PERSONALIA

NEW  STOCK  OF MANUSCRIPTS, MINIATURES, PHOTOGRAPHS, MEDALS, AND MOURNING JEWELLERY

DIARIES, JOURNALS,
AND  OTHER MANUSCRIPTS

UNPUBLISHED LIFE OF Col. GEORGE EDWARD PRATT BARLOW

There is another side however to the life of Colonel Pratt Barlow. In India Colonel Barlow was appointed aide-de-campe to the governor-general, his cousin, Sir George Hilaro Barlow (1763–1846), a position which took him into the heart of the governor’s household. Here he befriended the lively and beautiful Lady Elizabeth Barlow, fifteen years his senior. They became inseparable, and an affair ensued leading to the birth of an illegitimate child (Frederick) in 1811, and finally a divorce in 1816. Inevitably the scandal leaked out to The Times when the case came before the King’s Bench in London. Colonel Barlow supported the former “Lady” Barlow by setting up home with her in Kensington, where they lived together until her death in 1836 (See Stephen Taylor Storm & Conquest, Faber & Faber 2007).

COMMISSION SIGNED BY SIR JOHN BARROW

CHAMBERLAIN, William Charles (1818-1878), Rear-admiral. Commission to Mr W.C Chamberlain as Mate of Her Majesty’s Steam Vessel Stromboli, 10th September 1840, printed with manuscript insertions on parchment sheet (11 x 13 inches), with the autograph signature of John Barrow. With folds, but otherwise in extremely fine condition.

LECTURE NOTES OF JOHN FLAXMAN

FLAXMAN, John (1755–1826), sculptor, decorative designer, and illustrator. Autograph manuscript lecture notes with corrections, signed, 2 sides, folio plus integral blank.On the first side Flaxman draws attention to the “beautiful & striking” windows of New College, Oxford, questioning why such work has not been followed in London, and while he draws attention to the Crucifixion in the east windows of St Margaret’s Westminster, comments on “how much more beautiful & admirable is the Nativity from Sir J.R’s painting in New College Chapel …….. it may surely be pronounced one of the finest decorations of our Island”, and why nothing worthy of notice has appeared in the Metropolis since the St Margaret’s Crucifixion “among a people who profess to love the fine Arts, who subscribed so many Thousands of Pounds to form a Gallery of Pictures, from Shakespeare, who are never backward in giving towards any great & useful work who will over subscribe 100s at a time to build & decorate a Theatre”.

Flaxman was appointed the first professor of sculpture at the Royal Academy in 1810, and although his lectures were criticized by contemporaries for their gravity and scholarly earnestness, they reveal how important he considered British monumental sculpture in the history of artistic commemoration. He was wary of promoting his ideas in public and his lectures on sculpture were not published until after his death in 1829.(ODNB)

MITCHELL, Sir Andrew (1708–1771), diplomatist. Manuscript Bill submitted and signed by Sir Andrew Mitchell, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the King of Prussia, detailing expenses of £150, countersigned Rochford, 1 side folio, Whitehall 19^th May 1769.

Sir Andrew Mitchell (1708–1771) was the most successful British representative in Berlin during the eighteenth century, notable in particular for developing a friendship with Frederick the Great, and cementing the Anglo-Prussian partnership during the early years of the Seven Years' War. Relations deteriorated in the 1760s, and during this final decade of his life, Mitchell enjoyed the company of the wide circle of academic and literary friends he had built up in Berlin, and retained the respect and grudging friendship of the king. (ODNB)

William Henry van Nassau van Zuylestein,, fourth earl of Rochford (1717–1781), was an effective diplomatist and politician. Following appointments as ambassador to Spain 1763-1766 and ambassador to Paris 1766-1768, he was named secretary of state for the northern department on 21 October 1768. Foreign diplomats in London found Rochford more accessible and better informed than his predecessors, while British diplomats abroad were relieved and delighted to be instructed by an experienced former ambassador. As northern secretary (1768–70) Rochford was particularly scrupulous in his conduct of the routine correspondence and gave more coherence to British foreign policy than had been evident during the Chatham administration. (ODNB).

AUTOGRAPH  LETTERS

 

BEAN, William (1787-1866) geologist and conchologist. Autograph letter signed to Edward Charlesworth Esq, 3 North Buildings, Finsbury Circus, London, 2 sides 4to, Scarborough; 3 April 1836, with integral blank bearing the address and a circular Scarborough postmarks in black and in red. Paper creased with some repairs. Regretting that he has “made no more discoveries at the Crag Bed at Bridlington, it seems to be guarded with "miser care" and I anxiously wait for some high Tides or other fortunate occurrence that may make me acquainted with more than the surface which is all that I have up to the present time examined”…. That he has “appointed Mary Bye Agent for your Geological Periodical [The Magazine of Natural History]” which he has ordered a copy of and believes “several will be taken at Scarbro'.” With much of the year engaged in municipal and “my own private concerns” he explains that “all Scientific Pursuits have been almost neglected but I hope in a little time to contribute something to your projected work ....... Any Crag Fossils you can spare will be acceptable and I shall always have great pleasure in sending you Fossils from this neighbourhood you do not possess”. Finally he asks that upon obtaining a postal frank for letters, Charlesworth sends them on the same date of the frank “for want of this precaution the Postage of your last was considerable”.

£150

William Bean was a pioneer in the study of Yorkshire geology and amassed an extensive collection of fossils, particularly from localities around Scarborough. He also took an active part in politics in Scarborough. He sold his collection of over 15,000 specimens in 1859, the majority of which were purchased by the British Museum and the Yorkshire Philosophical Society.

His correspondent was the geologist Edward Charlesworth (1813-1893). The eldest son of the Rev John Charlesworth, he took an early interest in the Crag fossils of East Anglia, and despite studying medicine, he returned to his passion for palaeontology, and took up his first museum appointment in 1836 in the British Museum. Charlesworth’s name came to the attention of the scientific world in the period 1835-1838 following his well publicised debate with Charles Lyell on the age and nature of the Crag formations. During this time he took over the Magazine of Natural History, a journal that Bean was a contributor to, and one that Charlesworth became able to publish in with considerable freedom.

BARBADOS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CRISIS 1709

Board of Trade and the Plantations. Letter signed Stamford, Ph.Meadows, J.Pulteney and Cha.Turner to the Earl of Sunderland, 2 sides folio plus integral blank, docketed on reverse, Whitehall, January 24th 1708/9, informing Sunderland that since their letter to him of the 21st they have received a letter from Mr Crow, Governor of Barbados “wherein he aquaints us that upon his Suspending Col. Sharp, Mr Walker, and Mr Beresford from the Council, there were then but 5 of the Council resident upon the Island for whch reason he had sworn in Mr Berwick and Mr Aynsworth, so that in that respect he has pursued his Instructions ……. by the same Packet we have received the Governor’s reasons for his Suspending the said three Councillors, which reason we shall consider …. had we received this Packet sooner we had not troubled you with our Last letter”. Signs of mounting to rear blank edge. An attractive document. PHOTO

Thomas Grey, second earl of Stamford (1653/4–1720), conspirator and politician. Queen Anne dismissed Stamford from his offices in 1702, but he returned to serve as first lord of the Board of Trade from 1707 to June 1711.

Sir Philip Meadows (1626-1718), diplomat. Meadows was a skilled and experienced diplomat under Cromwell’s Protectorate. He became a commissioner for the Board of Trade in 1695 and remained in office to1715 in his eighties.

John Pulteney (d.1726), politician. MP for Hastings, commissioner of customs, and member of the Board of Trade from 1706 until 1710.

Sir Charles Turner (1666-1738), politician. Teller of the Exchequer, and Member of the Board of Trade from 1708 to 1712.

RELATIONS OF SIR RICHARD BURTON

BURTON, Catherine née BAXTER (c1725-1782). Autograph letter signed to her brother Robert Baxter Esq, Furnival’s Inn, London, 4to, 2 sides (portion of blank second leaf missing) with seal and Bishop marks, Tuam [Co. Galway] August 16 1776, admonishing her brother for not having heard from him or her nephew  "we have never had a letter from any of you or the Family at Atherstone a long time. Mr Burton & I are very uneasy & take it very ill, it is 8 or 9 months since we had the favour of a letter from any of our Relations.  Sure you have forgot we are in the land of the living.  I sopose you thought we was numberd with the Dead & their was an end of us". On local matters she reports that "the Arch Bishop has been hear 5 weeks he has shone us every civility in his power & has given us the most affect & Frendly invitation to stay in his palace till our new House is Dry & fit for me to live in ...... Dean Ryder is to be in Ireland before the 29 of September Captain Dobs being chose the chief magistrate at Carrackfergus ...." and says that "Mr. Burton will be vastly obliged to you to order 3 Hogsheads of porter for him this is the time of the year for the vessels to come from London to Galway".

£50

Catherine Baxter of Atherstone, Warwickshire married in 1763 Edmund Burton (1737-1817), curate of Toddingham, Bedfordshire. In the late 1760s Catherine, Edmund and his brother Edward moved to the west of Ireland, where Edmund was made curate of Kiltullagh Parish, which was in the patronage of Catherine's uncle John Ryder (of Nuneaton, Warwickshire), the archbishop of Tuam, Co Galway. In 1771 Edmund became archdeacon of St Mary's Cathedral, Tuam, a position he held until 1805. John Ryder died in 1775, and the archbishop was replaced by Dr Browne. The Burtons remained residents in the archbishop's Palace until their new house was completed in 1782. Catherin'e brother-in-law Edward Burton became vicar of Annaghdown, and it was his son Joseph Netterville Burton who was the father of the explorer Sir Richard Burton. Past historians incorrectly cited Edmund as Sir Richard Burton's grandfather (in fact his great-uncle).

 THE STANHOPE/SUNDERLAND MINISTRY 1717

VETERANS OF THE REVOLUTIONARY & ANGLO-AMERICAN WARS

Fanning’s correspondent and the writer of the second document was Edward Reeves Philip Mainwaring, born in Leeds 16 June 1788 the son of Edward Manwaring (both spellings found) and Elizabeth Judith Reeves. Mainwaring served as Lieutenant on the Plantagenet from 1807 to 1815, until 1812 under the command of Thomas Eyles, and thereafter under the command of Robert Lloyd, serving in the Baltic, North America and West Indies. Shortly after Fanning wrote to Mainwaring in June 1813 HMS Plantagenet experienced a narrow miss in Lynnhaven Bay (Virginia) when what was reported at the time as ‘a combustible machine called a torpedo’ went off alongside the ship – this was in fact an early version of a contact mine floating below the water’s surface. Mainwaring’s last command was as captain of the Electra in South America.

THE SIERRA LEONE COMPANY 1792

FARQUHARSON, Greg. Autograph letter signed to Thomas Carr Esq, at Eshott by Morpeth, 4to, 2 sides with integral leaf bearing address panel, postmarks and broken seal (which has torn away a small blank area), London 24th January 1792, expressing concerns at not having heard from him; informing him of plans to go to America on important personal business, and with news of possible employment “The Sierra Leone company about to settle on the Coast of Africa and I, are on some terms for me to go out Governour to that place – though I confess I am rather at a loss to know how to act ……. The accounts of the fertility of its soil are very favourable …… Were I to go – I have reason to believe – I would get 2 Companies of Soldiers from the Government ….”, together with a smaller sheet of paper, in another hand, headed Hatton Garden 3^rd March [17]92, bearing a post script “… pray wd it not be advisable the Bill shd be dismissed without costs as it may be done by consent at the Expence of 2 Guineas”, docketed “3 March 92 Copy of Thos. Meggison’s Letter (Nb. The original amongst the abn. Papers for the Slave Trade)”.

 £75

The Sierra Leone Company was formed to find settlers for the West African country of Sierra Leone. With the Company’s backing the abolitionist John Clarkson was appointed to organize the resettlement of ex-slaves who had initially been settled in Nova Scotia after the American Revolutionary War. Fifteen ships left for Sierra Leone on 15 Jan 1792 carrying 1190 free Black emigrants together with Clarkson, who upon arriving at  colony learnt he had been appointed as the new governor of the newly founded Freetown.

Thomas Carr resided at Eshott Hall, Morpeth, Northumberland, for long the ancient seat of the Carr family. He had occupied the position of High Sheriff of the county in 1778, but in 1792 the Carr dynasty collapsed, when Thomas Carr suffered financial ruin.

Thomas Meggison of Hatton Garden was an eminent London solicitor.

HERBERT, Henry, tenth earl of Pembroke and seventh earl of Montgomery (1734–1794), army officer. Autograph letter signed to Lady Wentworth, Kirby Hall, Hinxley, Leicestershire, 4to, 2 sides with integral blank bearing address, postmarks and broken seal (which has torn a small blank area), July 1st 1797, Bowood Park, 29 October 1792. A letter full of amusing observations and news, including “Sienr Gibbs plante ses choux. Should the soil of his garden suit them, the whole territory of Leather-Hall will be overcome by cabbages & I shall endeavour to cover mine in a similar manner ……. The Lord protect Bow’s pockets, & paraletick affections, for which neither French nor English Female Quality are good medicines. O’Dorman sounds somewhat King’s Placeish, methinks at any rate, he has no more need of such furniture than a Dog has of a side pocket …… The forcing Miss Cotton’s neck-lace in a hot bed will not serve as an example in respect to an old marine, or an ancient Dragon any more than it would with our friend Bulkely …….. Some pleasant, lost, French are here, & with them a Dutch Physician, Ingenhausen, a very odd & extraordinary man, but a very learned & interesting one full of diverting experiments …….  Sr Willoughby, if I mistake not, is with you. Pray beg of him to ask Mr Moorcrofts what can be done to a young Philly about sevenmonths old only, but full of worms …….. The old B_ tch of all the Russias then has enveighled His Prussian Majesty up a lane into an alehouse, where she has made him drunk, knocked him down & picked his pockets …..”. Some staining and folds repaired with archival tape. Ex Collection Sir Thomas Phillipps (ms 31008).

£150

Herbert was a conscientious army officer, who had seen action on the Continent, and who carefully attended to regimental efficiency. He was devoted to horses, dogs, and beautiful women, enjoyed travelling and shooting, and was interested in music and the arts. His son Lord Herbert described him as ‘perhaps … the most unaccountable of all human beings’, while Horace Walpole was ‘not surprised at any extravagance in his Lordship's morals’. (ODNB)

His correspondent Lady Wentworth was born Mary Henley, the second daughter of Robert Henley, earl of Northington. She married firstly Edward Ligonier, Earl Ligonier of Clonmell (1740?–1782) in 1773, and following his death married Thomas Noel, second Viscount Wentworth in1788. She died at Kirkby Mallory, Leicestershire in 1814.

The Dutch physician mentioned in the letter is probably Dr Jan Ingenhaus, sometime physician in Vienna to the Holy Roma Emperor Joseph II, and a friend of Benjamin Franklin.

FROM ON BOARD THE VICTORY 1795

HILL-FLIGHT, Frederick, officer of the Royal Marines.  Autograph letter signed to Charles Cox Esq, No 20 Bartletts Buildings, Holborn, London, 4to 2sides, with integral blank and address panel bearing a curved Portsmouth mark and circular postmark, Victory, Spithead 22nd March 1795, informing Cox that he has embarked and is going to the Mediterranean "it will be necessary for me to have money to lay in my mess.  Thirty guineas will barely set one clear of England ..................... If we get the Hundred Guineas for the hundred men which Col. Bowater has promised to assist us in, you will shortly receive it, and leave you plenty of money of mine in your hands, which I shall be happy at, as I long much to see my accounts wear a new face – they have not smiled for some time – I am sorry for Wingrove, I find he is ordered to the East Indies – married men have the economy of their families much broke in upon when they go such long voyages.  Should he be  successful in Prize Money it will make him some amends". Hole to the integral blank caused by the opened seal.

£125

In 1795 HMS Victory joined the fleet in the Mediterranean under the command of Admiral Hotham, where they engaged in battle with the French off the Hyères Islands, about 25 km east of Toulon. The Victory led the attack supported by the Culloden and disabled the Alcide, but became disabled themselves under fire. The British won the battle, but the Victory and Culloden bore the worst of the casualties, amongst whom Major Frederick Hill-Flight was wounded. Nelson was present at this engagement as Commodore of the Agamemnon.

 

HUSKISSON, William (1770–1830), politician. Autograph letter signed to J.C.Herries, 4 sides 4to,  London, 20 Novr 1823, docketed, sending three communications to be transmitted to the Lords of the Treasury

"No. 1.  A Memorial from Mr. John Winder of Liverpool, praying that three kegs of Cayenne Pepper imported from Demerara, may be admitted, free of duty.....

No. 2.  A Memorial from William Bagot praying liberation from Kirkdale Gaol, & the stay of Exchequer Proceedings instituted against him; by the Board of Excise, for an infraction of the Laws regulating the Manufacture of tobacco.....

No. 3.  A letter from Mr. Saml Hope, requesting of behalf of the Liverpool Auxiliary Bible Society, that three packages containing copies of  …. Versions of the Bible, imported from India as specimens only, in the ship Princess Charlotte, may be admitted free of duty...... "

In each case Huskisson recommends their Lordships give favorable treatment to the  individual's cases.

£75

In February 1823 Huskisson became president of the Board of Trade (joining the cabinet in November) and treasurer of the navy, and at the same time his correspondent John Charles Herries (1778–1855) was appointed financial secretary of the Treasury. Huskisson’s work at the Board of Trade was hailed as central to ‘liberal toryism’ and to Britain's gradual adoption of free trade, while Herries played an important background role in the development of free-trade policies, and achieved the consolidation of the customs laws. In the same year (1823) Huskisson succeeded Canning as MP for Liverpool (ODNB).

Huskisson was the first widely-reported person in history to be fatally injured in a railway accident. On 15 September 1830 while attending the opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, he alighted from the train during a stop at Parkside and fell into the path of the oncoming Rocket engine. He died later that day.

SLAVE SHIP VOYAGE : BRISTOL TO GUINEA TO BARBADOS 

LISLE, William (born c 1707), surgeon. Autograph letter signed to his brother [Robert Lisle] 2 sides, small 4to, London, Aug 10th 1736, together with his will, 1 side plus integral blank, folio (with small marginal tears), signed and sealed, with the witness signatures of Anne Gerhard and W.Tyndale, 10th August 1736. The two items still joined by an original pin. In his letter William opens with reference to his brother's ill state of health "which I believe is wholly occasioned by your sedentary course of life & intense thinking" and goes on to discuss his plans "I should have been very glad to have settled in the Country had not my unfortunate Misconduct reduced my circumstances to such a state as to require such desperate adventures .......... I sett out to Morrow  for Bristol to go Surgeon in the Ship Queen Eliz Char:...... to Guinea & Barbadoes. I have 4 x Mens Wages and 1 Shill for every Slave.....". His letter goes on to explain his meagre finances, his enclosed will (leaving his estate to his brother), his hopes for returning to England, and he recommends physicians who may be able to help his brother's condition . PHOTO

The two items £250

William Lisle was born about 1707 at Weldon in Northumberland, one of four children of Robert Lisle (1662-1719) and Margaret Brown. His brother Robert (1704-1779) the eldest child also born in Weldon, was the sole named beneficiary and executor of the will, which was clearly drawn up as a precautionary measure upon undertaking a long voyage. Lisle's planned voyage was on the "triangular trade" route, on which goods were typically transported from Bristol to the West African coast (in this case Guinea), where they were exchanged for slaves, who in turn were transported on the "middle passage" to the Caribbean and exchanged for sugar which was shipped back to England. 

PHILIP MILLER AND PETER COLLINSON

MILLER, Philip (1691–1771), horticulturist and writer. Incomplete autograph letter signed to Peter Collinson, at the Red Lyon in Grace Church Street, London, with at the foot, Collinson's autograph forwarding notes to another un-named correspondent, 1 side 4to, Chelsea Nov 7th 1746. Regarding coniferous trees and shrubs, Miller writes "….. Mr Rand that the Cones were sent to the Bishop from America [had] the different smell of the Virginia Cedars ........... which has much Stronger scent than either of these, the ----- of which is commonly sold for the tree Savin [Juniper], a large tree of this is growing at Cashioberry [Cassioberry, Hertfordshire]. The Sumack with winged leaves is an inhabitant of our gardens........ It was formerly growing at Fulham and was [in] Pluckenets collections. Mr Catesby also sends seeds of this sort over [in] 1724, when we raised several plants from it at Chelsea, which were [also] killed the same year 1728/9."

Collinson comments that "The reason P.M. takes notice of the Pines of Mr Lethieu[llier] is in the first place that he used to call them Cluster pines. In the next is - that I produced from this tree Cones of 3 different yea[r’s] growth on the same branch unshed – in opposition his notion of all being shed the first year.....Wee have raised some winged leaved Sumack from thy last seeds pray send more for it is all lost before in our garden..... Thou will find P.Millar has not understood thy Letter wch may deserve thy cordial notice – for Phil is a very worthy Man but is apt to be a little too Posit[ive]."

Right hand margin frayed (with some text loss) and repaired, plus some transparent repair tape to blank reverse. Extremely rare, combining in one item observations by England's two foremost horticulturalists/botanists of the mid 18th century.

£400

Philip Miller was the most distinguished and influential British gardener of the eighteenth century, under whose charge (from 1722 to 1770) the Chelsea Physic Garden of the Society of Apothecaries of London came to excel above all others in Europe. His work necessitated the continuous introduction of new plants, achieved by a wide correspondence at home and abroad. 'Mr Rand', mentioned in the letter, was the botanist Isaac Rand (1674-1743) and former director of the Chelsea Garden. 'Pluckenets' collection refers to the extensive collection of the botanist Leonard Plukenet (bap. 1642, d. 1706), which he published in four huge volumes between 1691 and 1705. 'Mr Catesby' is the naturalist Mark Catesby (1683-1749) who undertook pioneering natural history work in America (supported by Peter Collinson), sending back large quantities of biological material to his English subscribers.(ODNB)

Miller's correspondent was the botanist Peter Collinson (1694–1768), whose greatest contributions to horticulture developed through his friendship with John Bartram, the father of American botany, with whom he established a scheme whereby Bartram supplied seeds and seedlings to British patrons in return for an annual subscription. He developed close friendships with other horticulturalists and naturalists, including Philip Miller, Mark Catesby and Smart Lethieullier (1701-1760).

NASMYTH, James Hall (1808–1890), mechanical engineer. Autograph letter signed to Cundell, 8vo, 1 side plus integral blank, Penhurst, Kent, Oct 31st 1882, expressing his grief that he is "not to be able to be present and pay my last sad tribute to the remains of the Dear departed "most worthy Master"! It must be some consolation to all whom he was so Dear that he departed without Pain after his long and happy and admirable life. We shall never meet with his like again".

£80

Nasmyth's letter refers to the death of George Cundell (1798-1882), a scientist, pioneering photographer and politician, and is possibly addressed to one of Cundell's surviving brothers. Nasmyth refers fondly to Cundell in his 'autobiography' compiled by Samuel Smiles in 1883: 'Among my most intelligent private friends in London were George Cundell and his two brothers. They resided near my lodgings, and I often visited them on Saturday evenings. They were most kind, gentle, and genial ....... George was agent for Mr. Patrick Maxwell Stuart in connection with his West India estates ........ My special friend George was known amongst us as "the worthy master." He was thoroughly versed in general science, and was moreover a keen politician. He had the most happy faculty of treating complex subjects, both in science and politics, in a thoroughly common-sense manner ........ With companions such as these, gi ith a variety of tastes, I spent many of my Saturday evenings most pleasantly and profitably. They were generally concluded with a glass of beer of "the worthy master's" own brewing.'
 

PARRY, Sir (William) Edward (1790–1855), naval officer and Arctic explorer. Autograph letter signed to Lady Palgrave, 8vo, 2 sides, Haslar Hospl., Gosport, 26th May 1848, expressing pleasure that her "poor old Protégée Harriett Edwards, has at length succeeded. It is one of many piteous cases; and we rejoice to find that the Governesses' Institution, and their cause generally, are becoming popular ............. Catherine sends you her very best love. We have had a gay week here, with the Queen &c &c; and I am just about to appear at the head of my Battalion, as Colonel-Commandant, to form a Guard of Honor for Her Majesty en route to London".

£100

Parry's correspondent was Lady Elizabeth Palgrave (1799-1852), wife of the archivist and historian Sir Francis Palgrave (1788–1861). The Governesses' Benevolent Institution was established 1843, and incorporated in 1848, for affording temporary assistance to governesses in distress.

Parry was captain-superintendent of Haslar Royal Naval Hospital, Hampshire, from 1846 to 1852, when he was promoted to the rank of rear-admiral. At this time he was much involved, as a member of the Arctic council, in planning the search for Sir John Franklin and his expedition, about whom no word had been heard by 1847 (ODNB).

Parry's first wife died in 1839, and in 1841 he married Catharine Edwards (1808–1896), daughter of the Revd Robert Hankinson.

SOAMES, Henry (1785–1860), ecclesiastical historian. Autograph letter signed to Wasey Sterry Esq, Romford, 4to, 2 close written sides with integral blank bearing the address and broken seal (which has removed a portion of blank paper), Shelley, March 22 1832, thanking him for a folio book which he has received, and discussing at length the economics of a living from a vicarage, and speculating upon the identity and potential income of a vicarage called Suldon in Northamptonshire. Old remnant of glue line to left edge from mounting.

£35

Henry Soames was made rector of Shelley, Essex,  in 1812, and in 1821 rector of the neighbouring parish of Little Laver. From 1831 to 1839 he was vicar of Brent with Furneaux Pelham, Hertfordshire, and afterwards rector of Stapleford Tawney with Theydon Mount, Essex, where he lived until his death. He was Bampton lecturer in 1830, and was appointed chancellor of St Paul's Cathedral in 1842 (ODNB). Soames is probably best known for his revised edition of James Murdock's translation of J. L. von Mosheim's Institutes of Ecclesiastical History which first appeared in 1841.

Soames's correspondent was Wasey Sterry (1800-1842), attorney of Romford, Essex, and owner of Eastbury Manor House.

REPARATION FOR LOSSES IN SHIP COLLISION

THORNTON, Ann. Autograph letter signed to Edward Mosley Esq, Newcastle, 2 sides, folio, Sunderland, February 12th 1790, with address panel bearing a Sunderland hand stamp, broken seal (piece of paper detached), and in which Edward Mosley has written and signed a reply dated Newcastle 17th February 1790 on a blank space. Ann Thornton writes informing Mosley of the loss of her son on board the Edward "which ship was run on board by the Grafton of your port the 19th of Decr last off Robin Hood's Bay ............ My husband & I flatter'd ourselves of our Son's being a Support to us ........ it was the first voyage for himself after serving his time ........ My husband is lamed in one of his hands by a misfortune he met with by a Gun during the late War which prevents him often getting a birth" and appends a copy of a letter received from Mr Jackson owner of the Edward on 19th January, and asks that an answer is addressed to Robert Thornton in Sunderland. In Edward Mosley's reply dated 17th February he sympathises with the loss of their son but states that "upon the strictest enquiry find there is not the least ground from Mr Jacksons report of ye Grafton running on board the Edward".

Together with

JACKSON, Thomas. Autograph letter signed ('for my Father in his absence') to Messrs Mosley & Airey, Newcastle upon Tyne, 2 sides, 4to, London April 17th 1790, with address panel bearing a circular date stamp, broken seal (piece of paper detached). Saying that his father has "made himself perfectly satisfied that it was your ship the Grafton which run foul of his Brig Edward and was the cause of her being sunk ....... one Man being drowned ......... having suffered a sufficient time to elapse for you to make every Enquiry about the fact.....and treat with him [his father] about the damage.............. if no reply is recd from you in due course, you will think my Father (under whose Direction I act) justifiable in forthwith communicating an Action to recover the Loss".

The two items £75

The family concerned may possibly be Robert and Ann Thornton of Sunderland who are found in the IGI having had four children, Thomas christened 24th April 1768; Robert born 1st March 1772; Matthias christened 28th August 1774 and Elizabeth christened 15th September 1776. Thomas Thornton's dates would fit with the son who was drowned as he is referred to in the letter as having reached 22 years. Local research would be interesting in following up the outcome of this case.

EARLY PLANS FOR PORTUGAL'S FIRST RAILWAY

TOJAL, Count, Portuguese Finance Minister. Autograph letter signed to (his cousin) Benjamin Oliveira Esq, London, 2 sides, large 4to, Lisbon, 4th November 1844, introducing him to his friend Snr Antonio Cabral de Sa' Norguma, Master of the Royal Mint (who was in London) so "that you may obtain from him every information on the subject of rail roads in this Country while he is here with you, he being perfectly qualified to afford you every elucidation on this important object", and thanking him for his communication of the 10th "[I] still think however that a rail road from here to Oporto, even taking a slant direction in order to include other large Towns as you suggest, will not serve the purpose ........ Mr Cabal de Sa'Norguma will better explain all the circumstances to you".

£80

The first proposal for a railway system in Portugal was put forward in 1842 by Costa Cabral, the Portuguese prime-minister, who suggested building two railway lines (from Lisbon to Oporto and Lisbon to Badajoz), but the idea was rejected. This was followed in 1844 by Benjamin de Oliveira's proposal to Count Tojal to build a railway line between Lisbon and Oporto, passing through Santarém, Leiria, Coimbra and Aveiro, which is referred to in part in this letter as not serving the purpose. By 19th December of 1844 the Portuguese Public Works Company was founded  with the objective of undertaking "all the major works legally authorised for the improvement of communications in the country under the Government's supervision", and despite a contract being awarded in 1845 to build a railway linking Lisbon to the Spanish frontier, the project was suspended because of political instability and the company was wound up in 1848.

From 1851 a major period of regeneration began in Portugal which exploited technological advances (in particular the development of railways) and the first railway in Portugal opened in 1856 between Lisbon and Carregado.

Charlotte Brontë’s Headmaster in Jane Eyre

---

 

PORTRAIT MINIATURES

INCLUDING  SILHOUETTES

 

AKED. Portrait miniature of a young man c.1780 mounted in a round sculpted gilt brass frame (45 mm in diameter) on the back of which is a handwritten label reading "Mr Aked (Father of Grandmama Williams ?". £500 Possibly the father of Mary Ann Aked who in 1821 married Robert Vaughan Wynn Williams (b.1798) at Mayfield, Staffordshire, and had two sons and two daughters. The origins of the name Aked are found in Yorkshire.
ARCHER, Edward. Hollow cut silhouette of a gentleman c. 1790 (profile 60mm high), mounted in a contemporary ebonised oval frame (128 x 107mm) with suspension loop. The paper has two handwritten inscriptions - a partially visible inscription reading "...Profile of my uncle E.A.  RH" and another "Edward Archer b. at Newcastle 6 May 1754  d.17 March 1793 buried at Heston Church Nr Hounslow". A paper label on the reverse reads "Edward Archer (2nd son of Ed Archer of McJohn) Born 1754. A merchant of Henrietta St. Covent Garden London. Died unmarried March 1793. Burd. at Heston, Middlesex". £150 Edward Archer (1754-1793) was the son of Edward Archer (1701-1777) and his second wife Elizabeth Chamney, who were married 9 October 1746 at St Peter & St Kevin in Dublin.
BENT, Rev. George. Portrait miniature on ivory (?) of a gentleman c.1800 mounted in a gold frame (60 x 70mm) on the reverse of which is a hair piece in a smaller oval window in an ivory cut-out, with a handwritten paper label on the glass reading "The Revd George Bent died 16 Jany. 1814, aged 72". £400 George Bent (1741-1814) matriculated at Balliol College Oxford (1758), and took his MA at Peterhouse Cambridge (1768). He was rector of Jacobstow from 1776, and minister of Sandford in Devon from 1789, until his death in 1814. He married firstly Mary daughter of John Milton of Bristol in 1773, by whom he had (at least) two sons and two daughters, and secondly Hannah widow of Thomas Marsh in 1785. He is probably the George Bent recorded in the IGI christened 2 July 1741 at St Kerrian, Exeter, son of George Bent M.D.(c1708-1782).
CRAVEN, William. 19th century cut silhouette on card of a gentleman (90 x 125 mm), inscribed in ink on the reverse "William Craven Esqr. --- I have no doubt of this being an intended likeness of my Father. It is his figure & the features are the same as his, as well as the picture. But it wants the life & animation, which were habitual to him. C.Craven Spexhall Rectory Oct 29th 1875." Card discoloured. Mounted under black card (6 x 7.5 ins) with a card window on the reverse revealing the inscription. £75 William Craven (d. 1832) of Weaste House, Manchester, the son of Joseph and Mary Craven, was a Captain in the 22nd Regiment of Foot. William's son Charles who appended the notes on the reverse was born in Manchester in 1797 one of at least 9 children of William and Mary Craven. He was installed as Rector of  Spexhall, Suffolk in 1847 which he occupied until his death in 1877.
FORREST, Thomas. Cut silhouette on card of a gentleman (51 x 61 mm), inscribed in ink on the reverse “Thomas Forrest  Leighton Buzzard” with the inserted date 1841 in pencil, and the silhouettest’s inscription “ Mr E.WHITTLE ARTIST”. In a contemporary oval wood frame (90 x 100mm), which has a repaired split at the base.  £120 Thomas Forrest was born in York c 1786 and died in Leighton Buzzard in 1854. He is found in the 1851 census at Lawford’s Wharf, Linslade (nr Leighton Buzzard), Buckinghamshire, working as an accountant, and living with his wife Matilda and daughter Emily. His work was connected with the activities of the Grand Junction Canal, an important waterway completed through Linslade in 1805, which significantly boosted trade and employment in the area in the 19th century.
GRAHAM, Dora Ennis. Cut silhouette of a young woman, highlighted in gold, on card (91 x 123mm), with a pencil inscription under the truncation reading 'Dora Ennis Graham' and on the reverse in pencil 'Accidentally drowned with husband & only child March 1845', inside an old decorative frame (125 x 160mm) with a few pieces of the relief moulding missing. The card has an unsightly water stain, which could be professionally removed. £80 Dora Ennis Graham was born Dora Ennis Bellairs, and married Reginald Simpson Graham on 10th September 1838 in Bedworth, Warwickshire. Their daughter also named Dora Ennis was born in 1839 in Salford, Lancashire. The family are found in the 1841 census in Eccles, Lancashire, when Reginald's occupation is listed as a merchant. Perhaps through Reginald's occupation the family perished at sea - further research may uncover the story behind the tragic deaths of all three members of the family.
HOLBROW, Joan. A late Georgian period painted silhouette of an elderly lady on paper 150 x 200mm, with an extensive Latin dedication written in ink forming an octagonal surround. At the base a pencil inscription "Joan Holbrow of Tockington". The silhouette is mounted in a modern black frame. £100 Joan Holbrow was the wife of Daniel Holbrow of Tockington, Gloucestershire. Joan was a Quaker and a very close friend of the Quaker minister Mary Dudley (1750-1823) (see E. Dudley, ed., The life of Mary Dudley .1825).

 

---

 

DAGUERREOTYPES, AMBROTYPES
& EARLY PHOTOGRAPHS

 

BORN IN 1760! ATKINS, Ann (1760-1859). A tinted 1/6 plate ambrotype featuring an elderly lady with a young girl, in a passe-partout mount in an old frame with suspension loop. The plate is rather dark but in good condition sealed within the mount. On the reverse is a contemporary inscription in ink reading "Mrs Atkins taken in the 97th year of her age. A slight offering from James Bettesworth Photographic Artist to the oldest inhabitant of Eastry. April 1857". £120 Ann Atkins is found in the 1841 census in Eastry, Kent. Born in 1760 (her maiden name unknown) she was, remarkably, born in the year that George II died and George III came to the throne. She died in Eastry at the age of 99. The photographer James Bettesworth (1818-1880) came from Portchester, Hampshire. Further local research in the Eastry archives may be rewarding.
BEAUFORT, Sir Francis (1774-1857) and family. A small collection comprising: 1. A 19th century glass plate lantern slide 3.5 x 4.5 inches of Sir Francis Beaufort, which underneath the oval paper mount shows this to be a photographic copy of a daguerreotype. 2. Three 1/9th plate ambrotypes all with the same style brass mattes and preservers, featuring a gentleman (on the reverse the initials FLB); a lady (on the reverse the initials FLB); and a young man (on the reverse the initials AFB Oxford 1862). 3. A 1/6th plate ambrotype of a boy in a hanging half case with suspension loop. £350 The image of Sir Francis Beaufort (1774-1857) naval officer and hydrographer comes from a daguerreotype taken at the Adelaide Gallery studios of Antoine Claudet (his visit to Claudet's studio is recorded in the letters of Maria Edgeworth). A reproduction of this same image is illustrated in Alfred Friendly's biography Beaufort of the Admiralty Hutchinson 1977, who gives a date of 1848 for the daguerreotype. The 3 1/9th plate ambrotypes can be identified as Beaufort's son Francis Lestock Beaufort (1815-1879), Bengal civil servant, Calcutta judge, and legal writer; his wife Mary (born c1817 Hookerswell, Oxford); and their son Augustus F Beaufort (born c1848 Bengal). In the 1861 census the family of Francis Lestock Beaufort are found staying in Hampstead. The 1/6th plate ambrotype of a boy is consistent with being either their son Charles E Beaufort (b.c1849) or Cecil W Beaufort (b.c1852).
BRET HARTE FAMILY BRET HARTE FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHS. The collection comprises: 1. A 1/6th plate tinted ambrotype of a young lady in a fine decorative full leather case, with a handwritten note 'Mrs Bret Hart at the age of 18. An American lady who married Bret Hart the Author'. 2. A 1/6th plate tinted ambrotype of a  lady holding a child, in a (worn) decorative full leather case, the mat stamped J.H.Young  1458th AV, with a handwritten note 'Mrs Bret (wife of the Author) with her son Frank Bret Hart'. 3. A quarter plate sized faded albumen print of a seated gentleman mounted in a full (heavily worn) plain leather case. 4. A red leather case opening to 4 x 7 inches, containing faded albumen prints of an elderly gentleman and lady. 5. A copy of the magazine Golden West, November 1969, 11 x 8 inches, containing a detailed biographical article on 9 pages entitled California's Famous Bret Harte, illustrated with 5 photographs. £450 Francis Bret Harte [formerly Francis Brett Hart] (1836–1902), author, poet and playwright, was born in 1836 in Albany, New York, the third child of Henry Philip Hart (1800–1845), and Elizabeth Ostrander Hart. He is identifiable from his likeness in the faded albumen print. He married on 11 August 1862, Anna Griswold, born in Florida 9th January 1835, the daughter of Daniel S. Griswold a New York lawyer, and Mary née Dunham. Anna bore Bret Harte four children, Griswold born 1863, who became a newspaper reporter; Francis King (Frank in the ambrotype with his mother) born 1865, who followed a career in the theatre; Jessamy born 1872, who became a writer and illustrator; and Ethel born 1875, who followed a career in music. Bret Harte enjoyed early successes in the United States as an author but there followed a plunge in his reputation, and rescue came through an appointment as consul in Crefeld, Germany in 1878. Leaving his wife, two sons, and two daughters in New Jersey, he never to return to the USA. He was transferred from Germany  to Glasgow in 1880 before settling in London in 1885, and died in Camberley, Surrey (ODNB). I have not come across any other photographs of Anna Bret Harte. Her physical appearance is cited in Axel Nissen's Bret Harte:Prince and Pauper, and corresponds closely with the ambrotype portraits. There are no clues to the identity of the man and woman in the double case which accompanied the other three photographs.
DAVIES, Laura. A 1/4 plate daguerreotype of a lady, extensively tinted, and with the impressed name of the photographer T.W.Lonergan on the matt, mounted in a half case. On the reverse is an old handwritten label reading "Laura Davies Fs godmother". £150 The sitter Mrs Laura Davies (assumed her married name as she wears a wedding ring) has not been identified, and the photographer is equally elusive as Lonergan's name is unrecorded as a daguerreotypist or a photographer more generally. A Thomas William Lonergan is recorded as having died in Kentish Town, London in 1875, a gentleman, aged 64.
GRIFFITH, Ann Elizabeth. A 1/4 plate tinted daguerreotype of a lady, in a full leather case bearing the photographer's mark "R.LOWE  PROMENADE CHELTENHAM" on the rear. The plate in good condition except for a dark shadow line from upper left to lower right (see photo). Pasted on the back are two handwritten labels, one reading "Miss Ann Elizabeth Griffith - after Mrs Bingham", and the other in the same hand "This Photo must not be exposed or it will fade out & is Valuable as an old process". £200 Ann Elizabeth Griffith was born on 8th December 1819, the daughter of Thomas Griffith and Ann Ballinger. Her mother died in 1823, and her father became the minister of the Congregational Chapel at Upper Cam, Gloucestershire between 1834-1855. Ann Elizabeth Griffith married William Bingham about 1862 in Paris (IGI). Richard Lowe was an accomplished American photographer who set up his first photographic studio in Cheltenham in 1841, and another in the Promenade in Cheltenham in 1850. In November 1856 Lowe made a significant number of purchases on credit in the town, boarded a train for Liverpool and was never seen again.
GREEN, William. A 1/6th plate ambrotype of a gentleman, mounted in an elaborate decorative gilt mat with a 1.5 inch aperture, in a plain full leather case with a fine decorative plum velvet inner cushion. Under the plate is an old inscription in ink on the paper backing reading 'William Green Esq Government Hon Sc Londonderry. Born 1790 died July 31. 1865'. Case joint repaired. Click on photo for an enlarged view. £50 Not traced, but sufficient details should allow positive results from local sources.
MARTIN, Jane (b c1834). 1/6th plate ambrotype in extremely fine condition of a young lady with subtle tinting. In a half case (heavily worn), with gilt brass matte embossed with the photographers details J.URIE GLASGOW. On the reverse is an old paper label identifying the sitter as "Miss Jane Martin. Leadhills". £120 Jane Martin was born circa 1834, the daughter of James and Eliza Martin of Leadhills, Lanarkshire, Scotland. In the 1871 census her married name is Kinchant, and she is found with her parents and two young children Francis and James. Her father James Martin (1790-1875) was surgeon in the historic mining village of Leadhills where he was born, and as such was one of the community's most prominent citizens. Amongst other things James Martin provided evidence to the Children's Commission 1841-1842 on the hazardous working conditions of miners and metal workers. The ambrotype comes with copies of the family's details from the 1851 census. The photographer James Urie (1820-1920) was by 1854 operating from premises at 33 and 35 Buchanan Street, Glasgow. In 1854 an article was published in the Mechanics Journal concerning his development of the Relievotype process, a variant of the ambrotype process in which the image was presented emulsion side up, with the background of the actual portrait backed with black shellac. The image was then placed on a light background creating a three dimensional effect. This has not been done in this ambrotype, but the portrait has been mounted emulsion side up with a cover glass on top.
PROCTER, Ann. A 1/4 plate daguerreotype of a lady, identified in pencil on the paper seals on the reverse "Gt Gt Aunt Blackham[?] ..... was Ann Procter married 3 times". Mounted in a half case on the reverse of which is the photographer's stamp "The London School of Photography 103 Newgate St. 174 Regent Street". £150 The difficulty of reading the married name of the sitter - Blackham[?] - has made the lady difficult to trace. Being married three times she would have had two other married names previous to this! The photographer is recorded at the two addresses given  form 1860-1875, which probably places this daguerreotype to the early 1860s.
REYNOLDS & FARNOL family of Birmingham. A family group of 1/9th plate images mounted in attractive black painted wood miniature frames, all with details on the back of the sitters and their dates, comprising : 1.A daguerreotype of John Farnol with the photographer's trade card on the reverse Vampyre Photographic Rooms, 25 Unett Street, Birmingham. J.Winkles Operator. 2. An ambrotype of Catherine Farnol. 3. An ambrotype of Stephen Reynolds. 4. An ambrotype of Stephen Reynolds with his grandson Oliver Reynolds. 5. An ambrotype of James Stephen Reynolds with tinted background. The glass plate has 3 cracks to right hand side. The collection comes with extensive copies of IGI and census records. Click on photo for enlarged view. £275 The Reynolds and Farnol families of Birmingham were connected via the marriage of Stephen James Reynolds, the son of Stephen Reynolds, to Clarinda Farnol, the daughter of John Farnol and Catherine Farnol (nee May). An extensive family tree can be drawn up from the accompanying IGI and census paperwork. Further details of the photographer J.Winkles have not been traced, and this is likely to be a rare survival of this daguerreotypist's work.

 

---

 

MEDALS

 

ARTS AND COMMERCE PROMOTED [Royal Society of Arts] Instituted 1753 [Mercury and Minerva Medal] [to Peter William BARLOW]. Silver medal, engraved on the reverse "TO MR. P.W.BARLOW MDCCCXXIV FOR A PERSPECTIVE DRAWING OF A TRANSIT THEODOLITE". 52mm., EF, mounted in a removable medal suspender. £350 This medal was awarded to Peter William Barlow (1809–1885), the civil engineer, who was born at Woolwich, the elder son of  Professor Peter Barlow (1776–1862), engineer and mathematician. He was educated at private schools and went on to follow his ambition of a career in civil engineering by becoming a pupil of Henry Robinson Palmer (1795–1844), a founder member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), who proposed him as an associate member in January 1826 (ODNB). Barlow went on to build bridges (he designed the first Lambeth Bridge over the Thames) and tunnels, developing new techniques, notably the cylindrical tunnelling shield which he patented in 1864. Barlow won this medal at the early age of 15 for drawing a transit theodolite, in itself interesting as this was a new invention at the time (1824), indicating Barlow's early interest in civil engineering instruments, as well as his skills as a draughtsman.
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND ART, 1853 [to John CLAYTON]. Department of Science and Art Students Prize, bronze medal, impressed on the rim "JOHN CLAYTON, METROPOLITAN. STAGE 5.". 45mm, EF,  in its original case. £50 The "Metropolitan" is probably the Metropolitan School of Design which opened in 1837, and eventually became the Royal College of Art
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND ART, 1853 [to Edwin HARRISON]. Department of Science and Art Students Prize, bronze medal, impressed on the rim "EDWIN HARRISON, NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME, STAGE 2". 45mm, EF, in its original case marked Department of Practical Art. £120 Edwin Harrison (1867-1903) was a well know photographer who lived and worked in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. He was the son of carver and gilder George Harrison and Anne Stevenson (they married in 1835 in Newcastle-under-Lyme), and is recorded as an apprentice in the 1851 census. In 1862 Edwin married Hannah Gosling by whom he had two sons and two daughters. Edwin set up business as a photographer, joined by 1891 his son Alfred. In the 1881 census Edwin describes himself as an artist (painter), which in 1891 is also the profession of his daughter Annie. A monumental inscription for Edwin and Hannah (known as Annie), together with their daughter Evelyn, is recorded in Newcastle-under-Lyme Cemetery.
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE & ART, QUEEN'S MEDAL 1897 [to Charles H.E.OGILVIE]. National Medal for Success in Art, bronze medal, impressed around the rim "CHARLES H.E. OGILVIE , SUBJECT 8c2, 1898". 51mm in its original (but tatty) case. EF with one small corrosion spot on the reverse. £75 Charles H.E.Ogilvie was a Scottish artist who painted in oils. His work was exhibited between 1903 and 1928, including eleven works being shown at the Glasgow Institute for the Fine Arts, and two works at the Royal Scottish Academy.
GLASGOW UNIVERSITY, WILLIAM HUNTER MEDAL 1783 [to RICHARD BURNS MACPHERSON]. Large bronze medal impressed around the rim RICARDUS B. MACPHERSON IN CLASSE OBSTETRICA MDCCCLXVI. awarded by the Glasgow University Faculty of Medicine in 1876 for obstetrics. 70mm. EF. Eimer 806 £200 Richard Burns Macpherson (1852-1914) was born in 1852 in Port Glasgow, Renfrew, Scotland. According to his obituary (BMJ 13 June 1914) he was the first Rainy bursar and Arnott scholar of Glasgow University in 1875-6; graduated M.B., C.M. with honours, and was awarded the Brunton Memorial Medal as the most distinguished graduate of the year. He took the degree of M.D. in 1885. He served with the Turkish army through the Russo-Turkish war of 1877-8, and received the thanks of the Turkish Government and the Imperial Order of the Medjidie. Macpherson was in practice in Cambuslang, Lanarkshire, for thirty five years, and was medical officer of health and parochial medical officer for the parish. He married Jane Cameron in 1878 and had at least eight children (1891 & 1901 census).
ROYAL CORNWALL POLYTECHNIC SOCIETY 1833 [to MORITZ IMMISCH]. Silver medal, Second Class, impressed around the rim "M.IMMISH [sic] FOR CLINICAL THERMOMETERS. 1887". 45mm. VF. Eimer 1272. Obverse nicely toned, reverse polished, with some small edge knocks. £300 Karl Moritz Immisch (1838-1903), electrical engineer, watchmaker and iventor, was born in Niederschmon, near Querfurt in Germany, the son of a watchmaker. Known as 'Moritz Immisch', he received a technical education and left Germany around 1860 to seek opportunities in England. Settling in London he married Emma Welch in 1876 at St John's Church, Marylebone. Initially Immisch applied his watchmaking skills to develop precision clockwork mechanisms and other improvements. He became a Council Member of the British Horological Institute, and in 1872 submitted an essay on 'The balance spring and its isochronal adjustments' which was awarded the Institute's Baroness Burdett Coutts Prize. In 1881 Immisch patented a small watch-shaped thermometer. More robust than contemporary glass thermometers filled with mercury, it allowed very accurate readings to be taken, and its handy size made it highly portable as a clinical instrument. It was awarded a Silver Medal at the International Medical Congress of 1881 and elsewhere, including the 1887 silver medal offered here. The very small size made the device very popular and it was referred to in many medical journals throughout the 1880s both in England and in the US. Immisch was innovative in many other areas notably electro-magnetism, and established with others a small company Messrs M. Immisch & Co. in Kentish Town to develop and manufacture electric motors (see Wikipedia article).
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON 1827 [to ARCHIBALD HUGH P. DAWNAY]. Silver medal engraved A.H.P. DAWNAY.  PRACTICAL CHEMISTRY. 1887-8. Third Prize". In original red leather circular case with trade mark of John Pinches, Medalist, 27 Oxendon Street, London. 38mm. EF. £100 Archibald Hugh Payon Dawnay (1870-1918) is found in the 1891 census, a medical student aged 20, born in Peckham, living at Camberwell with his father Archibald D. Dawnay a civil engineer (aged 49, born Christian Malford, Wiltshire), his mother Isabelle (aged 43, born Islington, Surrey), and younger bothers Osmond and Percy. He married Annie Burgess Townsend in 1899, and by 1911 is a medical practitioner living with his wife in St Marylebone. His father the civil engineer Sir Archibald D. Dawnay (1842-1919), became Mayor of Wandsworth, and left a bequest through which London County Council established in 1921 the Archibald Dawnay Scholarships for the Promotion of Studies in Civil Engineering.
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH [to Archibald BROWN]. Bronze medal, engraved on the reverse "Archibaldus Brown   Ethics  1865". 52mm. EF.  £80 Archibald Brown (1841-1916) was a barrister of the Middle Temple who studied at Edinburgh and Oxford universities. Brown published many works on the law including his succinct and popular New Law Dictionary in 1874 for which he is best known, the latest edition of which appeared in 2006.
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH [to Robert Fraser Calder LEITH]. Four bronze medals, impressed on the reverse: "SENIOR BOTANY R.F.C.LEITH  1882" "INSTITUTES OF MEDICINE R.F.C.LEITH  1882-83" "PRACTICAL PHYSIOLOGY R.F.C.LEITH M.A. 1883" "PRACTICAL MATERIA MEDICA R.F.C.LEITH M.A. 1883" 52mm. All VF, centres bearing year date rubbed. £250 Robert Fraser Calder Leith (1854-1936), MB, CM, studied medicine at Edinburgh University, where he was awarded these medals. He was President of Royal Medical Society of Edinburgh 1885-1886. In 1899 Leith was appointed Professor of Pathology at Birmingham’s Mason College, which became incorporated into the newly founded University of Birmingham the following year. The Medical School’s facilities for undertaking bacteriological work greatly improved following Leith’s appointment in 1900, and in 1907 the University constructed a new Pathology building. Leith retired in 1919, but his name was attached to the Chair of Experimental Pathology in 1949, and transferred to the Chair of Pathology in 1966.
HERIOT-WATT COLLEGE EDINBURGH [to James REID]. Bronze medal, impressed on the reverse "ENGINEERING SESSION 1888-89" and engraved as awarded to "JAMES REID". 49mm in its original case by Alexander Kirkwood & Son. EF. £50 The Heriot-Watt College was formed in 1885 from the merger of the Watt Institution & the School of Arts and the Heriot trust bequest, providing general and technical education (becoming a university in 1966). The first Professor of Mechanics and Engineering, Chemistry, and Physics was appointed in 1887, and James Reid was one of the first class medal recipients in the department, attaining 88% in his Engineering course 1888-1889 (Heriot Watt University archives).
Science and Art Department. Queen's Medal 1856  [to Joseph W. PRIESTLEY]. National Medal for Success in Art, bronze medal, engraved around the rim "JOSEPH W. PRIESTLEY. HALIFAX. Stage 2B. 1859." 55mm. Eimer 1511. EF. In its original leather covered case (worn, missing one case hook), embossed with the Queens cypher, and "Science and Art Department" £75 Possibly Joseph William Priestley born in 1842 in Rochdale, Lancashire, who is found in the 1861 census in Halifax, Yorkshire, with his sisters and brother supporting his widowed mother Jane Priestley (born c 1807), working as a wool sorter.
QUEEN'S COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM [to S.PERRY].  Bronze medal, impressed on the obverse "S.PERRY" and on the rim "ANATOMY (SENIOR)1884=7-8". 46mm. EF. £50 Details of the recipient not traced.

 

MOURNING  / MEMENTOS

 

PARENTS OF FITZROY OF THE BEAGLE LORD & LADY CHARLES FITZROY. Ivory tooth-pick box with a central glazed panel containing plaited hair, and inside the box a piece of paper inscribed in pen and ink "Captain G:Fitzroy Ld & Lady Chs Fitzroys Hair". The inner mirror has a few minor faults. Under the paper is a dried fragmented clover leaf (from the remains, once with four leaves). The box measures 90 x 37 x 11 mm. £500 Close examination of the hair confirms there are two lengths of hair of different shades which have been interwoven. Lord Charles FitzRoy (1764–1829) was an army officer, the second son of the third duke of Grafton, who became the equerry to the duke of York in 1788, and in 1798 aide-de-camp to the king. He married firstly in 1795 Frances Mundy, by whom he had a son Charles Augustus Fitzroy (1796-1858). Frances died in 1797, and he married secondly in 1799 Lady Frances Anne Stewart (d.1810), who bore him two sons and a daughter, George FitzRoy (1800-1883) captain in the 1st Life Guards; Robert FitzRoy (1805-1865) hydrographer and meteorologist, and famously Captain of the Beagle on which Charles Darwin sailed; and Frances Fitzroy (1803-1878). The inscription to Captain G.Fitzroy suggests this box came from his parents, and therefore the hair pieces belong to Lord Charles FitzRoy and Lady Frances Anne FitzRoy.
STIFF, Thomas. Mourning brooch. A moderately large oblong gold brooch (max length 28mm) consisting of a glazed cover over woven hair within a decorative gold frame, surrounded by a black enamel band and a border of mounted pearls. On the reverse, a pin, a suspension loop, and engraved wording: Thos. Stiff Esqr. Died 27th Novr 182[5] Aged 75 Years. In excellent condition. Click on photo for further views. £250 Thomas Stiff Esq lived in New Street, Covent Garden in London, and was an active nonconformist who supported many humanitarian and educational establishments. His name can be found in several subscribers lists for a range of publications allied with his interests. He would appear to have Devon connections judging from a gift of a small plot of land made in 1812 to the Cross Street Chapel in Barnstaple for a burial ground. He died on 27th November 1825 while visiting Poundisford Park, the seat of Thomas Wellman. His obituary was published in the Evangelical Magazine & Missionary Chronicle (unseen, vol 3 1825). His wife had died in 1807 at the age of 54.