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Lot 599
An Atmos Clock, signed Jaeger LeCoultre, model: Embassy, 20th Century, red faux marble side panels, red faux marble dial with a Roman chapter ring, large balance below with stop/start lever in the base, base with spirit level, 22cm highBrass surfaces are slightly discoloured and with small staining marks in places, chapter ring with small scratches.
Lot 143
A good selection of mostly silver plate to include:a Georgian-style entrée dish;a basting spoon;an early 19th century Sheffield-plated snuffer-tray;a set of four salts modelled as scallop shells;an early 19th century 'brandy' spirit label;a Sheffield-plated tankard marked to underside of lip (probably 18th century).
Lot 272
A selection of mostly early to mid 20th century collectibles to include:an original black Bakelite telephone;a wooden-cased C.H. Stoelting Co. Chicago, Illinois, dated 1918;four early jigsaws;a boxed tinplate moneybox;an antique hand-saw;a wooden plane and other tools;a circular brass-cased barometer;two silver-backed clothes brushes;an oil lamp;a cut-glass spirit decanter and stopper.
Lot 185
Taschenkompaß-Sonnenuhr von Elliott Brothers, um 1870Signiert "Elliott Bro., 440 Strand", Skalenringe und Kompaßrose versilbert, montiert auf brünierter Messinggrundplatte mit drei Nivellierschrauben, zwei Libellen, klappbare Breitengradskala, Stundenring mit klappbarem Gnomon, Durchmesser des Instruments 5,4 cm, in gefüttertem Kästchen mit Saffian-Lederbezug. Start Price: EUR 180 Zustand: (3+/2)Pocket Compass Sundial by Elliott Brothers, c. 1870Marked "Elliott Bro., 440 Strand", with silver-plated scale rings and compass rose, on burnished brass baseplate with three levelling screws, two spirit levels, hinged latitude scale, hour ring with hinged gnomon, diameter of the instrument 5.4 cm, in lined case with morocco leather-covering. Start Price: EUR 180 Condition: (3+/2)
Lot 134
Leroy Stéréo-Panoramique 6 x 13, 1905Lucien Leroy, Paris. Stereo- und Panoramakamera für Platten 6 x 13 cm, Objektive: Berthiot Perigraphe 6,8/85 mm, Irisblenden 6,8 bis 32, Rotationsverschluß funktioniert. Ein Objektiv kann in die Mitte gedreht werden für Panoramaaufnahmen. Mit Mattscheibenrückteil, 2 Libellen (eine defekt). - Literatur: Werner Weiser, "More Stereo Cameras Using Film", S. 298. Start Price: EUR 180 Zustand: (3/3)Leroy Stéréo-Panoramique 6 x 13, 1905Lucien Leroy, Paris. Stereo and panorama camera for plates of 6 x 13 cm, lenses: Berthiot Perigraphe 6.8/85 mm, iris diaphragms 6.8 to 32, shutter: rotating gears with windows, working, one lens can be put into the center by rotation for panoramic pictures, with focusing screen back, 2 spirit levels (one defective). - Literature: Werner Weiser, "More Stereo Cameras Using Film", p. 298. Start Price: EUR 180 Condition: (3/3)
Lot 85
Spreizenkamera Svensson Stella und Juwel, um 19051) Hugo Svensson & Co, Göteborg, Kamerafabrik. Stella Nr. 9235, seltene Spreizenkamera "Stella" für Platten von 9 x 12 cm, ungewöhnliches Design aus Holz und Leder, 4 Lochblenden f/11 bis f/32, Guillotine-Verschluß mit 6 Zeiteinstellungen, Fokusierung durch frontseitig bewegbaren Zylinderstift, 2 Brillantsucher und 2 Wasserwaagen für Hoch- und Querformat, Merkhebel für Platten oder Filme, mit Mattscheibenrückteil und Doppelkassette. Sehr selten. - Und: 2) Wünsche, Dresden. Juwel, frühe Wünsche-Magazin-kamera für 9 x 12 cm, innen Gehäuse-Nr. 4375, Schleuderverschluß mit Markierung "Gebr.M.S. 21577" und Nr. 4375, Zählwerk 1-12, mit 6 Einlagen, funktioniert. Rückteilschließen alle mit "GMS" geprägt. "Juwel" war eine Marke von Wünsche 1895-1900. - Zwei gepflegte, gut erhaltene Kameras. Start Price: EUR 140 Zustand: (3+/3)Rare Stella Folding Camera by Svensson and a Juwel Camera, c. 19051) Hugo Svensson & Co, Göteborg, Kamerafabrik. Stella, no. 9235, with an interesting design in wood and leather, for 9 x 12 cm plate-holders, 4 diaphragm settings (f/11 to f/32) and 6-speed guillotine shutter, focusing by moving a cylinder in the front plate, 2 brilliant finders and 2 spirit levels for wide and vertical formats, markers for plates or films, focusing screen back and a double cassette. Very rare. - And: 2) Wünsche, Dresden. Juwel, early Wünsche magazine camera for 9 x 12 cm, inside body no. 4375, with shutter marked: "Gebr.M.S. 21577" and no. 4375, rear clasps stamped "GMS", counter 1-12, 6 inserts, working. "Juwel" was a trademark of Wünsche from 1895-1900. - Two neat, well-preserved cameras. Start Price: EUR 140 Condition: (3+/3)
Lot 111
Reisekamera mit 3 Messing-Objektiven, um 1900Frankreich. Edelholz mit vernickelten Beschlägen, für Querformat 13 x 18 cm, Auszug bis 32 cm, Grundbrett mit gravierten Skalen, Laufboden nach oben schwenkbar, mit Aplanat-Optik 8/23 cm in Clégil-Verschluß, läuft etwas langsam, Libelle funktioniert, mit Mattscheibenrückteil und 3 guten Doppelkassetten. Gute Anwenderkamera. - Dabei: The London Stereoscopic Rapid Rectilinear Optimus 13c x 18c (Export-Version) auf Thornton-Pickard-Verschluß, läuft, und Rüo Berlin Acomar 4,5/16,5 cm, beide mit Anschraubring. Start Price: EUR 220 Zustand: (3/3)Field Camera with 3 Brass Lenses, c. 1900France. Tropical wood with nickel-plated fittings, for landscape format 13 x 18 cm, extension up to 32 cm, baseboard with engraved scales, base can be moved upwards, with 8/23 cm Aplanat-type lens in Clégil shutter, spirit level, ground-glass back and 3 double cassettes in good condition, spirit level working, shutter working somewhat slowly. Good user camera. - In addition: The London Stereoscopic Rapid Rectilinear Optimus 13c x 18c (export version) in Thornton-Pickard shutter (working) and Rüo Berlin Acomar 4.5/16.5 cm, both lenses with screw rings. Start Price: EUR 220 Condition: (3/3)
Lot 438
Sammlung Dampfmaschinen, Heißluftmotoren und Zubehör1) Heißluftmotor, Gußmetall, separate angeordnete Arbeits- und Verdrängungszylinder, Höhe 18 cm. - 2) Dampfmaschine mit 2 oszillierenden Zylindern, Höhe 10 cm. - 3) Liegende Dampfmaschine, um 1950, Stahl und Metallguß, Zylinder Ø 3,6 cm, Kreuzkopfführung in Rohrlager, Schiebeventilsteuerung mit Exzenterring, Speichenschwungrad Ø 12 cm. - 4) Stehende Dampfmaschine, Hammerschlag-Lackierung, Höhe 16 cm. - 5) Heißluftmotor, bezeichnet "MW", mit Spiritusbrenner, Höhe 9,5 cm. - 6) Liegende Dampfmaschine, um 1980, Stahl und Messing, Zylinder Ø 3,5 cm, Kreuzkopfführung in Rohrlager, Schiebeventilsteuerung mit Exzenterring, Speichenschwungrad Ø 9 cm. - 7) Stehende Dampfmaschine, mit oszillierendem Zylinder, Höhe 11,5 cm. - 8) Dreizylinder-Dampfmaschine "PIT", ungewöhnliche obenliegende Ventilsteuerung, auf Holzsockel, 11 x 10 cm. - 9) 4 weitere Modelle. - Und: 10) 1 Fliehkraftregler für elektrische Modelle, 1 Spiritustank mit Handpumpe und 2 Schaufelräder für Dampfboote, mit verstellbaren Paddeln. Start Price: EUR 180 Zustand: (2-3/-)Group of Steam Machines, Hot-Air Engines and Accessories1) Hot-air engine, cast metal, separately arranged working and displacement cylinders, height 7 in. - 2) Steam engine with 2 oscillating cylinders, height 4 in. - 3) Horizontal steam engine, c. 1950, steel and cast metal, Ø 1 1/2-inch cylinder, crosshead guide in tubular bearing, slide-valve control with eccentric ring, Ø 4 ¾ in. spoked flywheel. - 4) Vertical steam engine, hammer-finish paint, height 6 ¼ in. - 5) Hot-air engine, marked "MW", with spirit burner, height 3 ¾ in. - 6) Horizontal steam engine, c. 1980, steel and brass, Ø 1 1/3 in. cylinder, crosshead guide in tubular bearing, slide-valve control with eccentric ring, Ø 3 ½ in. spoked flywheel. - 7) Vertical steam engine, with oscillating cylinder, height 4 ½ in. - 8) Three-cylinder steam engine "PIT", unusual top valve control, on wood base, 4 1/3 x 4 in. - 9) 4 further models. - And: 10) 1 centrifugal governor for electric models, 1 spirit tank with hand pump and 2 paddle wheels for steam boats, with adjustable paddles. Start Price: EUR 180 Condition: (2-3/-)
Lot 205
4 Nivelliergeräte1) Nivellier "R. Reiss, Liebenwerda", um 1890, Serien-Nr. 3485, poliertes Messing, Azimut-Teilung, Libelle, Zahnstangen-Fokussierung, Teleskop-Länge 23,5 cm, 3-Fuß-Montierung. - 2) Englisches Nivellier "Watts & Sons Ltd., London", Nr. 89945. Poliertes Messing, Teleskop-Länge 29,5 cm, 2 Libellen (eine davon trocken), 1 Kompaß, in Holzkasten. - 3) Unbezeichnet, poliertes Messing, 1 Libelle, Teleskop-Länge 20 cm, in Holzkasten. - Und: 4) Ertel-Werke, München, um 1920, Modell 713, 24-fache Vergrößerung, lackiertes Messing, mit 1 Dosenlibelle und 1 Stablibelle, Teleskop-Länge 24 cm, abnehmbarer Dreifuß, in Holzkasten. Start Price: EUR 180 Zustand: (3/3)4 Leveling Instruments1) Level by R. Reiss, Liebenwerda, c. 1890, serial no. 3485, polished brass, azimuth graduation, spirit level, rack-and-pinion focusing, telescope length 9 ¼ in., 3-foot mount. - 2) English level by Watts & Sons Ltd., London, no. 89945, polished brass, telescope length 11 ½ in., 2 spirit levels (one dry) and compass, in a wood case. - 3) Unmarked, polished brass, 1 spirit level, telescope length 7 4/5 in., in a wood case. - And: 4) Ertel-Werke, Munich, c. 1920, model 713, 24x magnification, lacquered brass, with 1 circular and 1 stick level, telescope length 9 ½ in., removable tripod, in a wood case. Start Price: EUR 180 Condition: (3/3)
Lot 208
Repetitions-Theodolit von Hermann Ausfeld, um 1845Signiert: "H. Ausfeld, Gotha". Original zaponiertes Messing, versilberte Skalen mit Nonius-Ablesung, Horizontalkreis und Vertikalkreis 11,5 und 13 cm Ø, 2 Stablibellen, Länge des Teleskops eingefahren 26,5 cm, Gesamthöhe 30 cm. - Am 2. Juni 1816 wurde Hermann Ausfeld als Enkel von Christian Gotthilf Salzmann (1744-1811) in Schnepfenthal geboren. Er lernte als Mechanikergehilfe bei Breithaupt in Kassel, Wien und München und ließ er sich 1841 als Mechaniker und Optiker in Gotha nieder. Die von ihm gebauten wissenschaftlichen Instrumente erlangten große Wertschätzung. Ausfeld war Aussteller auf der Great Exhibition of Works of Industry of all Nations, 1851. Start Price: EUR 1400 Zustand: (3+/3+)Hermann Ausfeld Repeating Theodolite, c. 1845Signed "H. Ausfeld, Gotha", original lacquered brass, silver-plated scales with vernier reading, vertical and horizontal circles with 4 ½ and 5 in. diameter, 2 spirit levels, length of the telescope retracted 10 ½ in., overall height 11 3/4 in. - Note: Hermann Ausfeld was born in Schnepfenthal on 2 June 1816, the grandson of Christian Gotthilf Salzmann (1744-1811). He trained as a mechanic's assistant with Breithaupt in Kassel, Vienna and Munich and settled in Gotha as a mechanic and optician in 1841. The scientific instruments he built were held in high esteem. Ausfeld was an exhibitor at the Great Exhibition of Works of Industry of all Nations in London in 1851. Start Price: EUR 1400 Condition: (3+/3+)
Lot 57
Große Ausrüstung Contax I mit 5 Objektiven im Koffer, um 1935Zeiss Ikon, Dresden. Contax I Typ 6 Nr. Y 29128, Verschluß etwas träge, Entfernungsmesser stimmt, mit Gehäusekappe und 56-seitiger Anleitung C2447c, Tessar 8/2,8 cm Nr. 1829192, Biogon 2,8/3,5 cm T Nr. 3115040, Tessar 3,5/5 cm Nr. 2242799, Sonnar 2/5 cm Nr. 2274179, Triotar 4/8,5 cm Nr. 2078786 und Sonnar 4/13,5 cm Nr. 2403667, vier Sucher: 436/2 für 5 cm Nr. 3065, 432/5 für 3,5 cm (oben kleine Delle), 433/26 und 433/25, Wasserwaage, Drahtauslöser, Sonnenblende 42, Vacu-Blitzauslöser 3613/14, Einstellkopf mit Mattscheibenadapter und Aufstecklupe sowie 12 Filteretuis mit 5 Filtern, als Fremdzubehör ein Stativ und Autoknips sowie zwei Agfa-Dosen "für Contax - Nicht für Leica", alles in Koffer (Textilbespannung innen teilweise durch Karton ersetzt), ähnlich Kuc, "Auf den Spuren der Contax", Band I, S. 245. - Alles gut erhalten. Start Price: EUR 1200 Zustand: (3/3)Large Contax I Outfit with 5 Lenses in a Case, ca. 1935Zeiss Icon, Dresden, Contax I type 6, no. Y 29128, with body cap and 56-page manual C2447c, shutter a little sluggish, rangefinder accurate, Tessar 8/2.8 cm no. 1829192, Biogon 2.8/3.5 cm T no. 3115040, Tessar 3.5/5 cm no. 2242799, Sonnar 2/5 cm no. 2274179, Triotar 4/8.5 cm no. 2078786 and Sonnar 4/13.5 cm no. 2403667, four viewfinders: 436/2 for 5 cm no. 3065, 432/5 for 3.5 cm (small dent at the top), 433/26 and 433/25, spirit level, wire release, sunshade 42, vacuum flash release 3613/14, adjustment head with ground-glass adapter and attachable magnifying glass, 12 filter cases with 5 filters, non-Zeiss accessories including tripod and Autoknips and two Agfa film cannisters "for Contax - not for Leica", all in a fitted case, interior cloth partially replaced with cardboard, outfit in overall good condition. - Literature: Kuc, "Auf den Spuren der Contax", Volume I, p. 245, for a similar case. Start Price: EUR 1200 Condition: (3/3)
Lot 448
4 unvollendete Modell-Dampfmaschinen, 1 Anhänger und 1 Jeep, um 19801) Modell einer Burrell-Traktionsmaschine im Maßstab 1:8, Länge 56 cm. - 2) Modell einer Straßenwalze im Maßstab 1:8, bestehend aus Rahmen, Rädern und Bremse, Länge 56 cm - 3) Modell einer Straßenbahn, brennstoffbefeuerter Kupferkessel, 2 Zylinder, ohne Aufbau. - 4) Modell einer Zugmaschine, Länge 33 cm. - 5) Bauwagen, Holzaufbau, Eisenspeichenräder, Länge 31 cm. - Und: 6) Cox Command Jeep, mit Verbrennungsmotor Webra 3,5 cm³, Länge 49 cm. Start Price: EUR 220 Zustand: (-/-)4 Part-Built Live-Steam Engines, a Trailer and a Jeep, c. 19801) 1 1/2-inch scale Burrell model traction engine (under construction), length 22 in. - 2) 1 ½-inch scale model road roller, consisting of frame, wheels and brake, length 22 in. - 3) Model of a tram, spirit-fired copper boiler, 2 cylinders, without coachwork. - 4) Model traction engine, unfinished, length 13 in. - 5) Side trailer, wood body, spoked iron wheels, length 12 in. - And: 6) Cox Command Jeep, with Webra 3,5 cm³ combustion engine, length 19 in. Start Price: EUR 220 Condition: (-/-)
Lot 131
Cornu Ontoscope Panoramique, um 1923Cornu, Paris. Stereokamera Nr. 2839 für Platten im Format 6 x 13 cm, Ganzmetallgehäuse, 2 x Zeiss Tessar 4,5/8,5 cm Nr. 664924 + 664950, Fokussierung bis 1 m, pneumatischer Guillotine-Verschluß 1/5-1/300 Sek., läuft, umklappbarer Newtonsucher und verschiebbare Objektivstandarte für Stereo- sowie Panoramaaufnahmen, zwei horizontale Libellen (leer), eine davon umklappbar für senkrechte Aufnahmen, angesetztes Wechselmagazin mit Einlagen, mit Packfilmkassette und Köfferchen. Start Price: EUR 280 Zustand: (3-/3)Cornu Ontoscope Panoramique Stereo Camera, c. 1923Cornu, Paris. No. 2839, for plates of 6 x 13 cm, full-metal body, 2 Zeiss Tessar 4.5/8.5 cm lenses nos. 664924 and 664950, focusing up to 1 m, pneumatic guillotine shutter 1/5-1/300 sec., folding Newton viewfinder and movable lens board with lateral adjustment for stereo or center panoramic photographs, two horizontal spirit levels (empty), one of which can be folded down for vertical shots, attached interchangeable magazine with inserts, with film-pack cassette and case, shutter working. Start Price: EUR 280 Condition: (3-/3)
Lot 251
Hitzman & Co of Cambridge - Early 19th century mahogany mercury wheel barometer c1830,With a broken pediment and finial, rounded base, and lined stringing to the edge, cast brass bezel with an 8-inch circular silvered register calibrated in inches and signed Hitzman & Co, Cambridge, with brass setting pointer to the glass, beneath an arched 12� Fahrenheit scale spirit thermometer with a silvered register. Joseph and Henry Heitzman were German barometer makers and clock importers who lived and worked in Trinity Street Cambridge 1820-1900, often found as here spelt Hitzman.Dimensions: Height: 97cm
Lot 3503
Silber. Über vier runden, gewölbten Füßen gebogtes Gestell. Darüber bauchige Kanne, seitlich mit je zwei angebrachten Stiften als Aufhängung im Gestell. Übergreifender, beweglicher und volutierter Henkel über bombiert aufgewölbtem Scharnierdeckel. Wandung, Deckel und Kugelknauf umlaufend verziert mit passig geschweiften, in sich gedrehten Zügen. Kurzer, am Ansatz konsolartiger Röhrenausguss. Gest. 800, Herstellerzeichen, Händlermarke "C. Kumpe`s WWE". Gew. ca. 2025 g. H. 42 cm. A German Baroque style silver hot water kettle on a spirit warmer. Standard mark. Maker´s and dealer´s mark.Bremen. Koch & Bergfeld. Um 1900.
Lot 3641
(1875 Brotton - 1950 Berkshire) nachGroße "Spirit of Ecstasy" oder auch betitelt "Emily", "Silver Lady" und "Flying Lady"Bronze, teilw. poliert; schwarzer Marmorsockel. Guss Ende 20./Anfang 21. Jh; Monumentale Ausführung der berühmten, legendären Figur, die seit 1911 von Rolls-Royce als Kühlerfigur verwendet wird. Es war zugleich die erste serienmäßige Figur für eine Automarke in England. Dargestellt ist eine stilisierte, sich vorbeugende junge Frau mit vom Wind bewegtem Kleid, inspiriert von der antiken Nike von Samothrake. Modell stand ihm Eleanor Thornton, Sekretärin und Geliebte des britischen Adeligen und privaten Rolls-Royce Besitzers John Walter Edward Douglas-Scott-Montagu, 2nd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu. Für einen kleinen, exklusiven Zirkel gab es überdies große Güsse der "Spirit of Ectasy", die in Villen, Stadt- und Landhäusern Aufstellung fanden. Kante des Marmorsockels minim. best.; Ges.-H. ca. 140 cm.After Charles Robinson Sykes (1875 - 1950). Polished bronze. Cast late 20th or early 21st C.; Minor chips to the marble base.
Lot 1484
FLUXUS. Sammlung von 5 Plakaten, zahlreichen Kleinschriften, Einladungskarten, Programmen, Zeitschriften etc. zu Fluxus-Künstlern und Fluxus-Veranstaltungen aus den 80er und frühen 90er Jahren.Die Sammlung enthält u.a.: I. The Spirit of Fluxus. Drei Konzerte im Amerikahaus Berlin 1983. Programmheft. - II. Flugblatt und Kleinplakat zu Fluxkonsert, Oslo, 1989. - III. Kleinplakat zu Fluxus: A workshop series. University of Iowa, um 1980. - IV. ...und Fluxus. Offsetplakat. Bonner Kunstverein, 1989. - V. AKI-Fluxfest. Kleinplakat. Enschede, 1981. - VI. Was ist FLUXUS? Kunstmuseum Winterthur, 1991. - VII. Page, Robin. Bluebeard. Junior Fluxus. Happenings and events for kids. Book 1. Edition Hundertmark, 1989. - VIII. Fluxus and friends. Iowa musuem of art, 1988. - IX. The Fluxus performance book. El Djarida, 1990. - X. FLUXUS Silverman Collection. New York, MoMA, 1988. - XI. 6 Zeitschriften mit Beiträgen zu Fluxus - etc. - Insgesamt gut erhalten.
Lot 3285
Prinz und Prinzessin Alfons von Bayern (1862 - 1933) - zwei Spirituosen-Karaffen mit Verschluss Mundgeblasenes Glas, bauchige Form mit schlankem Hals, geschnittener vierfacher Liniendekor. Schauseitig gravierte gekrönte Chiffre "AL" (Alfons und Louise v. Orléans). Die Verschlüsse mit hohl gearbeiteten Köpfen und eingeschlossenen Luftblasen. Höhe der Karaffen 17,5 cm, Gesamthöhe 27 cm. Prince and Princess Alfons von Bayern (1862 - 1933) - two spirit carafes Prince and Princess Alfons von Bayern (1862 - 1933) - two spirit carafesMundgeblasenes Glas, bauchige Form mit schlankem Hals, geschnittener vierfacher Liniendekor. Schauseitig gravierte gekrönte Chiffre "AL" (Alfons und Louise v. Orléans). Die Verschlüsse mit hohl gearbeiteten Köpfen und eingeschlossenen Luftblasen. Höhe der Karaffen 17,5 cm, Gesamthöhe 27 cm. Condition: I - II
Lot 3925
China, Tang-dynastie (618-900), sancai-geglazuurd aardewerken model van een aardgeest, gemodelleerd met vleugels en in zittende positie, het mensachtige hoofd ongeglazuurd en met restanten van rode en zwarte pigmenten (punt beschadigd) h. 31,5 cm [1] China, Tang dynasty (618-900), glazed earthenware model of an earth spirit, modelled with wings and in seated position, the humanoid head left unglazed and with remains of red and black pigments (loss to the head)
Lot 3926
China, sancai-geglazuurd aardewerken model van een aardgeest, waarschijnlijk Tang-dynastie (618-900), gezeten op zijn hurken, het menselijke ongeglazuurde hoofd met rode en zwarte pigmenten (restauraties) h. 38 cm [1] China, sancai-glazed earthenware model of an earth spirit, probably Tang dynasty (618-900), seated on its haunches, the humanoid unglazed head with red and black pigments
Lot 67
KONGO ZOOMORPHIC POWER FIGURE, NkisiWilhelm Micholitz, born in Saxony, had a keen desire to work for “The Orchid King”, Frederick Sander, a fellow German by birth, but living in St Albans where he presided over one of the greatest orchid nurseries in Europe. “Please forgive my eagerness but for many years it has been my strong desire to join your firm” Micholitz wrote from Tottenham in in 1882. His persistence paid off and in the same year he was sent on his first expedition to the Philippines. He would continue in Sander’s employ, until 1914. The many letters he wrote to his employer from his travels over thirty years have survived and are a fascinating window into to the arduous and perilous work of an orchid hunter in the Victorian era. Competition was fierce so secrecy concerning travel plans was essential and the challenge of ensuring plants arrived home in good condition was colossal. The quantity of plants lost whilst awaiting shipment, that died during the long transit to England, or were lost in shipwrecks was enormous. Almost all Micholitz’s trips in search of orchids were to the east – the Philippines, the Aru Islands, Maluku, New Guinea and Sumatra to name but a few. In 1885/6 he did make one trip to Africa which is rarely referred to in biographical texts, perhaps mainly due to its lack of success. On 28 July 1885 he writes to Sander from Liverpool from where he was about to embark on the trip but first needs to buy a tent. On 15 September he is in Banana (at the mouth of the Congo River) “Here the vegetation is very poor. The terrain is hilly and covered with grass 10-15 ft high, which is burnt down once a year by the natives. No chance of orchids here. In the close vicinity of the river, there is forest, but from there to Stanleypool the area is dry and nothing but grass can be found there. I don’t think it will be worthwhile to go to Stanleypool. I shall therefore limit myself to searching the lower Congo, then as soon as possible go to Loango and up the Kwilu river which has very rich vegetation. Later I shall travel to the Ogowe.” His fortunes had not improved by 13 October when he writes from Boma – “I have carried out my stated intent to travel up the Congo river until Vivi, but I cannot report good results.Between Banana and Boma there is some vegetation, but nothing other than Lissochilus giganteus, which I have not collected thus far. I also found 2 or three parasitic orchids, one of which looks like a Bulbophyllum but has very small flowers. Otherwise, there was nothing……”. Two weeks later - “Tomorrow I shall depart from here with 20 people to go to Quilo and I shall arrive in Luango within 2 or 3 months. I hope to find something good.”On 18 April 1886 Micholitz writes from Loango“I received your letter a few days ago and was pleased to hear that you want me to return to Europe. Here there is nothing to be done, especially with regard to orchids. I have spent nearly 6 weeks beside the Quilon river, yet apart from a few bouts of fever, I have achieved nothing of note. Despite an abundance of vegetation I discovered only 2 insignificant orchids, and it was not worth picking them off the trees. Unfortunately I did not find the Angraecum.My health is in a very bad state. I have had a fever for the last 3 days and my head seems to want to part company with me. I have just taken 18 grains of quinine, because I have 20 people here and tomorrow, come what may, I intend to start an exploration into the centre to collect the variegated Philodendron and the Costus. In 12 to 14 days, unless I die, I shall be back and will depart for England on the 14th, 15th or 16th May.”Although his African trip was not a great success, Micholitz proved to be one of Sander’s most successful plant hunters. He returned from his final trip in 1914 by which time Sander & Co was in considerable financial trouble and Frederick Sander’s health was failing. Micholitz retired to Saxony shortly before the outbreak of the First World War. With his savings invested in government funds which became worthless after the end of the war in 1918, he lived the rest of his life in relative poverty. Micholitz’s name would be perpetuated in his many finds; Aerudes micholitzii, Phalaenopsis micholitzii, Coelogyne Memoria Wilhelm Micholitz, etc.Micholitz can perhaps best be summed up in the words of Arthur Swinson in Frederick Sander: The Orchid King, (London, 1970, p.82)-“There are few men whose spirit is conveyed powerfully in everything they write, even on the most mundane matters, and Micholitz was one of them. From these scribbled letters on poor paper, often smudged by the jungle rains, his personality emerges with astonishing clarity and force. Obviously he was a man of enormous integrity, energy and loyalty; a man of knowledge and vast experience in his chosen field. At the same time he was ill-starred and knew it; the great prizes of life would always elude him. But he struggled on with dogged courage, occasionally protesting against the arrows of misfortune, or the careless neglect of the firm of Sander & Company, but always doing his duty as he saw it.” Illustration : Portrait of Wilhelm Micholitz by Philip Adolphe Klier, Rangoon, circa 188827 cm. highProvenanceCollected by Wilhelm Micholitz (1854–1932), orchid hunter, 1885/6
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