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FOUR ITEMS TO INCLUDE ALUMINIUM STEP LADDERS A SACK TRUCK ETC

Favorite Flowers of Garden & Greenhouse, by Edward Step & William Watson, F.Warne & co, 2 Volumes - Vol.1 1896& Vol IV 1897

A Set of French Walnut and Fruitwood Library StepsLate 18th/Early 19th Centuryhaving a folding mechanism which allows the steps to flatten for storage.Open: height overall 75 x width 23 3/8 x depth 37 1/4 inches; height to tallest step 40 1/4 inches.This lot is located in Chicago.Provenance:Jeremy Ltd., London, 7 November 1994 (with invoice)Closed: height overall 79 1/2 x width 23 1/2 x depth 7 1/4 inches.Condition reports are available upon request. All lots are sold "as is," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction. The physical condition of lots can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration. Prospective buyers are strongly advised to inspect a lot personally or through a knowledgeable representative prior to bidding. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Prospective buyers must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction, and it is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that they have requested, received and considered any condition report.

A pair of step ladders and a wheeled trolley - Collection Only

2 wooden step ladders

A 7 step wooden step ladder

4 aluminium step ladders COLLECT ONLY

2 wooden step ladders

An aluminium step ladder

Pair: Marine J. H. M. Williams, Royal Marines General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland (Mne J H M Williams P038915X RM); South Atlantic 1982, with rosette (Mne 1 J H M Williams P038915X RM) the latter in named card box of issue, extremely fine (2) £800-£1,000 --- John Henry Morris Williams served with 2 Troop, K Company, 42 Commando, Royal Marines during the South Atlantic campaign. The recipient’s Personal Recollections of the campaign, including the Air Battle for San Carlos, the bombing of the Sir Galahad in Bluff Cove, and the Battle for Mount Harriet state: ‘Even though 40 years has now passed I have many vivid and rich memories from this episode of recent British history. I feel forever fortunate to have played a part, albeit small, in this gripping campaign with a wonderful group of men, both lucky and proud, to be called Royal Marines. My introduction to the rapidly unfolding Operation Corporate was dreamily surreal. I happened to be lying in the sun, on a beach in Paleocastritsa, Corfu, when a 4 day old copy of the Sun newspaper seemed to land in front of me. The headlines jumped out and hit me for six: “Royal Marines head a Task Force to recapture the Falklands from Argentinian invasion...” Suddenly my self-indulgent speculation of Mediterranean excess by both day and night was replaced with the excruciating fear that I was might miss out on this adventurous but arduous challenge, one whole hemisphere away. I ran to the Hotel, and called the 42 Commando Guard room in Bickleigh for instruction. I was deflated to be told “Carry on enjoying your vacation, they have already Sailed! But be back for Parade 08:00, Monday 12 April!” I obviously did my best to enjoy my last few days in the Ionian sun after 12 weeks in Norway, but the thought of missing out, was like an agonising tooth ache needing a serious remedy! On Monday morning, I was amongst a group of disgruntled stragglers that formed on the Parade ground of Bickleigh Barracks to await instruction. I felt nervous, and compelled to find a way to head South and rejoin K Company and my Commando unit, but sensing I had to make the right choice, if I was to find a way not to be guarding the Tors of Dartmoor for the Summer! It was promptly announced that volunteers were required; I almost stepped forward but a peculiar instinct held me back. It was just as well as these volunteers were detached to Northern Island! Then a second group of volunteers was required; for this I did step forward, and quickly informed I was to train as air defence for the Landing Ship Logistics [LSL’s] already on the way to the Falklands. What a relief I felt, as I was now heading in the right direction. Soon we were off to Salisbury plain to practice firing at model aircraft with the General Purpose Machine Gun. Then in a whirling blur we were on a plane flying via Senegal, to the Ascension Island to meet the arriving fleet. On arrival at Ascension, I was rapidly assigned with 8 others under the command of Sergeant D’Olivera to be part of the the Air Defence Team for the LSL, Sir Galahad. Soon I was making myself comfortable in my cosy berth on the Port side, adjacent to the tank deck. One of my self compelled tasks was complete, as I was in amongst this exciting gathering of men and might, on an undertaking, that seemed to have seized the collective unconscious of all involved. Some fellow Marines were still imagining that the cruise South would likely conclude as a wild “Run Ashore” in, may be, Rio De Janeiro after diplomatic negotiations removed the need for an armed conflict; so of course duly concentrated on improving their sun tans and samba dancing “Bootneck” style. Yet, for no sure reason, my subconscious was certain that a serious encounter lay ahead, and I felt the overwhelming need to be involved in this, with my Company- K Company! I soon found a way to get on a Launch to visit the Canberra. My vague plan was to persuade Captain Peter Babbington, to allow me to replace a less eager Marine, who could take over my GPMG Duties. With my friend Corporal Kevin Dale as an intermediary, I believe the suggestion was forwarded, yet the verdict retuned, that it was not possible at this moment. However, I was gently appeased by the fact I would automatically rejoin the company after the ammunition and other logistical supplies were unloaded from the Sir Galahad, and replace the early casualties. As I got on the launch to return to the very unstable, flat bottomed LSL, for the journey South, all my K Company friends crowded the rail to sing “Piss off Bungy”, while “dance-miming”, a wildly rocking boat pitching erratically, compared to a calm beer filled cruise for the lads of K Coy! It was a sparkling performance that certainly made me smile while reinforcing my desire to soon be back surrounded by their mighty humour! Anyway for now I would have to concentrate on the new world of being a GPMG gunner in a team with Jimmy Mann on a rolling bath tub of a vessel, as the “The Great White Whale” and its escorting destroyers and frigates cut effortlessly through the large South Atlantic swells. However, there was a sight one day after leaving Ascension that I should not forgot. The sun was high to the North and every last vessel of the task force was bridged with a rainbow formed from its own spray, almost like a halo, and I chose to take it as a sign of united good luck. We did watches at night- mostly to keep us busy I think- but in the day we practiced mounting our GMPG”s on their new steel poles on which they could rapidly swing and pivot through the imaginary flight paths of attacking aircraft. The Royal Marines Medical Squadron were all on board and were having daily lectures to get the up to speed for for battlefield trauma, so I would attend whenever I could! This turned out to be very important as some of the techniques I learned proved very useful later, as did my friendship with the Marines of Medical Squadron who would later assist me on my quest, when arriving at the “Red and Green Life Machine” of Ajax Bay. I cannot remember the transition from preparation, to the sure acceptance that we were truly about to commence the landing, yet there seemed to be a powerful calm that descended over everyone and in the early morning of 21 May we sailed into San Carlos Water. It was a clear night slowly that slowly became morning as we manned our guns and watched the glistening water and dark looming slopes gradually fill with the colours of dawn. Landing Craft were already inserting troops onto the nearby beaches and we waited curious, tense, and nervous waiting for the explosions of gunfire and artillery to commence. As daylight flooded San Carlos Water it was a stirring sight to see the task force anchored closely together providing mutual protection. I watched the ant like activities of soldiers on the land digging their defensive positions, while others situated the Rapier missile systems on the lower to mid slopes. Soon all of the Medical squadron were disembarked and setting up the Field Hospital in the disused slaughter house of. Ajax Bay, directly across from our anchorage. It remained eerily silent. The Sir Galahad had a Gazelle helicopter it was transporting and supporting. The pilot came for a walk around the port poop deck, where my gun was situated, to appraise the topography and get a feel for the day and the task ahead. Lieutenant Ken Francis had been my Company Second in Command in South Armagh with 41 Commando, 2 years before, and we had a quick, upbeat, yet serious, conversation about the day that possibly lay ahead. I wished him well on his upcoming mission to support the landing. Time is always a mystery...

Anglepoise lamp by Herbert Terry and Sons Redditch with two step base, model 1227, fully extended H: 93 cm. Not available for in-house P&P

A gold, emerald and diamond cluster ring, early 20th century, claw set with the rectangular step cut emerald within a surround of cushion cut diamonds, detailed '18ct', weight 4.7g, ring size approx M, with a case.Buyer’s Premium 29.4% (including VAT @ 20%) of the hammer price. Lots purchased online via the-saleroom.com will attract an additional premium of 6% (including VAT @ 20%) of the hammer price.

A gold ring, claw set with a cut cornered rectangular step cut citrine, unmarked, ring size approx N, and a pair of gold mounted cornelian earrings, unmarked, total weight 5g, together with a group of mostly silver jewellery, including a curblink charm bracelet with a heart shaped padlock clasp, a silver oval hinged bangle with engraved decoration, Birmingham 1977, and an ingot shaped pendant with a neckchain.Buyer’s Premium 29.4% (including VAT @ 20%) of the hammer price. Lots purchased online via the-saleroom.com will attract an additional premium of 6% (including VAT @ 20%) of the hammer price.

A 9ct gold ring, claw set with a rectangular step cut tanzanite between treated blue diamond set shoulders, Birmingham 2012, weight 2.3g, ring size approx U1/2, with a certificate card.Buyer’s Premium 29.4% (including VAT @ 20%) of the hammer price. Lots purchased online via the-saleroom.com will attract an additional premium of 6% (including VAT @ 20%) of the hammer price.

A 9ct gold, pale green and colourless gem set square cluster ring, ring size approx O, a 9ct gold ring, claw set with two oval opals (the third opal lacking), total weight 6g, and a gold and smoky quartz solitaire ring, claw set with a rectangular step cut smoky quartz, unmarked, weight 4.5g.Buyer’s Premium 29.4% (including VAT @ 20%) of the hammer price. Lots purchased online via the-saleroom.com will attract an additional premium of 6% (including VAT @ 20%) of the hammer price.

Pair of hollow clear moulded glass figures: 'Punch and Judy', on circular step bases with moulded anchor marks to the inset. 16cm high approx. (2) (B.P. 21% + VAT) No obvious damage noted.

AN ASSORTMENT OF ITEMS TO INCLUDE A WOODEN STEP LADDER, A FOOT STOOL AND A COAT RACK ETC

TWO VINTAGE WOODEN STEP LADDERS

A VINTAGE FOUR RUNG WOODEN STEP LADDER AND A BARREL STYLE WATER FEATURE

AN ASSORTMENT OF TOOLS TO INCLUDE A TWO RUNG ALUMINIUM STEP LADDER AND A FOOT PUMP ETC

AN ASSORTMENT OF ITEMS TO INCLUDE A FOUR RUNG ALUMINIUM STEP LADDER, A BOSCH PRESSURE WASHER AND A HOSE REEL ETC

AN ASSORTMENT OF ITEMS TO INCLUDE A BLACK AND DECKER ELECTRIC CHAINSAW, A FUEL CAN AND A STEP LADDER ETC

A VINTAGE FIVE RUNG WOODEN STEP LADDER

A FIVE RUNG TUBULAR METAL STEP LADDER

AN ALUMINIUM FIVE RUNG STEP LADDER AND A FURTHER THREE RUNG VINTAGE WOODEN STEP LADDER

A RETRO ORANGE FOLDING KITCHEN STEP STOOL

Four step aluminium stepladders. Not available for in-house P&P

ALBERT VII: (1559-1621) Archduke of Austria who served as Sovereign of the Habsburg Netherlands with his wife Isabella Clara Eugenia from 1598-1621, and as Viceroy of Portugal 1583-93 and, briefly, as Archduke of Lower and Upper Austria from March-October 1619. An interesting L.S., Alberto, one page, large folio, Brussels, 22nd December 1605, in French. The manuscript letter is addressed to all of the lieutenants, governors, colonels, captains and men of war, provosts, mayors, aldermen and other justices, officers and subjects who may have cause to read it, and is a commission for Pierre Launay, an archer of the guard, to lead the tercio of Don Pedro Carmiento (?), lately arrived from England, asking that they be allowed free passage 'et le chemin accomodes de vivres et aultres choses necessaires pour leur meilleur passaige, Et enchargeons aud. Archier de tenir la main vers le Me de camp, Capnes et officiers dud. Tercio de faire vivre leurs gens en bon ordre et discipline militaire, et faire de sorte quilz se contentent raisonnablem. des viandes ordinaires que les subiectz auront en leur maison, sans leur demander ou les contraindre d'aller cercher du pain blancq, vin, poisson, chair de mouton, de veau et semblables boissons et viandes extraordinaires' (Translation: 'and the route accommodated with provisions and other things necessary for their better passage, and charge the said archer to join with the master of camp, captains and officers of the said tercio to make their people live in good order and military discipline, and to do so that they are reasonably content with the ordinary meats that the subjects will have in their house, without asking them or forcing them to go and get white bread, wine, fish, meat of mutton, veal and similar drinks and extraordinary meats') and also advising that the archer will notify the governor or principal officer of the province in advance of their arrival. With the small remnants of the affixed seal. Some extensive, small holes to the text and some splitting at the folds, slightly affecting the text and signature. FR The tercio military units of the Spanish Army, active during the reign of the Spanish Habsburgs in the early modern period, were renowned for the effectiveness of their battlefield formations and provided a crucial step in the formation of modern European armies. 

 [CATHERINE DE' MEDICI]: (1519-1589) French and Italian noblewoman, Queen of France 1547-59 by her marriage to King Henry II. A good, historic A.L.S., Loise de bretaigne, by Louise de Bretagne (d.1602; Baroness of Castelnau and of Clermont-Lodeve, one of the ladies of honour who accompanied Elisabeth of Valois to Spain for the festivities following her marriage to King Philip II), three pages, folio, Toledo, Second Day of Lent [15th February?] 1561, to Catherine de' Medici, in French. Louise de Bretagne sends news to the Queen on a variety of events including Elisabeth of Valois's recovery from small-pox, the death of Francois II and Queen Mary's return to Scotland, in part, 'Madam, the health of the queen your daughter grows better and better since I wrote to you; because two days after I sent you the last despatch they made her take a little medicine to finish purging her, which has done her so much good that she has no ailment in the world since……It is now several days since she complained of anything; and the day before yesterday, which was Shrove Tuesday, she went to dine in the garden, by order of the doctors…..I fomented her with milk and saffron, and was obliged then and there to give her a clyster…..the doctors have bidden her to begin every meal with Prunes from Tours…..which makes me beg of you, Madam, to send us some of them by every courier. They have ordered her a bath today to make her menses come on, the date of passing we had noted, the ninth of this month…..Her face is quite free of crusts now, and we wash it every day with asses milk; and yesterday we began to anoint her nose with balm, where she has some pits. I hope the balm will make them disappear. The reason for these is that when she got the small-pox she had a cold and blew her nose so much that the pustules got broken. She is much freer of the migraine than she used to be, but I am in great need of marjoram seeds……the season for sowing them here has passed, and it is not possible to get any more. The King has not come to sleep with her yet, for which I am very glad for she is not quite well enough…..The Prince [Don Carlos] has his fever again rather badly, the cause being I think the great army which they say the Turks are preparing to bring this summer to Goletta [Tunis]……From the last couriers who came…..there is much comment here about the story that the funeral of the late King [Francis II] was conducted with one little candle, which is thought very strange. It is also said for about a fortnight, that Monsieur the Cardinal of Lorraine is going to Metz after Easter, and Queen Mary either to Joinville or to Scotland……Our Lenten services last five hours every morning, and they do not finish until between one and two, which makes fasting easier for us. The Queen your daughter is dispensed from it this Lent on account of her illness and eats meat. They make no difficulty about it. However, none of the Frenchwomen eat it except her and mademoiselle, who is very well. We are told here that she is soon to be married. They are very anxious to know the truth about it, for the King is resolved to make her a very handsome present…..You will be informed of everything. At present I know of nothing more except that all are very well at this court and very glad at the power you have, and greatly wish that it may last long…..' With the address panel to the verso of the final page, 'A La Raine, ma souveraine daime'. Loosely contained within a dark brown morocco presentation folder (slight wear and damage to the inside) with gilt decorations to the borders of the interior and exterior and with a gilt stamped title to the front Louise de Bretagne - Letter to Catherine de Medicis relative to the Queens of Spain & of Scotland 1561. Also included are a series of interesting typed research notes and a French transcript and English translation of the letter, apparently prepared for (or by) Frank Lester Pleadwell (1872-1957) American physician and autograph collector. A letter of fascinating content, including intimate details from within the Royal court. Neatly inlaid and with some minor slits and a small area of paper loss to the left edge as a result of the letter having originally been tied with ribbon. About VG A remarkable, intimate letter relating to Elisabeth of Valois, Queen of Spain, who was recovering from small-pox, the death of Francis II, and Queen Mary's return to Scotland. Elisabeth, the daughter of Henry II of France and Catherine de' Medici, was born at Fontainebleau in 1545. Henry VIII was her Godfather and she was at first destined to be the wife of Edward VI, who had previously, by Treaty, been engaged to marry Mary, Queen of Scots. Edward's death, in 1553, put an end to this project, and a marriage was then arranged between her and Don Carlos, the son of Philip II of Spain. Philip's wife, Mary I, died in 1558, and in the year following he himself married Elisabeth, ignoring the engagement to his son, to whom Elisabeth appears to have been attached. The marriage was an unhappy one. The bride was not yet fifteen years of age and had been brought up with every care in a refined and luxurious Court. Philip, although only thirty-two years old, was morose and severe. The marriage took place (by proxy) in the Church of Notre Dame at Paris in June 1559, Philip being represented by Ferdinand de Toledo, Duke of Alba. Elisabeth first met her husband in the following year, on 2nd February 1560, at Guadalaxara, but the meeting was unfortunate. She died in October 1568, and the cause of her death was not without suspicion, especially as her former lover, Don Carlos, had died under very suspicious circumstances just a few months earlier.  Francis II, whose funeral is mentioned in the present letter, had died on 5th December 1560, and the occasion was perhaps the most important event in the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, when her power and prospects in France were shattered in one blow, and her life-long enemy Catherine de' Medici again placed in a position of authority. Hence forward the struggles between Catherine and the Guises went more in her favour since she possessed absolute power over her young son, Charles IX, who succeeded to the throne, and usurped complete control of the Kingdom.  The forecast given in the present letter regarding Queen Mary's future movements proved correct. Mary, who had lived in complete seclusion since her husband's death, spent Easter at Rheims and then set out to Joinville to visit her grandmother, Antoinette de Bourbon, dowager Duchess of Guise. Thence she returned to Rheims and spent some weeks in seclusion in the Convent of St. Pierre with the Abbess, her aunt, Renee de Lorraine. Finally, she went to Paris where she stayed until July, when she set out for Scotland. At the time when the present letter was written, early in 1561, great endeavours were being made by Mary's relatives to bring about a marriage between her and Don Carlos, a scheme very nearly concluded, in which case she would have become a step-daughter-in-law of Elisabeth, Queen of Spain, who was still supposed to be in love with her stepson herself. This scheme was strongly opposed by Catherine de' Medici, who wanted Don Carlos to marry her younger daughter, Margaret, who is referred to in the present letter as 'Madame your little daughter' Louise de Bretagne was one of the maids-of-honour who accompanied Elisabeth to Spain. The 'mademoiselle' of the letter was another maid-of-honour, Anne de Bourbon Montpensier.  

MOULIN JEAN: (1899-1943) French civil servant who served as the first President of the National Council of the Resistance during World War II and is remembered as one of the main heroes of the French Resistance. A rare, brief World War II date A.N.S., Jean Moulin, to one side of his printed correspondence card as Prefect of the Eure-et-Loir department, n.p. (Chartres?), 9th January 1940, to a friend, in French. Moulin writes, in full, 'Entendu, cher ami, je fais une nouvelle demarche' (Translation: 'Understood, dear friend, I'm taking a new step'). With a pencil annotation and date in an unidentified hand to the lower left corner. Some light ink brushing to the text and signature and with a paperclip rust stain to the upper left corner, about VG 

‘People who have a bad conscience are very inconvenient! If they absolutely need to slander us, let us tell them a few little amorous intrigues, they will entertain us more than them, because their spite depends on us’ FOUCHE JOSEPH: (1759-1820) 1st Duc d'Otrante, 1st Comte Fouche. French statesman and revolutionary, a subordinate of Napoleon Bonaparte who served as Minister of Police 1799-1810, March-June & July-September 1815. A good A.L.S., Le duc d'Otr[ante], two pages, 8vo, n.p., 10th May n.y., to an unidentified friend, in French. Fouche states that he has not received the details which his correspondent referred to in their last letter, adding 'ils me sont cependant necessaires avant de hasarder une demarche solennelle' (Translation: 'They are however necessary to me before risking a solemn step') remarking that he has very little to add to what Miss. R. has already written, and further stating 'Nous sommes tres disposes a visiter la Suisse pour y prendre l'air et les eaux avec vous, mais nous vivons dans  un temps ou l'on mele la politique a tout, ou les choses les plus simples paraissent graves; on ne croit plus aux purs sentiments de l'amitie. Nous sommes forces de nous imposer la plus grande reserve: toutefois nous esperons qu'on ne verra dans mes projets de reunion loin de la France que le desir de nous fixer dans un pais tranquille' (Translation: 'We are very willing to visit Switzerland to take in the air and the waters with you, but we live in a time where politics is mixed up in everything, where the simplest things seem serious; we no longer believe in the pure feelings of friendship. We are forced to impose the greatest reserve on ourselves: however, we hope that my plans for a reunion far from France will be seen only as a desire to settle in a peaceful country). Fouche also explains that he hasn't been able to write to Mr. St Albin yet, remarking 'J'aurois beaucoup de regret qu'il eprouvait la moindre contrariete par rapport a nous. Dites-lui que nous nous confions a sa prudence, il connoit mieux que nous l'etat actuel des choses. Il me semble que ceux qui ont voulu notre eloignement doivent se feliciter de notre resolution, a moins que ce qui fait les douceurs de notre vie ne fasse le tourment de la leur. Les gens qui ont mauvaise conscience sont bien incommodes! S'ils ont absolument besoin de nous calomnier donnons leur a conter quelques petites intrigues amoureuses, elles nous divertiront plus qu'eux, car leur depit depend de nous. N'est-ce donc pas assez d'offre notre resignation a nos Ennemis? Faut-il leur souhaiter des succes? Ce serait un effort au-dessus de coeur humain et peut-etre un voeu contraire aux interets de notre patrie'. (Translation: 'I would be very sorry if he felt the slightest annoyance with us. Tell him that we entrust ourselves to his prudence, he knows the current state of affairs better than we do. It seems to me that those who wanted our removal should be pleased with our resolution, unless what makes the sweetness of our life does the torment of theirs. People who have a bad conscience are very inconvenient! If they absolutely need to slander us, let us tell them a few little amorous intrigues, they will entertain us more than them, because their spite depends on us. Isn't it enough to offer our resignation to our Enemies? Should we wish them success? It would be an effort beyond the human heart and perhaps a wish contrary to the interests of our country'). A letter of good content. Some very light, minor age wear, VG 

Dolomieu’s manuscript notes on the essence of geological research –‘Errors experienced prevent the mind from dealing with new research: we think we know and this is the greatest obstacle to really knowing’  DOLOMIEU DEODAT GRATET DE: (1750-1801) French geologist after whom the mineral and the rock dolomite were named. A supporter of Napoleon Bonaparte during the French Revolution, Dolomieu was captured and held as a prisoner of war in Italy from 1799. Following Napoleon's successful invasion of Italy, one of the terms dictated by him in the peace treaty of Florence in March 1801 was the immediate release of Dolomieu. An extremely rare autograph manuscript signed, with his initials G D D, two pages, 12mo (6.5 x 9.5 cm), n.p., n.d., in French. Dolomieu's manuscript notes, comprising thirty-seven lines written in a small, although perfectly legible, hand is entitled 'Les Erreurs reconnues sont des verites acquises' (Translation: 'The errors recognised are the truths acquired') and states, in part, 'et leur decouverte est d'autant plus utile qu'elles ont été de nature à séduire beaucoup de gens. Les erreurs vécues empechent l'esprit de s'occuper de nouvelles recherches: on croit savoir et c'est le plus grand obstacle a savoir reellement…….La verite recherchee par les hommes est comme le feu qu'ils produisent avec des matieres combustibles; plus elle s'etend, plus elle a de tendance a s'etendre de nouveau. On fait un pas vers la decouverte de la cause d'un phenomene quelconque lorsque l'on trouve que les causes auxquelles on l´attribuait n'ont aucun rapport avec lui. Comme il n'y a point d'effets sans causes, lorsqu'on decouvre un plus grand nombre de faits qui, quoique contemporain d'un phenomene, n'ont point de rapports avec lui, on se rapproche de la connaissance de la cause qui pourra l'expliquer. Cette methode d'approche de la verite, qu'on peut dire negative et d'exclusion peut reussir finalement quoiqu'elle puisse etre longue. Mais elle est essentielle a employer surtout dans les recherches geologiques' (Translation: 'and their discovery is all the more useful in that they have been of a nature to seduce many people. Errors experienced prevent the mind from dealing with new research: we think we know and this is the greatest obstacle to really knowing…….The truth sought by men is like the fire they produce with combustible materials; the more it expands, the more it tends to expand again. One takes a step toward discovering the cause of any phenomenon when one finds that the causes to which it was attributed have no connection with it. As there are no effects without causes, when we discover a greater number of facts which, although contemporaneous with a phenomenon, have no connection with it, we come closer to knowing the cause that can explain it. This method of approaching the truth, which can be said to be negative and of exclusion, can ultimately succeed, although it may take a long time. But it is essential to use especially in geological research'). An interesting and important text. Some very light, minor foxing and age wear, otherwise VGThe text of Dolomieu’s manuscript originates from a scientific work published in 1778-79 by Jean-Andre Deluc (1727-1817) Swiss geologist, natural philosopher and meteorologist who devised measuring instruments. Deluc’s father was a supporter of Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Jean-Andre also wrote of conversations he had experienced with Voltaire and Rousseau in an essay on the General Principle of Mortality which he had published in 1798.   

Shaw offers a masterful lesson in writing –‘It is not enough for you to cut a slice of life – anyone can do that who can write or imagine at all – you must eat the slice, digest it, & build it up into a living organism. That’s the meaning of creation in art’  SHAW GEORGE BERNARD: (1856-1950) Irish playwright, Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1925. An exceptional A.L.S., G. Bernard Shaw, two pages, 8vo, written to the first and last pages, Fitzroy Square, London, 1st February 1895, to [William] Heinemann. Shaw commences his interesting letter stating 'You have no doubt seen how ruthlessly I have used you and [Sydney] Olivier & your play & his play to feed the flame that must eventually consume the censor. Why on earth did you suddenly drop bang into a mere kodaking of blackguardism? You can't have started with that idea' and continues to observe 'However, you were in a certain way right; for in those scenes in the last two acts your imaginative grip closed unmistakeably on your material & realized it forcibly. But I protest against the honors of tragedy being given to a squalid little business like that. Why not compress these three acts into one act - or rather prologue - positing the problem of a young woman who has married a man whom she believes to be a genius and is left disillusioned at the end with life before her - that is, with the play before her? That is what you have really struck out, and this calling the first step of it “a dramatic moment”, and stitching it up in green covers at [John] Lane's is all nonsense - a selling of your birthright. What the audience want to know is how the woman got out of it - what the solution of the problem is', further offering his typically forthright advice, 'It is not enough for you to cut a slice of life - anyone can do that who can write or imagine at all - you must eat the slice, digest it, & build it up into a living organism. That's the meaning of creation in art. If you doubt me, ask “her whose interest & enthusiasm inspired this effort”, and if she is the right sort of woman, as I hope with all my heart for your sake she is, she will say yes and tell you that you must follow The First Step to the end of the journey. Outside the most lighthearted comedy, there must be no happy endings; but there must be no unhappy endings at all: there must be great endings, or hopeful, or right endings; but happiness & unhappiness are the positive & negative ends of life only with fools. Plenty of people are giving up the happy ending only to substitute the negative for the positive form of it & offer unhappy endings, which are equally unconvincing & much less pleasant'. Shaw concludes his letter making a reference to his own work, 'My play is not typed yet. When it is, you shall read it if I can get a copy disengaged before it reaches the stage, concerning which, by the way, nothing is yet settled'. A letter of magnificent literary content in which Shaw provides a masterful lesson in writing and offers his opinions on the difference between a true playwright and a gifted amateur. Some light overall age toning and a few light, minor creases, about VGWilliam Heinemann (1863-1920) English publisher, the founder of the Heinemann publishing house in London which represented authors including H. G. Wells, Robert Louis Stevenson and Rudyard Kipling. Heinemann's 'modern' play The First Step: A Dramatic Moment, discussed in the present letter, was published by John Lane in 1895 and in a note within the publication the author observes that it was not his objective to write anything that 'would satisfy the usual requirements of a stage play….but simply to snatch one dramatic moment out of a story of today'. From 1895-98 Shaw was the theatre critic for The Saturday Review and the opening lines of the present letter evidently refer to a review of The First Step which Shaw had published.Sydney Olivier (1859-1943) 1st Baron Olivier. British civil servant, a Fabian and member of the Labour Party. Olivier was recognised as one of the 'Big Four' within the Fabian movement in London, alongside Shaw, Sidney Webb and Graham Wallas. The uncle of actor Laurence Olivier, Sydney Olivier was a writer throughout his life, attempting poetry although faring better with a few plays, which were first performed at the Fabian Society, and a Fabian paper on Emile Zola (1890).Shaw was working on two plays in 1895, The Man of Destiny, set in Italy during the early career of Napoleon, and the four-act play You Never Can Tell, although neither were performed or published until several years later.  

A natural pearl necklace with emerald and diamond set clasp, the graduated strand of pearls terminating in step-cut emerald and rose-cut diamond cluster clasp, length 45.5cm. £1,200-£1,500 --- Accompanied by a report from The Gem & Pearl Laboratory stating that the pearls are natural saltwater. Report number 22202, dated 4 October 2022. Condition Report The pearls are off round to semi-baroque in shape, with moderate to heavy surface blemishes throughout. Fair lustre with some pearls displaying pinkish/green overtones. Recently restrung. The emerald is a medium green hue with some very minor nicks to the facet edges, and inclusions typical to the nature of the stone (observed under magnification). The diamonds are bright and lively. Viewing advised. Gross weight 13gm.

A late 19th century Colombian emerald five stone ring, the graduating row of step-cut emeralds within gallery mount of carved scroll design, mounted in gold, ring size M½. 1,000-£1,500 --- According to a verbal report from GCS, the emeralds are of Colombian origin, with indications of minor clarity enhancement. Verbal report number 5783-1460. Condition Report The emeralds are well matched in colour. All with surface wear and abrasions. Ring mount resized to the inside back of shank, Lightly scratched numerals ‘1945’ to inside shoulder. Gross weight 4.2gm.

An emerald and diamond ring, the cut-cornered step-cut emerald between trios of brilliant-cut diamonds, stamped ‘18&PT’, ring size N. £200-£300 --- Condition Report The emerald is good colour and bright, with one small feather inclusion visible with magnification, a small chip to corner and some nibbling of facet edges. The diamonds are bright and lively, total diamond weight approximately 0.18 carat. Mount shows general light surface wear. Gross weight 2.5gm.

A blue topaz and diamond ring, the step-cut topaz set between trios of bezel-set brilliant-cut diamonds, to tapered band, stamped ‘750’, total diamond weight approximately 0.06 carat, ring size M½. £300-£400 --- Condition Report General light surface wear to the mount and settings commensurate with use. The topaz is a pale yet vibrant blue hue with excellent transparency . The diamonds bright and lively. Gross weight 5.9gm.

Hornby China 00 Gauge Steam Locomotives and Tenders, R2344B BR black weathered Class Q1 33020, some step damage to Loco and Tender, small glue mark under one cab window, R2187 BR green Class 9F 92220 'Evening Star' and R2339 LNER blue Class A4 4468 'Mallard', all in original boxes, F-VG, boxes G-VG (3)

FUNK / SOUL - 7" PACK. A groovy pack of 7 x 7". Artists/ Titles include Joyce Jones - Help Me Make Up My Mind (S-10001 - Ex), Ruby Johnson - Weak Spot (V-133), The Revelons - I Fell In Love (With the Wrong Guy) (VRC-116), Sterling Harrison - Working On Your Heart (VIM511), The Lewis Sisters - You Need Me (V.I.P.-25024), Bobby Parker - Watch Your Step and Bobby Peterson Quintet - One Day (221). The condition is generally Ex to Ex+ with a few records falling slightly below this.

Barbara Peirson, British b.1957 - Step by Step, 2014; oil on cardboard, signed, titled and dated lower edge of the backing board, 'Step by Step, Barbara Peirson, 2014', 19.5 x 24 cm (ARR) Provenance:the Collection of an Important Patron of British Art 

19th Century mahogany library step/ commode, with leather inset stepsSplits to boards on steps and showing in leather. Needs good clean polish and steps consolidating.

An emerald and diamond ring, the rectangular step cut emerald flanked by brilliant cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 0.30carats, in platinum mount and shank, ring size Q, 3.7g gross.

Two aluminium step ladders, two tier step up and a Black & Decker handy jack (4)

A modern white folding step stool

Small folding stool and a two tier step up

A vintage weathered/scrubbed pine 'A' framed folding decorators step ladder, 230 cm high (to be sold for display purposes only), together with a rustic wooden seven rung ladder, 230 cm (2)

Two metal folding step ladders

A Lyte metal folding seven step ladder

A Abru aluminium folding seven step ladder

Two metal two step folding steps

An emerald and diamond three stone Ring, the central octagonal step cut emerald, approx 1.2ct, with a brilliant cut diamond on either side, one approx 0.8ct, the other 0.75, assessed as clarity SI1/2 with a colour range approx. J/K/L, all claw set in platinum on a narrow plain shank, Size O, total weight 4.2g.

Jones's Patent - early 20th century pine library or shop step ladder, five tread, with patent lattice work mechanism, stamped with maker, serial number and dated 1919Dimensions: Height: 130cm  Length/Width: 40cm 

A pair of wooden step ladders.

Aquamarine and diamond 18ct white gold halo ring, the square step cut aquamarine measuring approx 6mm x 6mm, small round brilliant cut diamond surround and halo surround, pavé set with millegrain edging, size of head approx 16mm x 16.5mm, diamond set shoulders, ring size N

Pair of amethyst 9ct gold earrings, the square mixed step cut amethyst measuring approx 4.5mm x 4.5mm, flush set, matt and polished gold surround, post ear fittings, length approx 13mm

A modern Oak Furniture Land style TV cabinet, open aperture over a single drawer, next to a glazed hinged door, on bracket feet, 121cm x 60cm x 50cm, together with a pair of bedside cabinets, containing three drawers, and a Reebok step exerciser (4)

An 18 Carat White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, the square step-cut sapphire flanked by round brilliant cut diamonds in claw and crimped settings, to a tapered shoulder plain polished shank, finger size N1/2Gross weight 5.8 grams.

Various Early 19th Century and Later Glass, cut and pressed, to include: a pair of cut glass pepperettes with step cut bases, two George III cut glass salts with lemon squeezer bases, two George III pepperettes with plated tops (worn), decanters (some stoppers lacking), condiments, rinsers etc. (two trays)

A two rung step ladder, white.

An aluminium extendable six rung step ladder.