Military and Naval History

Allegorical coloured engraved 'Hieroglyphic Portrait' of Napoleon Bonaparte, 'faithfully copied from a German Print', with explanatory letterpress beginning 'NAPOLEON | THE FIRST, and LAST, by the Wrath of Heaven Emperor of the Jacobins, [...]

Author: 
Rudolph Ackermann, publisher, Repository of the Arts, 101 Strand [Napoleon Bonaparte; Regency caricature; Georgian London]
Publication details: 
Pubd. by R. Ackermann, 101 Strand, London.' Undated [dated by George to March 1814].
£400.00

BM 12202. On piece of wove paper roughly 410 x 280 mm. On lightly aged and spotted paper, with slight wear and small closed tears to extremities. Closely trimmed at head and foot. Repair to blank reverse, which carries a strip of cloth from previous mount. Text and image clear and entire. Image roughly 190 x 120 cm.

The Declaration Of his Highnesse Prince Charles, To All His Majesties loving Subjects, concerning the grounds and ends of His present Engagement upon the Fleet in the Downs. With His Highnesse Letter to The Lord Major, Aldermen, [...].

Author: 
King Charles II of Great Britain [The Downs Mutiny, 1648; King Charles I; the English Civil War; Oliver Cromwell; Royal Navy]
Publication details: 
London: ['Printed in the Yeare, 1648.']
£220.00

Title continues: '[...] Aldermen, and Common Councell of the City of London.' 4to: 8 pp, paginated [ii] + 6. Trimmed (leaf dimensions roughly 165 x 135 mm) causing loss of the last line of text (the publication details beneath the word 'LONDON') on the title. Stitched as issued. Unbound. In poor condition, on aged, spotted and creased paper, with chipping to extremities and with the lower part of the last leaf torn away causing loss of around a dozen lines of text. A few lines in a contemporary hand on the first couple of leaves.

Handcoloured engraving, 'Etched by W Heath', 'From a Sketch by Paul <Sevinre?>', of 'Alexander Emperor of Russia'.

Author: 
William Heath, engraver; Richard Lambe, printseller, Gracechurch Street, London [Alexander I, Emperor of Russia]
Publication details: 
Undated [circa 1814?]. 'Published by R. Lambe, Gracechurch Street.'
£250.00

305 mm high and 225 mm wide. The print has been trimmed, with the top corners cut away to give the print the appearance of an arched window. A strip, 35 mm high, at the foot contains the caption, with the bottom right-hand corner damaged (not affecting print) by removal from backing. A good crisp impression, on lightly-aged paper, the only faults being loss to the sky above the Emperor as a result of the trimming of the top corners, and a couple of spots of glue to the sky.

Remarque Proof Impression of etching on japon paper, signed by the engraver, of Meissonier's celebrated battlefield painting of Napoleon, 'Friedland, 1807'.

Author: 
Charles Klackner, New York and London printseller; Jean Louis Ernest Meissonier, French artist; L. Ruet, engraver [Napoleon Bonaparte; Battle of Friedland, 1807]
Publication details: 
Copyright 1913 by C. Klackner, 7 West 28th Street, New York. [20 Old Bond Street London, Printed by Ch. Wittmann.]'
£300.00

On japon paper, roughly 260 x 330 mm. Dimensions of image roughly 140 x 225 mm. The impression has a metallic sheen. An impressively-executed engraving, a clear and crisp representation of Meissonier's celebrated painting, with a remarque of a horse at the foot. To the right of the remarque is the engraver's signature in pencil, ''. Klackner's copyright details run along the head of the engraving. Good, in crude card mount. A light smudge in the top left-hand corner of the margin, and a little damage to the bottom right-hand corner of the margin.

Poem ('Composed & Written by Butterworth & Son') entitled 'To the Memory of the Gallant Sir John Moore, Who fell at the battle of Corunna, 16th. January 1809.', with portrait, 'Engraved by J. Menzies, Edinburgh.'

Author: 
Butterworth & Son, Edinburgh; John Menzies, engraver [Sir John Moore; the Battle of Corunna, 1809]
Publication details: 
[circa 1809?] Edinburgh, 'Published as the Act directs.', 'for Butterworth & Son'.
£200.00

Landscape. On one side of a piece of paper roughly 25 x 41 cm. In poor condition: aged and damp stained, with loss to top-right and bottom-right hand corners (in neither case affecting text or design). Laid down on a piece of white paper. Title and small portrait head of Moore surrounded by an ornate calligraphic embellishment. The poem, of nine heroic couplets arranged in two columns, is engraved in copperplate, and begins 'Lamented Moore!

Document signed, "Palmerston", addressed to "E. Biscoe Eyre"

Author: 
Viscount Palmerston
Publication details: 
30/06/12
£100.00

War Office Circular No. 121. One page, fol. Printed with manuscript additions. The document refers to "certain Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures" which should be remitted to the Bank of England and placed to the account of "the Agent-Genral for the Local Militia". The addressee (Eyre) is to levy and remit, notifying Palmerston.

Documents Signed by Campbell and Clifford relating to an Officer in the Government of the Falklands Islands, with related material.

Author: 
Colin Campbell and Miles Clifford.
Publication details: 
Stanley, Falklands, 1952-1954.
£150.00

A small archive, items one page folio (unless ow stated) comprising: (1952) appointment of J.E. Briscoe to be Deputy of officer administering the Colony, royal stamp, signed by Colin Campbell (Colonial Secretary) ND Briscoe; (Jan.

"Evolution in Naval Architecture during the Reign of Queen Victoria"

Author: 
Robert Duncan
Publication details: 
Greenock, 1887
£25.00

Watt Anniversary Lecture, 14 January 1887, in honour of the birthday of James Watt (Papers of the Greenock Philosophical Society - no.8). Printed wraps,, sl. chipped, 27pp., 8vo. INSCRIBED by the author, "Henry Dyer Esqre/with R.D.'s Compts".

Autograph Letter Signed ('Felicity Hill'). Together with autograph signature (also 'Felcity Hill').

Author: 
Air Commodore Dame Felicity Hill [Felicity Barbara Hill] (1915-?), Director, Women's Royal Air Force, 1966-1969
Publication details: 
Undated; from Worcester Cottage, Mews Lane, Winchester, Hants.
£35.00

The six-line letter, which is laid down on a slightly larger piece of lilac paper, was originally on one side of an octavo leaf, but it has had a strip (presumably carrying the name and address of the recipient) beneath the address cut away. It is now in two pieces: 5 x 15.5 and 12 x 15.5 cm. Otherwise very good. Laid down on the top piece is a slip of paper in Hill's hand, reading 'From: Air Commodore Dame Felicity Hill D.B.E. WRAF (retd)'. In the bottom right-hand corner of the second piece of paper is a strip carrying Hill's autograph.

List of the Officers of the Foreign Men of War invited to the Naval Review, Spithead.

Author: 
Naval Review, Spithead, 1937 [Royal Portsmouth Corinthian Yacht Club; Royal Navy; Admiralty; Maritime]
Publication details: 
Admiralty. 20 May 1937. [Printed by 'H & S, Ltd.']
£45.00

8vo; 33 pp. In original blue printed wraps. On lightly-aged paper, with occasional foxing, in creased wraps. With the stamp of the Royal Portsmouth Corinthian Yacht Club. The entries for the eighteen nations listed on the second page have been ticked off in blue pencil, and the ships of two other nations (Canada and India) added beneath the list in manuscript. Listing the crews of the various ships, with seniority. Represented are both the U.S.S.R., with the 'Marat' ('Flagman 2nd Rank (Rear Admiral) - V. I. Ivanov (Commanding Officer)...

Map headed 'Position of the Fleet at Spithead on the 28th. June 1902.'

Author: 
Sir William James Lloyd Wharton (1843-1905), hydrographer [Naval Review by King Edward VII at Spithead, 28 June 1902; Royal Navy; Fleet Review]
Publication details: 
London. Published at the Admiralty, 13th. June 1902, under the Superintendence of Rear Admiral Sir W. J. L. Wharton, K.C.B.: F.R.S.: Hydrographer. Sold by J.D. Potter. Agent for the sale of Admiralty Charts, 145 Minories.
£56.00

In light blue, light brown and black on one side of a piece of wove paper roughly 38 x 56 cm. Good: lightly creased and with a little wear at foot. Folded three times. 'Corrections 14th. June' in bottom left-hand corner, and 'Malby & Sons, Lith.' in bottom right-hand corner. Faintly stamped on border at foot 'CHARPENTIER | PORTSMOUTH'. COPAC lists one copy (National Library of Scotland).

Autograph Letter Signed to an unnamed correspondent.

Author: 
Emma Roberts, author, inc. "Hindustan" (1845).
Publication details: 
[19 Decr 1827 - date entered in pencil in another hand]
£125.00

Two pages, 8vo, good condition. She explains why she can't fulfil his wish that she receive his guests but looks forward to a visit to "Craven Street"., only postponed. Hhe has "written to Mr Pickering [publisher?] according to your instructions and shall feel obliged by the exertion of your influence in my behalf with him." She claims to be writing in great haste.

Autograph Letter Signed ('Jane Halliday') to an unnamed Lord of the Admiralty.

Author: 
Lady Jane Halliday [née Tollemache] (1750-1802), English society beauty painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds [Lord Hugh Seymour; the Royal Navy]
Publication details: 
Grove Cottage near Cowes'. Undated, but docketed '22 Sept: 1800'.
£120.00

4to, 1 p, 12 lines. Very good, on aged paper. Asking the recipient 'through this medium to recommend my son Lieut Halliday [Francis Halliday, born around 1776; fl. 1820] of the Thunderer, now at Jamaica, to the notice of Lord Hugh Seymour; Sir Hyde Parker has sent me an account of him, but to my great disappointment has not brought him Home - - - - - Francis has been six years in the East & West Indies & very attentive to his profession'. She feels sure that 'a line from yr. Lordship to Lord Hugh could not fail of being of great use to him'. Docketed on reverse 'Mem: Enquire abt.

Four Autograph Letters Signed by Florrie Cockle (one signed 'Florrie Cockle (soon Iggulden)' and another 'Willie and Florrie'); one Autograph Letter Signed ('Birt') by Birt Cockle; all to their sisters Kate and Maggie.

Author: 
Florrie Cockle and Albert ('Birt') Cockle [Willie Iggulden; Boer War; South Africa]
Publication details: 
East London, South Africa; 1898 and 1899.
£150.00

Very good, on aged and lightly creased paper. Six long letters to family in England written during a turbulent period in South African history. Affectionate, chatty, and written from a lower-middle-class point of view (Florrie: 'we always have an h[ou]r., when I change my dress for the afternoon after dinner'). Mostly dealing with family matters. Letter One (from 'Florrie', 4 September 1898, 'P.O. East London, South Africa', 4to: 4 pp): tells an amusing story about Birt, a cart and a goat. Letter Two (from 'Florrie', 11 September 1898, address as Letter One, 4to: 2 pp).

Five Autograph Letters Signed [all 'James Knowles'] to Hurd.

Author: 
Sir James Knowles [Sir James Thomas Knowles] (1831-1908), architect and editor of 'The Nineteenth Century' [Sir Archibald Hurd (1869-1959), writer on naval matters]
Publication details: 
Between 1898 and 1901; on letterhead of 'The Nineteenth Century'.
£145.00

All five items are 12mo, 1 p, and in good condition, with the text entirely legible, but with slight discoloration to the extremities and to the blank second leaves of four of the letters. Letter One (17 May 1898): Concerns a letter by Sir William White, regarding which Knowles has not written as 'it seemed to me there was nothing to write about - & I am compelled to write so many letters!' Knowles 'did not at all think that Sir W. White intended any disparaging reflection in your competence by saying that you were <?> not a man "technically trained in naval architecture" '.

Autograph Signature ('H. Bismark') on fragment of letter in English.

Author: 
Prince Herbert von Bismarck [Nicolaus Heinrich Ferdinand Herbert von Bismarck] (1849-1904), Prussian diplomat and soldier, son of Otto von Bismark
Publication details: 
Date and place not stated.
£35.00

On piece of paper roughly 6.5 x 13 cm. Good, on creased and lightly aged paper. Reads '<...> | yours very sincerely | H. Bismark'. On reverse '<...> looking forward immensely to my visit to you. I have just been asked to lunch with a very old lady <...>'.

Autograph Letter Signed ('E Knatchbull') to the Mayor of Canterbury.

Author: 
Sir Edward Knatchbull (1781-1849) of Mersham Hatch, Kent, 9th Baronet, English ultra-Tory politician [the Mayor of Canterbury]
Publication details: 
17 September 1841; Mersham Hatch.
£66.00

4to, 3 pp. Very good, on aged paper. Small punch hole through top left-hand corner of both leaves of the bifolium (not affecting text, which is clear and entire). Knatchbull claims that it has been 'intimated' to him 'that the Removal of the Troops from Canterbury in consequence of the Election for the County, which is to take place on Monday next, will cause much Inconvenience, especially to the Trade of the City'. He does not think that the Secretary of State 'would like to interfere, unless in Concurrence with the desire & opinion of the Authorities of the City of Canterbury'.

Autograph Letter Signed ('H Fagel') to unnamed male correspondent.

Author: 
Baron Hendrik Fagel [Henry Fagel] (1765-1838), Dutch Ambassador to London [Holland; the Netherlands]
Publication details: 
Whitehallplace Febry. 16th. 1824'.
£75.00

4to, 2 pp. Text clear and entire. On aged paper with a few closed tears to extremities and a thin strip of discoloration along one margin on reverse. 'The Royal Netherland Navy have made use of Coaltar for preserving certain parts of vessels of war from decay', but 'the Medical Department in the Netherlands' have confirmed that the use of Coaltar for that purpose has a prejudicial effect on the health of the Ships crews'. Asks to be informed 'of the results of any enquiries instituted on this Subject by order of the British Admiralty'. Docketed 'Netherland's under Secretary'.

Fragment of Autograph Letter Signed ('F Beaufort') to his son Sir Francis Lestock Beaufort.

Author: 
Sir Francis Beaufort (1774-1857), naval officer and hydrographer [Francis Lestock Beaufort (1815-1879)]
Publication details: 
Date and place not stated.
£28.00

Strip of paper, 3 x 10.5 cm, removed from letter for inclusion in an autograph collection. Good, on lightly-aged light-blue paper. Laid down on strip of cream paper. Reads '<...> believe me dear Lestock | as ever, Yours faithfully | F Beaufort'. Neatly docketed in a contemporary hand in the bottom left-hand corner 'Sir F. Beaufort'. Text on reverse reads '<...> to poor Sneyd I can <...> advice to him, short of <...> filling the plan he had <...> and getting him (at <...>'.

Autograph Letter Signed ('Roberts') to 'Mr. Pibworth'.

Author: 
Frederick Sleigh Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts [Lord Roberts of Kandahar] (1832-1914), English soldier
Publication details: 
22 October 1909; on letterhead of Englemere, Ascot, Berkshire.
£45.00

12mo, 2 pp. Good, with minor staining and head, and traces of previous mount to blank second leaf of bifolium. He is sorry to learn that the 'Private Secretary, Mr. Harold Roberts' has rheumatic fever, 'a most painful disease' which 'usually lasts some time'. 'The poor lad will get over it, and ere long be quite himself again'. Lady Roberts is sending the boy 'some flowers'. When he is 'stronger, and would care to read', Roberts will send him 'a copy of my "Forty-one years in India".'

Manuscript headed 'The Informacon of William Rylands Purser of the Neptune galley merchant man' and docketed 'Informacone of William Rylands a Joseph Matthews & John Wyatt'. Signed by Rylands and by Robert Constable of the Middle Temple.

Author: 
Robert Constable; William Rylands; Joseph Matthews; John Wyatt; the galley 'Neptune' [naval and maritime; stuart; sixteenth and seventeenth century; the Inns of Court]
Publication details: 
taken on Oath before me this 17th day of October Anno. Dom 1706.'
£100.00

On one side of a piece of watermarked laid paper roughly 31 x 19 cm. Docketed on reverse. Good, on lightly aged paper, with slight chipping to right-hand edge and short closed tear neatly repaired on reverse with archival tape. The words 'Middle in top left-hand cornerr. Rylands says that the Neptune was 'lying in the Downes' three weeks before, when Matthews and Wyatt, 'being marriners on board', did 'with five other person's Run away with the long boat or yaul belonging to the Said gally'.

Autograph Letter Signed ('Geo. Paulet') to Smith, former Gunnery Officer on H.M.S. Carysfort.

Author: 
Admiral Lord George Paulet, CB (1803-1879)
Publication details: 
4 July 1845; 3 Upper Eccleston Street, Belgrave Square, London.
£56.00

12mo, 4 pp, 40 lines. On slightly grubby and creased paper, with a couple of tiny closed tears. Paulet writes that he has been 'saying much in [Smith's] favor' to 'Sir W. Gage' [Admiral Sir William Hall Gage (1777-1864), a member of the Board of Admiralty]. Gage considers the certificate Paulet has given Smith 'of no use to you without your received from the Adm[ira]l. the appointment of Gunnery Officer and that you had better lose no time in applying to me for a certificate for the time that you were actually doing the duty of gunnery officer'. Paulet reckons this 'from the time of Mr.

Seven Typed Letters Signed (all 'R. W. Dana', and one of the signatures cyclostyled) to Sir Henry Trueman Wood, Secretary, Royal Society of Arts.

Author: 
Robert Washington Dana (1868-1956), British naval architect, assistant to Barry on the construction of Tower Bridge, London, and 'Resident Engineer for reconstruction of Kew Bridge'
Publication details: 
1911 (3 letters) and 1913 (4 letters); all on letterhead of the Institution of Naval Architects (of which Dana was the Secretary).
£100.00

Six of the letters are 4to, 1 p; the other is 12mo, 1 p. All good, on lightly aged paper. All bearing the Society's stamp and most docketed. On a variety of subjects: a proposed paper by 'Herr Frahm', the use by the Institution of the Royal Society's library for a council meeting, the delivery to the Society of a 'model tank that is coming from Germany' ('the reader of the paper is sending his representative over from Germany to superintend matters'), and a 'Proposed Memorial to the late Sir William White' ('with reference to Mr. Bailey Saunders and Mr. C. R. Graves.

Autograph Letter Signed ('J. R. Drummond | V Adml | Comr. in Chief') to Sir George Granville Randolph (1818-1907) ('Rear Admiral G. Randolph, C.B.').

Author: 
Vice Admiral the Hon. James Robert Drummond (1812-1895), Royal Navy, Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean [Victorian; naval and maritime]
Publication details: 
H M S Lord Warden Malta | Feb 23rd. 1874'.
£85.00

12mo, 2 pp. On Drummond's embossed crested letterhead. Good: on lightly aged paper with corners a little dogeared and slight discoloration along one margin. Small glue stain from previous mounting at foot of reverse (not affecting text). Headed 'General Memo -'. Instructing Randolph 'to conduct all necessary evolutions relative to the exercise of guns, Sails, Boats - small arm | men landing, & Marines - on acting permission for the same from my Flag as he may find conducive to the instruction of the Ships of the Ships herein named of the squadron [five ships named at end of letter]'.

Autograph Letter Signed to an unnamed secretary of state.

Author: 
Colonel James Francis Erskine, of the Regiment of Swiss Chasseurs
Publication details: 
7 March 1783; 'Kensington gravell Pitts'.
£125.00

Erskine, who died in 1806, was the grandson of the 27th Earl of Mar. 3 pages, 8vo. In very good condition. The letter, addressed to 'your Excellency', concerns 'The Honble. Captain Cunningham who had resigned a Troop of Dragoons on the Irish Establishment to go upon Service with the same rank in my unfortunate Regiment of Swiss Chasseurs'.

Typed Letter Signed ('O Locker Lampson') to unnamed female correspondent.

Author: 
Commander Oliver Locker-Lampson (1880-1954), Conservative MP for North Huntingdonshire (1910-22) and Handsworth (1922-45) [Hands Off Britain "Clear out the Reds" Campaign; communism; anti-communist]
Publication details: 
Undated; on letterhead of the 'Hands Off Britain "Clear out the Reds" Campaign', St. Stephen's House, Westminster.
£56.00

4to, 1 p, 9 lines. On behalf of his 'Committee' acknowledging his correspondent's 'kind letter with its generous contribution to the funds of our Campaign', adding 'a message of individual thanks from myself to you for your mostt encouraging support'. 'Our Campaign is prospering, and we hope soon to complete our success by the early expulsion of the Reds.' His correspondent's 'welcome help' is of 'great value'.

Autograph Letter Signed ('P Watts') to Archibald Hurd, 5 Downshire Hill, Hampstead, London N.W.

Author: 
Sir Philip Watts (1846-1926), English naval architect [Sir Archibald Hurd (1869-1959)]
Publication details: 
20 [corrected from 18] October 1909; on embossed Admiralty letterhead.
£100.00

4to, 2 pp, 25 lines. Good, on slightly discoloured and grubby paper. Watts takes issue with 'The statement of British Shipbuilding Programmes since 1889' which Hurd has forwarded. 'It was found more convenient to draw up the table again', and Watts is sending 'the result of the investigations which have been made' (table not present). He is in 'complete agreement' with the 'statements under the headings of Battleships, Armoured Cruisers and 1st. class Cruisers', but 'Under the headings of 2nd. and 3rd.

Autograph Note Signed ('E. de Jonquieres'), on visiting card, to 'Monsieur Lalanne, Conservateur de la Bibliothèque de l'Institut'.

Author: 
Ernest de Jonquières (1820-1901), French naval officer and mathematician [Léon Lalanne [Léon Louis Chrétien Lalanne] (1811-1892), French engineer and mathematician]
Publication details: 
9 July 1886; Paris.
£56.00

Written on both sides of the card, dimensions 5.5 x 9 cm. Good, with a little light scuffing on the front. Communication between two leading lights of French nineteenth-century mathematics. Printed text reads 'VICE-AMIRAL DE JONQUIERES | MEMBRE DE L'INSTITUT | AVENUE BUGEAUD, 2'. Asks Lalanne to 'inscrire Monsieur Bonnaffé, lauréat de l'Institut, parmi les lecteurs'.

Autograph Letter Signed ('Leslie Rundle') to 'My dear General'.

Author: 
Leslie Rundle [Sir Henry Macleod Leslie Rundle] (1856-1934), British army officer
Publication details: 
31 July 1904; on letterhead of Government House, York.
£56.00

12mo, 3 pp. Good on lightly-aged paper. He has 'written to the necessary authorities' about his correspondent's son. 'Of course it will largely depend on which Slade [Lt-Gen. Frederick George Slade (b.1851), C.B.] says about him, as I do not know your son personally - though his record reads an exceptionally good one.' He is sorry to hear about his correspondent's brother's death: 'he was always very kind' to Rundle.

Autograph Letter Signed to Richard Byham, Secretary to the Board of Ordnance, Pall Mall.

Author: 
James Hammond of the Ordnance Office, Jersey [Revolutions of 1848; French Royal Family; Louis XVIII; Board of Ordnance; Ordnance Office, Pall Mall]
Publication details: 
2 March 1848; Jersey.
£150.00

12mo, 3 pp. Ruckled and stained, with the verso of the second leaf of the bifolium (carrying the address) laid down on a leaf detached from an autograph album. The 'Royal Family of France' are causing 'a very deep interest' and 'a portion of them have found their way to this Island'. He reports that the 'Duchesse d'Orleans and her two Sons, and the Duc de Montpensier have arrived here from Granville - they were brought over by a Jersey Boat the Master of which has been most liberally rewarded'.

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