BIG

[‘The Lion Hunter’: Roualeyn George Gordon-Cumming, Scottish traveller and big game hunter.] Autograph Letter Signed, arranging for a portrait to be sent to the fencing master H. C. Angelo via a ‘pampered menial’.

Author: 
‘The Lion Hunter’: Roualeyn George Gordon-Cumming (1820-1866), Scottish traveller and big game hunter, whose trophies were exhibited around Britain [Henry Charles Angelo, fencing master]
Publication details: 
'232 Piccadilly [London] / Septem 28. 56' [1856].
£180.00

At the time of writing Gordon-Cumming’s trophies were being exhibited at this Piccadilly address, having previously formed part of the Great Exhibition. The recipient Henry Charles Angelo (1806-1866) was a member of the celebrated family of fencing masters, and was at this time teaching the art at the Cavalry College, Richmond. 2pp, 12mo. On the rectos of the two leaves of a bifolium, with the recipient’s name written lengthwise on the verso of the first leaf: ‘H. C. Angelo Esqr’. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded twice.

[The horologist who designed the Big Ben clock: Sir Edmund Beckett Denison (latterly Lord Grimthorpe).] Three Autograph Letters Signed to Edward Hayes Plumptre, regarding the business of Westminster girls’ school Queen’s College.

Author: 
Sir Edmund Beckett Denison [afterwards Edmund Beckett, Lord Grimthorpe] (1816-1905), lawyer, architect and horologist who designed the Big Ben clock [Edward Hayes Plumptre (1821-91); Queen’s College]
Publication details: 
ONE: 14 January 1856; Queen’s College. TWO: ‘Valentines Day’ [14 February] 1870; 33 Queen Anne Street W. [London] THREE: 3 April 1870; Doncaster.
£220.00

The third of these letters in particular gives a good indication of his Yorkshire bluntness (his entry in the Oxford DNB describes him as ‘a man of arrogance and bile, [...] capable of generosity, strong friendships, and kindness towards people in need of help’). The three items are in good condition, lightly aged; the third with slight wear along one edge. All three are signed ‘E B Denison’ and the second and third are addressed to ‘My dear Plumptre’. ONE (14 January 1856): 3pp, 4to.

[F.C. Selous, explorer] Bold Autograph Signature ('F. C. Selous') on fragment of letter, with some surviving text.

Author: 
Frederick Courteney Selous (1851-1917), British explorer of Africa, the inspiration for Rider Haggard's 'Allan Quartermain'
Publication details: 
No place or date.
£56.00

Piece of paper, 11 x 3.5cm, good condition. Surviving text as follows: ever you wish. Hoping that your readers will find it interesting. Believe me yrs very truly | F.C. Selous||

[Sir Samuel White, explorer, discoverer of Lake Albert.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Sam W Baker') to 'Mr. Warner' (headmaster of Newton College, Devon), on an attack of gout and his decision to 'resign the Presidentship' (of the College governors).

Author: 
Sir Samuel Baker [Sir Samuel White Baker] (1821-1893), explorer, big game hunter, Ottoman Empire Pasha, Governor-General of Equatorial Nile Basin, discoverer of Lake Albert [Newton College, Devon]
Publication details: 
Sandford Orleigh, Newton Abbot [Devon]. 13 July 1891.
£220.00

3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged, with minor damage at head. Folded once. He begins by requesting with 'much respect' to be excused 'on your great day', and explains: 'I write this from my bed, where I am confined with that delectable complaint the gout, and the moment I can move I must be off somewhere, either to Bath, or Buxton, to go through a regular course -'. He complains: 'This country does not agree with one -; we arrived in England 1 May, and I have already had three attacks of gout. I was seven months absent and was entirely free from it.

[Frederick Courteney Selous, explorer and hunter, inspiration for Rider Haggard's 'Allan Quatermain'.] Autograph Letter Signed ('F. C. Selous', giving permission to quote from his book, 'Travel and Adventure in South East Africa'.

Author: 
F. C. Selous [Frederick Courteney Selous] (1851-1917), explorer, big game hunter in Africa, inspiration for Rider Haggard's 'Allan Quatermain', friend of Theodore Roosevelt and Cecil Rhodes
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Heatherside, Worpledon, Surrey. 11 June 1902.
£220.00

2pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once. He begins by informing the unnamed recipient that the reason for the delay in answering his letter is that Selous has 'just returned to this country from a trip to Hungary'. For his part, Selous will be 'very pleased if you will quote anything you like from my book, “Travel and Adventure in S. E. Africa”. He presumes that 'the publishers, to whom the book I suppose really belongs, will have no objection either, as to quote any passage from a book is to call attention to the book itself, which may result in the sale of a copy'.

[Karl Johan Andersson [Charles John Andersson], Swedish explorer in Africa.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Chs. J. Andersson'), in English, suggesting that his London publisher 'Mr. Blackett' advertise that the Swedish king has given him a medal.

Author: 
Karl Johan Andersson [Charles John Andersson] (1827-1867), Swedish explorer in Africa, hunter, ornithologist, travel writer [Henry Blackett (1825-1871), London publisher (Hurst & Blackett)]
Publication details: 
14 Cecil Street, Strand [London]. 26 June 1856.
£250.00

2pp, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged, with fold lines. Annotated up one margin: 'Writer of Travels &c'. Andersson writes: 'Dear Mr. Blackett, - | I enclose a literal translation of a paragraph extracted from one of the best Swedish newspapers, by which you will see that the King has honoured me with a medal. If you think that this paragraph may be of any use to you when advertising the 2d. Edition of “Lake Ngami”, it is quite at your service. Of course you may put it any [sic] language you may think proper. | Yours faithfully | Chs. J.

[ The original 'Big Ben'? Sir Benjamin Hall [ Lord Llanover ], Welsh civil engineer and politician. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('B Hall') to London solicitors Platt & Hall, stating his determination to defend 'the Petition presented against my return'

Author: 
Sir Benjamin Hall [ from 1859 Lord Llanover ] (1802-1867), Welsh civil engineer and politician, after whom 'Big Ben' is said to have been named
Publication details: 
No place. 1 July [ no year ].
£80.00

1p., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Franked on reverse of second leaf, with broken seal in red wax, to the firm of London solicitors 'Mess. Platt & Hall | New Boswell Court | Carey Street', with Halls signature ('B Hall' between two horizontal lines) at bottom left. The letter itself reads: 'Gentlemen/ | I have just received a letter from Mess: Prothero & Philipps who state that you will call here to know my intention respecting the Petition presented against my return.

Collection of printed material by the Official Buddy Holly Appreciation Society, England, including membership cards, newsletters, publicity photographs, biographies, lists of recordings, facsimile letter from Holly's parents, fake concert poster.

Author: 
Buddy Holly and The Crickets [The Official Buddy Holly Appreciation Society, England; Mr and Mrs L. O. Holley]
Publication details: 
Dating from between 1961 and 1965.
£250.00

Following the singer's death in 1959 Johnny C. Beecher relaunched Holly's official English fan club, helping to keep his reputation alive at a time when he was practically forgotten in America. As Beecher stated in an interview, he kept 'in touch with Buddy's parents, Ella and L.O., and I can say that without them it wouldn't have been possible, as they sent us all sorts of information and photographs that kept up our enthusiasm. The Crickets also helped out and were pretty nice considering all we ever asked 'em was, "What was Buddy really like." Despite that, we became pals.

The Wandering Naturalists. A Story of Adventure.

Author: 
J.A. Lawson.
Publication details: 
London: Remington and Co., 1880.
£100.00

Advert. leaf, Title-page, pp.[1]-302, sl. shaken, hinge strain, corners bumped, some marking, but still a goodlooking book. The first thrust of the plot isan expedition, plant-hunting in Northern India and the Himalayas which they cross to Seksura on the River Arun in Nepal(possibly invented names, perhaps inspired by Aranachan Pradesh). While there they hunted wild boar, attempted to climb Mount Everest (15 April 1868). They travelled to Khatang (which exists), Tashay,, Amarpore, a tiger hunt (successful), another tiger-hunt, jackals, lynxes.

[ Tanganyika Territory in the nineteen-thirties; Big Game Hunting ] Six long Autograph Letters Signed from Hugo Meynell to his father F. H. Lindley Meynell, including a sixteen-page letter describing a safari in the Serengeti.

Author: 
Hugo Meynell (1909-1960), son of Francis Hugo Lindley Meynell (1880-1941) of Hoar Cross, Burton-on-Trent [ Tanganyika Territory in the nineteen-thirties; big game hunting in Africa; African Safari]
Publication details: 
Four of the letters on letterheads of Mtotohovu, Tanga, Tanganyika Territory; one on letterhead of Union-Castle Line SS 'Durham Castle', and another from Thaba Bosigo, Fouriesburg Rail, Orange Free State. Between 1 September 1932 and 4 January 1933.
£250.00

A total of 46pp., mostly on 4to Mtotohovu letterheads. In fair condition, aged and worn. From the Meynell family papers. In the first letter he describes his preparations for an elephant shoot on the Serengeti: 'I a taking a 400 elephant gun a 300 high velocity gun, and a shot gun. My escort consists of a gun bearer, cook, tent boy lorry driver & skinner.' Of the participants in the '"Ngoma" native dance games' he writes: 'they really were awful, covered in red & yellow clay or mud - they really did look maniacs & I am sure are more than half Savages'.

[Printed Catalogue] Italian Furniture and Pictures by Italian Artists [Waring's Exhibition of Itlian Art 1909].

Author: 
[Warings [Waring & Gillow Ltd]
 [Waring's Exhibition of Itlian Art 1909].
Publication details: 
London, [1909]
£95.00
 [Waring's Exhibition of Itlian Art 1909].

96pp., 8vo, illustrated paper wraps, illustrated throughout, slightly ruckled, one small spot, mainly good+ The "Exhibition" includesFurniture, Tapestries, Marbles, Bronzes, Embroideries, Lace. No copy listed on COPAC. WordlCat lists three copies in the US.

Experiments with Small Shot

Author: 
Major W. McClintock, R.A.
Publication details: 
Woolwich: Printed at the Royal Artillery Institution, 1883
£250.00

Reprinted from "Proceedings, Royal Military Institution," No. 6, Vol.XII. 19pp., tall 8vo, original blue wraps, slight;y chipped, and sunned at edges, worn at bottom of spine, mainly good.remnants of album page on back cover. Inscribed "With the Author's Compliments." From an album created by the engineer son of M.C. Meigs, engineer, sometime distinguished Quartermaster General for the Union Army. No copy on COPAC or WorldCat.

Rifles for Large Game. The Trajectories, Time of Flight, Remaining Velocities ., and Striking Energies of Bullets Fired from Large Bore and Express Rifles.

Author: 
Major W. McClintock, R.A.
Publication details: 
Woolwich: Printed at the Royal Artillery Institution, 1884
£350.00

Reprinted from "Proceedings, Royal Military Institution," No. 11, Vol.XII. 4pp., with two folding plates, tall 8vo, original blue printed wraps, sunned at edges, mainly good, remnants of album page on back cover. Inscribed "With the Author's Compliments." From an album created by the engineer son of Montgomery C. Meigs, engineer, sometime distinguished Quartermaster General for the Union Army.

The Autograph Signatures of the members of the Hedley Ward Trio.

Author: 
The Hedley Ward Trio: Jack Mckechnie, guitar; Derek Franklin, bass; Bob Carter, piano [English jazz musicians' autographs]
Publication details: 
Undated.
£200.00

On a leaf of blue paper (roughly 11 x 14 cm), removed from an autograph album. Good: lightly aged and spotted. Reads 'With best wishes The Hedley Ward Trio | Jack Mckechnie | Derek Franklin | Bob Carter'. Docketed, presumably by the recipient, with the members' instruments. Hedley Ward was one of the foremost British bandleaders of the 30s, 40s and 50s, and his Trio featured in many radio and television broadcasts, and are still to be heard on archive programmes.

The Wandering Naturalists. A Story of Adventure.

Author: 
J.A. Lawson.
Publication details: 
London: Remington and Co., 1880.
£100.00

Advert. leaf, Title-page, pp.[1]-302, sl. shaken, hinge strain, corners bumped, some marking, but still a goodlooking book. The first thrust of the plot isan expedition, plant-hunting in Northern India and the Himalayas which they cross to Seksura on the River Arun in Nepal(possibly invented names, perhaps inspired by Aranachan Pradesh). While there they hunted wild boar, attempted to climb Mount Everest (15 April 1868). They travelled to Khatang (which exists), Tashay,, Amarpore, a tiger hunt (successful), another tiger-hunt, jackals, lynxes.

Carbon typescript of review, for the magazine 'African Affairs', of Wallis's edition of Leask's 'Southern African Diaries'.

Author: 
James Pollock, journalist, of the BBC and accredited Correspondent of Argus South African Newspapers Ltd. [Thomas Leask (1839-1912), elephant hunter; big game hunting; safari]
Publication details: 
Undated [circa 1954].
£56.00

8vo: 3 pp. Lightly creased and aged, but in good condition overall. Text entirely clear and legible. Headed ''African Affairs | Book Review (Pollock)'. A knowledgeable and readable review, for the magazine 'African Affairs', beginning 'Thomas Leask was a modest elephant-hunter with a passion for scribbling. [...] he never seems quite to have got over his surprise at finding himself transplanted from his native Orkney to the land of the lordly Matabele and miserable Mashona.

Autograph Letter Signed ('Bob. Crosby') to 'Dear Ken' [Ken Ryan].

Author: 
Bob Crosby (1913-1993), American dixieland bandleader and vocalist, best known for his group 'Bob Crosby and the Bob Cats'
Publication details: 
New Years Eve, 1955.' On letterheads of The Aladdin Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri.
£56.00

4to, 4 pp. Good, on lightly creased paper. From the Ken Ryan collection. Long, rambling, good-humoured letter on the . 'Here it is New Years Eve and I'm at home, and being quiet. - I was tired as we have worked hard all week. - and its good to be quiet. [...] London must have been interesting during the holiday season - I hope to some day see it but when I ever will is the question I'm never to [sic] good to save money. - Next week we have the Monte Carlo Ballet. Russe. and I am looking forward to seeing it. with pleasure. I've always been so fond of ballet.'

Autograph Signature.

Author: 
Henry Hall (1898-1989), English bandleader best known for his recording of the song 'Teddy Bears' Picnic'
Publication details: 
Date and place not stated.
£18.00

On piece of light green paper, 8 x 11 cm. Laid down on leaf of slightly larger paper, taken from an autograph album. A little grubby and ruckled. Written in green ink.

Two Autograph Letters Signed and first leaf of Autograph Letter; all three items to Sir Henry [Trueman Wood, Secretary, Royal Society of Arts].

Author: 
Edward North Buxton [BIG GAME HUNTING]
Publication details: 
29 April and 2 May 1901, 8 May [1901]; all three items on letterhead 'KNIGHTON, | BUCKHURST HILL.'
£120.00

Politician and director of Trueman, Hanbury, Buxton and Co. (1840-1924), whose entry in 'Who's who' describes his 'Recreations' as 'a keen follower of big game in four continents'. All three items 12mo and very good. The first two items on cream paper and bearing the Society's stamp; the last item on grey paper and docketed. First and last item signed 'E N Buxton'. ITEM ONE (two pages) addressed to 'Sir Trueman' [sic]: 'I have not forgotten that you asked me how my films stood the Climate & if I got any decent results in the Soudan'. Offers to show Wood 'a few' at the Athenaeum.

Autograph Letter Signed to unnamed male correspondent.

Author: 
[BIG GAME HUNTING] Sir Edmund Lechmere, 4th Baronet
Publication details: 
No date (but docketed 'Letter of Mch 30' [1928]); on blindstamped letterhead 'Flat 2, | 45, Braham Gardens, | S. W. 5.'
£30.00

2 pages, 16mo. Somewhat grubby and creased, and obtrusively docketed in ink, with the phrase 'Sent off | 10th 28' written across the text on the recto. Reads 'Dear Sir, | You hoped to return my book (album) last week but no doubt the holidays interfered. I am just sending a line to say I am leaving Town for the Country for the summer early on Monday next so hope it may be returned this week | Yours sincy | E Lechmere'.

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