters (notably the non-matching 'e's), and the need to print the document in two parts, running all the sheets through the printing machine twice (the part first printed ends with the third paragraph). It is believed the print order was 2,000 copies, of which the vast majority perished in the storm of fire, shot and shell unleashed in Dublin in the following days. Previously unknown copies still appear from time to time, but our best estimate is that no more than 50 attested copies of the first printing are now extant, and a majority of these are in institutional collections where they are likely to remain. Provenance: Eamonn de Burca, purchased from a client who stated it came originally from a house in Harcourt Street which at one time was a 'safe house' for Michael Collins; private collection.
'THE SCOUNDREL MICHAEL COLLINS HAS TREATED ME SCURVILY' H. QUINLISK & MICHAEL COLLINS An autograph manuscript letter signed H. Quinlisk, late Cpl. the Royal Irish Regt., from an address in Gardiner Place, Dublin, dated 11th Nov. [19]19, to The Under Sec. / Dublin Castle, marked 'Secret' and 'Very Urgent', offering information and saying his life would be in danger if seen entering the Castle. 'I was the man who assisted Casement in Germany, and in coming home I have been connected with Sinn Fein. I have decided to tell all I know of that organisation and my information would be of use to the authorities. The scoundrel Michael Collins has treated me scurvily and I now am going to wash my hands of the whole business. If you accept my offer, please send a man, one who can be trusted, to the above address ..' The facts were that Quinlisk had indeed been involved with Casement's attempt to recruit an Irish brigade among British Army prisoners in Germany. On his return when the war ended, he approached Sinn Fein for money, and was given some. Eventually, Collins gave him £100 and told him not to come back. He went to the Galway Races and lost the lot. When he came back looking for more cash, he was shown the door - hence '\Collins has treated me scurvily'. On foot of the present letter, he was interviewed by a Dublin Castle detective, whose report was given for typing to none other than Col. Eamonn Broy - a Collins agent who of course sent a copy to him. That alone would have been enough to condemn Quinlisk, but Collins decided to run a test. When Quinlisk appeared again, looking for Collins, he was told the 'Big Fellow' was away in Cork, where he would be staying at Wren's Hotel. A coded message went to the Cork RIC from the Castle, instructing them to surround the hotel and arrest Collins. When Quinlisk turned up to see the fun and collect his reward, he was picked up by the Cork IRA, taken away and shot. Quinlisk's original letter is all that remains of him. It is a remarkable survival. It apparently was seen by Piaras Beaslai, who quotes a short passage, and the same passage is requoted from Beaslai's account by Coogan and Hart. The full letter has never been published. It appears to have turned up in the papers of an old lady at one time associated with Cumann na mBan. A unique, curious and interesting document.
A COLLECTIVE VENETIAN EDITION OF NINE TRAGEDIES BY GIAMBATTISTA GIRLADI CINTHIO GIRALDI CINTHIO, Giovan Battista. Orbecche Tragedia - Venice: 1583. 8vo. With engraved portrait and a cast list. A very good copy. The importance of this opening play is stressed by the Cambridge History of English and American Literature (Volume V) with the writer stressing how "The predominant influence in Italian tragedy was, unquestionably, that of Giambattista Giraldi Cinthio, whose Orbecche (acted at Ferrara in 1541) is the first known regular tragedy in the vernacular produced on a modern European stage. Its adoption of the Senecan form, and of the Senecan rhetoric and sensational horrors, decided the fate of Italian tragedy and greatly influenced that of other nations." The scene of Orbecche is set in the Persian city of Susa. Contemporary full vellum, titled in manuscript. BOUND WITH GIRALDI CINTHIO, Giovan Battista. Altile Tragedia - Venice: 1583. 8vo. With engraved portrait and a cast list. The scene is set in the Syrian city of Damascus. BOUND WITH GIRALDI CINTHIO, Giovan Battista. Didone Tragedia - Venice: 1583. 8vo with engraved portrait and a cast list. The scene is set in the African city of Carthage. BOUND WITH GIRALDI CINTHIO, Giovan Battista. Gli Antivalomeni Tragedia - Venice: 1583. 8vo. With engraved portrait and a cast list. The scene is set in the English city of London. BOUND WITH GIRALDI CINTHIO, Giovan Battista. Cleopatra Tragedia - Venice: 1583. 8vo. With engraved portrait and a cast list. The scene is set in the Egyptian city of Alexandria. BOUND WITH GIRALDI CINTHIO, Giovan Battista. Arrenopia Tragedia - Venice: 1583. 8vo. With engraved portrait and a cast list. A copy is to be found in the Gilbert Library A landmark in the history of Irish scene set drama, the action of this five act verse play is set in Limerick, "Citta nobile d'Hibernia". Here is to be found the court of the king of Ireland who has taken for wife Arrenopia, the daughter of the king of Scotland. BOUND WITH GIRALDI CINTHIO, Giovan Battista. Euphimia Tragedia - Venice: 1583. 8vo. With engraved portrait and a cast list. The scene is set in the city of Corinth. BOUND WITH GIRALDI CINTHIO, Giovan Battista. Epitia Tragedia - Venice: 1583. 8vo. With engraved portrait and a cast list. The scene is set in the city of Magna. BOUND WITH GIRALDI CINTHIO, Giovan Battista. Selene Tragedia - Venice: 1583. 8vo. With engraved portrait and a cast list. The scene is set in the Egyptian city of Alexandria. In excellent condition, this collective edition containing nine plays and a total of 1,228 pages is bound in contemporary vellum with a lettered spine and a library shelf notation. There is a bibliographical note inside the lower cover. Provenance: The estate of Tony Sweeney
[LUTHER, Martin] VALLA, L. Einer aus den hohen Artickeln des Allerheiligesten Bepstlichen glaubens genant Donatio Constantini - Wittemberg: 1537. 4to. pp. [48]. Engraved title. A wide margined copy in worn pebbled cloth. Luther's German translation from the Latin of the Constitutum Constantini followed by his notes and comments. The original purported to be a 4th Century document showing that the Emperor Constantine had granted to the Papacy in the person of Pope Sylvester (reigned 314 - 335) primacy over the Universal Church and temporal dominion over Italy and the Western Regions. Its authenticity had already come to be doubted when in 1440 Lorenzo Valla circulated in manuscript form "De Falso Credita et Ementita Constantini". The timing of this translation in to German by Martin Luther is significant in that it coincides with the attempt by the Pope Urban VIII to call a General Council at Mantua. This failed to materialise but eight years later a Council at Trent was successfully launched initiating the Counter Reformation. Sweeney 2599.2. Provenance: The estate of Tony Sweeney
NAUNTON, Sir Robert. Fragmenta Regalia, or observations on the late Queen Elizabeth, her times and favourits - [London] 1642. 4to. pp. [i], 40. A very good copy in modern half morocco. Wing N 251. A series of perceptive pen- pictures by the master of the court of wards, that was widely circulated in manuscript, though not published until six years after Naunton's death. Amongst those featured were the Irish lord deputies, the earl of Sussex, Sir John Perrot, the earl of Essex and Lord Mountjoy, all of which offer valuable insights. Sweeney 3151 quoting the 1st edition. Provenance: The estate of Tony Sweeney
TRACY, RICHARD. A bryef [and] short declaracyon made, wherbye euery chrysten man maye knowe, what is a sacrament : Of what partes a sacramente consysteth and is made, for what intent sacramentes were instituted, and what is the pryncypall effect of sacramentes, [and] finally of the abuse of the sacrament of chrystes body and bloud. London: 1548. pp. 32. Small 8vo. Modern full crushed morocco all edges gilt. A fine copy. Richard Tracy was the son of William Tracy, a Justice of the Peace in the reigns Henvy VII and Henry VIII, who adopted Luther's religious views, and whose will expressed his belief in justification by faith, and made no bequests to the clergy. The will was deemed heretical, and William's remains were exhumed and burned at the stake, but the will itself became a sort of sacred text to the Reformers. Richard spent several years struggling over his father's will, and adopted many of William's religious views, his works (With Those of Tyndale and Frith) being classed as 'dangerous' in 1535. By 1546 all his books were ordered to be burned. Treacy published this present work in November 1548 during the discussion in convocation and Parliament which preceded the issue of Edward VI's first Book of Common Prayer, thanks to the 'free year' of 1549/ 9, when Somerset the Protector virtually abandoned Government censorship of the press. William Herbert's copy with his manuscript monogram 'WH. p. 570' at foot of title. Herbert (1718 - 1795) had accumulated a huge library of 16th century books which he used when republishing Ames' Typographical Antiquities 1785 - 90, and to which 'p. 570' refers. This is the Bute copy which was sold at auction in 1995. STC 24162. Signed at end: Rychard Tracey Publication date from colophon. Maltese cross before "A bryef" on titlepage. ESTC, S118530 Provenance: The estate of Tony Sweeney
1501 [HROSWITHA of GANDERSHEIM] Opera Hrosvite illustris virginis et monialis Germane gente Saxonica orte nuper a Conrado Celte inventa. Norunbergæ: Sub privilegio sodalitis Celticæ, 1501. Small folio. 82 leaves, without pagination. Hrotsvitha (c. 935-1002), also known as Hroswitha, Hrotsvit, Hrosvit, and Roswitha, was a 10th-century German secular canoness, as well as a dramatist and poet who lived and worked in Abbey of Gandersheim, in modern-day Lower Saxony, a community of secular canonesses. She was noted for her great learning and was introduced to Roman Writers by Gerberg. Hrotsvit's work shows familiarity, not only with the Church fathers, but also with Classical poetry, including Virgil, Horace, Ovid, Plautus and Terence (on whom her own verse was modelled). Several of her plays draw on the so-called apocryphal gospels. Her works form part of the Ottonian Renaissance. The Benedictine Rule was relaxed for her and other aristocratic women who joined the order; they were not required to take the vow of poverty. Two Abbesses in her time were nieces of the ruling Emperor with the status of Imperial Princes. The frontispiece of the book, a Durer engraving, shows Hroswitha presenting her manuscript to the Emperor Otto I. The book was edited and seen through the press by the Imperial Poet Laureate, Conrad Celtes, who in 1493 had discovered a copy, still extanct, of the Mss in the Benedictine Monastery of St. Emmeram in Regensburg. Hrosvit divided her work herself into three books. The Book of Legends contained eight legends - with the exception of Gangolf - in dactylic hexameter - the writing style that is most prominent in poetry and can be found in Homer's Iliad and Odyssey. Her plays feature the chastity and perseverance of Christian women and contrast these to the perceived Latin portrayal of women as weak and emotional. Her Passio Sancti Pelagii is derived, she says, from an eyewitness to the martyrdom of Pelagius of Cordova. Her name, as she herself attests, is Saxon for "strong voice." Hroswitha wrote in Latin, and is considered by some to be the first person since antiquity to compose drama in the Latin West Provenance: The estate of Tony Sweeney
1477 DIONYSIUS PERIEGETES / BECCARIA, Antonia. De Situ Orbis - Venice: 1477. A very good copy in old vellum. One of a handful of geographers of the Ancient World whose writings survived through the Middle Ages in manuscript form, Dionysius Periegetes lived in Alexandria at the time of the Emperor Hadrian. He composed his work in Greek verse, and while the lack of a sufficiently wide audience, capable of reading it in the original, delayed printing of the Editio Princeps until 1512, it had already been brought to public attention through this Latin prose version by Antonia Beccaria of Verona. The first edition of Strabo's Geographia had been printed in Rome eight years earlier but this, I would suggest, is the first school geography being no more than a potted version of the original and thus clearly aimed at a less scholarly audience. In translation, it has to be said, it gained as well as lost in that it now contains material of which Dionysius could have had no knowledge. Because of the brevity of some of his entries, notably that dealing with Ireland, the translator made his own additions to the text and thus he writes "Ea longe copiosiores equos parit. atque eos eiusmodi: ut nõ videant nisi quodam suavissimo incessu deambulare a natura didicisse: ac cü quadã quasi modulatione progredi more regio." This can be construed as the first published advertisement for the merits of the Irish horse and was surely certainly prompted by reports of horse purchases of which Beccaria would have heard, as these were made in Ireland in the mid-15th century by the duke of Ferrara's agent. At least it can be said that De situ orbis offers a more acceptable image of Ireland for its medieval audience than that propagated by Strabo and Pomponius Mela who restricted their minuscule coverage of the island to barbarism, cannibalism and incest. Provenance: The estate of Tony Sweeney
CHARLES IIDocument Signed - (DS)A document signed Charles R, as King, at the head, one page, folio, Whitehall, 4th February 1670/71. The manuscript document is addressed to the Attorney General and requests that he prepare a `Bill for Our Royall Signature to passe Our Great Seale of England, containing our full & Gracious Pardon` for Ambrose Baynes who stood `convicted for having forged & Published a Bond or Obligation bearing date the 20th day of November 1668`. Countersigned at the foot by 1st Earl of Arlington (1618-1685, English Statesman, Secretary of State for the Southern Department 1662-74 and Postmaster General 1667-85). With blank integral leaf. Some very light overall creasing and minor age wear.
Crawhall (Joseph) Border Notes and Mixty-Maxty, one of 50 copies, lithographed facsimile of the original manuscript, numerous plates, illustrations and decorations by Crawhall and his son, 5 plates and some decorations hand-coloured, presentation copy from the author to Frederick C.Montague with accompanying A.L.s. tipped in at beginning, contemporary half morocco, by Andrew Reid of Newcastle on Tyne with his ticket at end, spine titled in gilt, t.e.g., others uncut, a little rubbed at edges, [Thacher p.132; W&S p.70], 4to, [Newcastle upon Tyne, A.Reid for Robert Robinson], 1880. Scarce; ".an `ollapodrida` of angling verse and miscellaneous drollery.Of Mr Crawhall it may be said that he has created crown-jewels for the angling-libraries of the future. There can be no queston that his books will give rise to eager competition in the auction-rooms of half a century hence." Westwood & Satchell.
MANUSCRIPT - The Psalmes or Prayers taken out of the Holy Scripture. Commonly called the Kings Psalmes. Title & approx 200ff, of calligraphic script (on rectos & versos), within faint side rules, old gilt-decorated leather (some wear and partly broken down centre), 12mo. (mid 17th century) ownership names at front are dated 1662 & 1685.
MANUSCRIPT - Royal Navy, 17th century. Letter from Edward & Margaret Hodson to a Mr Edward (?) Hubbold, 30 lines one side of folded sheet, Sept 18, 1688 address and seal traces on verso. Regarding a (?) chirugical naval apprenticeship for their son; the addressee was ' living within the Tower of London'.
A MANUSCRIPT RELATING TO SIR HENRY FARNHAM BURKE, 1859-1930, who was a long serving soldier as a Irish Officer of Arms, awarded an Order of Bath along with KCVO and an FSA. The manuscript having hand painted illustrations and two of Farnham~s own seals, contained within gilt crown embossed canisters and kept in a red box with George V insignia. Generally good, manuscript feels slightly damp and has a few edge scuffs and small patches of discolouration.
PHOTOGRAPHS. A mounted albumen-print photograph titled in manuscript `Lord Brassey at the Wheel, Mr [William] Gladstone & Mrs Gladstone on board the Sunbeam`, circa 1870-1880, image 153 x 205mm, together with another smaller photograph titled `T.R.H.s Prince Albert Victor & Prince George on board H.M.S. Britannia`.
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[HROSWITHA of GANDERSHEIM] Opera Hrosvite illustris virginis et monialis Germane gente Saxonica orte nuper a Conrado C](http://lot-images.atgmedia.com/SR/10600/2873117/470-201348134518_468x382.jpg)
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