- A Group of Nine Japanese Woodblock Prints,
A Group of Nine Japanese Woodblock Prints, 19th-20th Century Consisting of two framed triptych and quadriptych prints of 'Imagawa Honryo Nekomata Yashiki' by Shigeharu Ryusai (1803-1853) and 'Party in Pleasure Boat on Sumida River at Night' after Kitagawa Utamaro; six woodblock prints by Hiroshige and others; and an artist's proof of 'The Peche' by Noboru Sawai (1931-2016)
largest frame 25.8 x 49.2 in — 65.5 x 125 cm
- The WWI MC AFC order, decorations and
The WWI MC AFC order, decorations and medals of Wing Commander William Harold Nelson Shakespeare, pilot of the first trans European flight by a commercial aeroplane, 1919, The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire Officer's silver gilt badge, civil division, Military Cross, reverse engraved CAPT W.H.N.SHAKESPEARE RFC 1917, Air Force Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, 1939-1945 Star, Defence Medal and War Medal 2360 Cpl W.G.N. Shakespeare Worc R [on Star, Capt W H N Shakespeare on BWM and Victory] and related personalia and memorabilia, principally comprising:Insignia:Worcestershire Regiment cap badge,Royal Flying Corps cast gilt bronze dress uniform flying badge, 72mm l,Royal Flying Corps cloth flying badge.Other awards:Massachusetts, City of Worcester Mayor's Key, William A Bennett (1938-1945), boxed,9ct gold and enamel neck badge with arms of Worcester, Birmingham 1931, 19gPhotographs & Documents:British Empire Aviator's Certificate No 3548 with photograph, 1916,Typed itinerary of the [first] Flight to Greece, 9 October 1919, from Major Humphrey on Handley Page Ltd notepaper to Captain Shakespeare and contemporary photograph (gelatin silver print) of the bi plane,Typed carbon copy of Shakespeare's 16 p. report of the flight headed 'across Europe by air',foreign hotel bills and Greek newspaper and paper money, 1919, Unopened emergency ration tin of 'Bovril'.Military Cross: Supplement to the London Gazette, 4 February 1918, Airforce Cross: Supplement to the London Gazette, 29 October 1918.The aviator Wing Commander W H N Shakespeare (1893-1976) was born in Worcester and educated at the Royal Grammar School. He enlisted in the Worcestershire Regiment and after receiving his commission transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. The citation for his Military Cross reads "T./Capt. William Harold Nelson Shakespeare, RFC, was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He carried out a most successful contact patrol in very bad weather at a height of 400ft and brought back very valuable information. Later, he carried out another successful contact patrol at low altitude, his machine being subjected to intense rifle and machine-gun fire. He is a gallant and determined pilot and has set a fine example to his squadron." In 1918 he became one of the first Wing Commanders in the newly established Royal Air Force.Soon after the end of the War, he joined Handley Page for which he undertook the first trans European flight by a commercial aeroplane. In "Flight" (December 4, 1919) he posted from Athens "I have the pleasure to report the successful completion of the first civilian trans-Europe flight. I arrived at Athens after the most trying and unpleasant stage of the journey from London. Taking advantage of what seemed to be good weather at Valona, I left in the early morning and made quite good time under good conditions to Prevesa. "Shortly afterwards I landed at Tatoi, having done the journey from Valona in 4 and a half hours. This, I was afterwards told, was a record time. The people - Greek and English flying officers - were very surprised to see us as the weather had been practically impossible all day; in fact five minutes before we landed an RAF HP machine, securely picketed, had been picked up by the wind and been blown completely on its back, being a nasty mess of wreckage which was spread out in front of us. Needless to say after the buffeting I had received, I was greatly relieved to make our final landing; in fact we were all pleased with ourselves at the successful completion of this long journey, although it had taken longer than we expected. This fact was due to conditions over which neither I nor the mechanics had any control. Altogether, the machine had been out in six whole days' rain. The engines, with the attention they received stood very well "On the day fixed for the inspection by HM King of Greece the Press turned up in copious numbers. We initiated them into the mysteries of the HP and trans-Europe flight. "I did two flights of Press people over Athens, and all went home very pleased with the machine, the new 'sensation' and themselves. On these trips we did some pamphlet dropping over the city. "Saturday, November 1, was a memorable day, for HM King of Greece turned up and inspected the machine. He was greatly impressed, and finally I persuaded him to come up for a flight. Since that occasion His Majesty has had two further flights, the last trip being from Athens to Corinth".
- TWO UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE (JAPANESE, 1797-1858)
TWO UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE (JAPANESE, 1797-1858) WOODBLOCK PRINTS Includes: Utagawa Hiroshige II, "Tenjin Festival on the Yodo River in Osaka" & Utagawa Hiroshige, Kakegawa, "Crossing the Forty-eight Rapids on the Akiba Road"Utagawa Hiroshige was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist, considered the last great master of that tradition. Hiroshige is best known for his horizontal-format landscape series The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido and for his vertical format landscapes series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo. The subjects of his work were atypical of the uikyo-e genre, whose typical focus was on beautiful women, popular actors, and other scenes of the urban pleasure districts of Japan’s Edo period. The series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji by Hokusai was a strong influence on Hiroshige’s choice of subject, though Hiroshige’s approach was more poetic and ambient than Hokusai’s bolder, more formal prints. Subtle use of color was essential in Hiroshige’s prints, often printed with multiple impressions in the same area with extensive use of bokashi, both of which were rather labor-intensive techniques.
- SIX BOOKS ON ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN,
SIX BOOKS ON ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN, TWO SIGNED Selection of six hardcover and softcover books on architecture and design comprising, Moll Anderson, "The Seductive Home" (signed with personal inscription by the author), The Rockwell Group, "Pleasure: The Architecture And Design Of Rockwell Group" (signed with personal inscription), Daniel Libeskind, "Edge Of Order", multiple authors, "Domestic Art: Curated Interiors", Caroline Knight,"Essential Frank Lloyd Wright", and Philippe Starke, "Starck". Approximate Dimensions:Approx. "The Seductive Home" in case h. 14.25", w. 10.75", d. 2".
- CONNECTICUT CONSTITUTION HANDWRITTEN
CONNECTICUT CONSTITUTION HANDWRITTEN SPEECH, 1818 A closely written speech justifying the proposed constitution. Appears to have been used at a town meeting. The manuscript originator penned this for a rare look into the forming of the Connecticut Constitution. Privately delivered at a meeting of the voters in the town which he represented at the Convention. In small part, "I have had a slight agency in forming this Constitution, I hope to be indulged in a few remarks on some of its provisions...Passing over the Bill of Rights I would first notice the 2nd Article, entitled Distribution of Power...all the powers of government here were vested in one general court...had the power of enacting laws at pleasure...it possessed all the legislative, all the judicial and all the executive power of the Colony. the frame is stressed white color with brown wood undertones and has double sided glass. 4 pages.
- FRANCISCO DIAZ DE LEON (1830 - 1896),
FRANCISCO DIAZ DE LEON (1830 - 1896), "PLEASURE STREET," 1930, LITHOGRAPH ON LAID PAPER, IMAGE: 8.375" H X 6.125" W; SHEET: 12" H X 9.25" WFrancisco Diaz de Leon, (1830-1896) "Pleasure Street," 1930, Lithograph on laid paper Edition: 11/20 Signed and numbered in pencil in the lower margin: Diaz de Leon Lithograph on laid paper Dimensions: Image: 8.375" H x 6.125" W; Sheet: 12" H x 9.25" W Provenance: The Collection of Frederick W. Davis Private Collection, Southern California, by descent from the above
- FINE PAIR OF INSCRIBED BLUE AND WHITE
FINE PAIR OF INSCRIBED BLUE AND WHITE TEA TRAYS
QING DYNASTY, JIAQING MARK AND OF THE PERIOD ??? ??????????????? ????????????each with shallow lobed sides of quatrefoil section, supported on four short bracket feet, the interior inscribed with an imperial poem pertaining to the preparation of tea and dated to the dingsiyear of the Jiaqing reign (corresponding to 1797), surrounded by a band of scrolling lotus and florets repeated on the interior and exterior walls with a variation on the central bloom, the base inscribed with a six-character Jiaqing seal mark in underglaze blue and surrounded by spur-marks, with fitted wooden stand(2)16.1cm wide eachProvenance: Private Scottish collection; inherited from the family who worked and travelled extensively in Asia during the 1920s-1940s.Note: The poem on these small dishes, composed by the Jiaqing Emperor, praises the pleasure of drinking tea and appears on tea trays and teapots of different palettes. S.W. Bushell translates the poem in Oriental Ceramic Art, London, 1981, p. 239, as:'Finest tribute tea of the first picking.And a bright full moon prompts a line of verse.A lively fire glows in the bamboo stove,The water is boiling in the stone griddle,Small bubbles rise like ears of fish or crab.Of rare Chi'i-ch'iang tea, rolled into tiny balls,One cup is enough to lighten the heart,And dissipate the early winter chill.'A similar blue and white tray is illustrated by H.A. Van Oort, Chinese Porcelain of the 19th and 20th Centuries, The Netherlands, 1977, p. 19, pl. 2. Closely comparable pairs of dishes of this pattern and date were sold at Christie's London,15 May 2012, lot 395 and Sotheby's Hong Kong, 9 October 2012, lot 3081.
- JADEITE CARVING OF A MONKEY
19TH-20TH
JADEITE CARVING OF A MONKEY
19TH-20TH CENTURY ??????? ???????realistically carved as a crouching monkey, left hand placed behind its head, right palm rested on right knee, on a fitted wooden stand(1)4cm highProvenance: Private Scottish collection, Harrietfield, Kelso; previously from the family estate bought in 1847, Newton Don, Kelso, thence by descent.Newton Don lies in the lowland hills near Kelso, overlooking the Eden Water, a tributary of the Tweed. It owes its name to the Don family who first acquired the former manorial lands of Newton around 1648. Sir Alexander Don inherited the estate and baronetcy in 1776 and over the next forty years the family brought about significant change. The Dons sought to expand the pleasure grounds and to create a secluded, fashionable, country seat and by 1800, a visitor described the estate as a ‘remarkably pretty, cheerful place’. Between 1817 and 1820 renowned English architect Sir Robert Smirke (1781-1867) made considerable alterations to the eighteenth-century house, for which Robert Adam had prepared the original plans. Unfortunately, the transformation had strained the family coffers to such an extent that the estate was sold in 1847. Harrietfield was the farmhouse of the Newton Don estate home farm. It may have been built after the marriage of Lady Harriet Cunningham to Alexander Don in 1778, hence the name.
- JEAN-CLAUDE PICOT (1933-2020) OIL ON
JEAN-CLAUDE PICOT (1933-2020) OIL ON CANVASJean-Claude Picot (1933 - 2020)Le Promeneur (The Walker) (Late 20th Century)The late 20th century work in the tradition of early 20th century Fauvists is titled The Walker in French verso and signed lower right front.The exuberant presentation is painted in the tradition of Fauve painters who 'used a liberated style to create paintings that seem to celebrate the pleasures of painting as much as the pleasures of life' using 'strong colors and fierce brushwork.'Canvas measures 18.25 x 21.5 with a framed size of 25.25 x 28.75 inches.Very good original untouched condition. There are no issues of scratches, losses, repairs, in-painting or touch-up.
- THEODORE ALEXANDER CHINOISERIE TRAY
THEODORE ALEXANDER CHINOISERIE TRAY TOP TABLERegency style "Graceful Pleasures" tray top cocktail table, Theodore Alexander, late 20th c., having fixed tray top, with Chinoiserie painted landscapes, brass side handles, faux bamboo turned frame, rising on splayed legs joined by cross stretcher, approx 22"h, 35"w, 20.5"d **Provenance: from a private Austin, Texas estate collection**
- (2) UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE UKIYO-E VIEWS
(2) UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE UKIYO-E VIEWS OF KYOTO(lot of 2) Framed Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints, Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858), from the series Famous Views of Kyoto, including: (1) "The Willow Tree at the Gate of the Shimabara Pleasure Quarter," sight: approx 9"h, 14"w, overall: approx 12"h, 15"w, (1) "Enjoying the Evening Cool on the Riverbed at Shijo," sight: approx 8.75"h, 13.75"w, overall: approx 12.75"h, 15.75"w; 3lbs total
- SILVER. AMERICAN & FRENCH SILVER WINE/BAR
SILVER. AMERICAN & FRENCH SILVER WINE/BAR OBJECTS. Includes a Currier & Roby sterling cocktail shaker - stamped to underside with a maker's mark, and, "Sterling 6702 1 1/2 Pints"; a Black, Starr & Gorham sterling double jigger inscribed, "Eat at Pleasure Drink at Measure" - stamped, "Black, Starr & Gorham Sterling"; and a signed French .800 silver tavestin wine taster - with a French domestic silver hallmark of a crab signifying .800 silver and an unidentified maker's mark of LTD in a lozenge form frame. Total approx. weight of sterling is 15.29 troy oz (gross); total approx. weight of .800 silver is 2.84 troy oz (gross). From a Patterson, NY estate. Dimensions: cocktail shaker measures approx 8.25" h. Condition: Good, with light surface scratches and minor dings/dents.
- 6 FDR LIBRARY BOOKS ROOSEVELT LEATHER
6 FDR LIBRARY BOOKS ROOSEVELT LEATHER & MORE 1) "The Child Of Want And Misery", colored plates, 1807, London, 5" x 4", Library tag #1180, "Franklin D Roosevelt / Hyde Park / 1917/ (?illeg) little book", in fine leather binding, 2) "The Little Gift For Little Folks", Philadelphia, 1848, colored plates, Library Tag #1135, "Franklin D Roosevelt/ Hyde Park/ 1930", 3) "A Day's Pleasure", Howells, Boston, 1876, Library Tag #1159, "Franklin D Roosevelt/ Hyde Park", 4) "The Parlor Car", Howells, Boston, 1876, Library Tag #1160, "Franklin D Roosevelt/ Hyde Park", 5) "The Young Hop-Pickers", Fry, Boston, 1859, Library Tag #1313, "FDR/ER", 6) slipcased (5) illustrated dances "The Dance London (1860)", with a note from the LOC dated 10 July 1939, Library tag #1005, "FDR / 1920". Condition: Good.
- Eight various 19th & 20th century books,
Eight various 19th & 20th century books, c/o Poems by John B. Tabb (Boston and London, 1895; one of 500 copies of the 2nd edition); English as she is taught by Caroline B. Le Row (New York, 1887); Snowflake?s pleasure book, by Addie (New York, 1879); Father Tuck?s annual (London, no date but circa 1900); Of love and other demons by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (New York, 1995); J'Accuse by Graham Greene (London, 1982); Le Balcon by Jean Genet (n.p., n.d. but circa 1970); Albert Strange: yacht designer and artist, 1855-1917 by John Leather (Edinburgh, 1990)
- Maurice Sendak signed poster, "Outside
Maurice Sendak signed poster, "Outside Over There" inscribed "to John with pleasure, Maurice Sendak, May 17 '81" together with (11) Where The Wild Things Are posters, 19"x25-1/2", framed size 21-1/2"x18", good condition
- ARCHITECTURE RELATED BOOKS GROUP, 10
ARCHITECTURE RELATED BOOKS GROUP, 10 Group of Architecture related books, 10, and comprising: Nili Portugali, The Act of Creation, etc., Axel Menges: Stuttgart, 2006; Dale Harris et al., Follies and Fantasies: Germany & Austria, Abrams: New York, 1995; E. Casanelles, Antonio Gaudi: A Reappraisal, NYGS: Greenwich, 1965; Ralph Lieberman, Renaissance Architecture in Venice; Abbeville: New York, 1965; John T. Kirk, The Impecunious House Builder, New York: 1984, Anthony Grafton, Leon Battista Alberti: Master Builder of the Italian Renaissance, Hill and Wang: New York 2000, Pete Nelson, New Treehouses of the World, Abrams: New York, 2009; Dams & Zega, Pleasure Pavilions and Follies, etc., Flammarion: Paris: 1995; Christopher Wilk, Marcel Breuer: Furniture and Interiors, MoMA: New York, 1981; and Peter Reed, Alvar Aalto: Between Humanism and Materialism, MoMA: New York, 1998. Largest: 11" H x 10" W.
- LINEN CROSS-STITCH NEEDLEWORK, DATED
LINEN CROSS-STITCH NEEDLEWORK, DATED 1830 Cross-stitch needlework in cotton on linen, 1830, of rectangular form depicting a church and a house surmounting a verse from the 'Sailor's Farewell,' Sweet, oh sweet is that sensation, Where two hearts in friendship meet, But the pain of separation, Mingles bitter with the sweet,' next to a couple, an urn of flowers, and a man and dog hunting fowl, ending with another verse 'There is no lasting pleasure beneath the light blue sky, The soul's unchanging treasure, Can only show on high,' the whole framed in barber pole and tree border, apparently unsigned, framed. Approximate dimensions: sight h. 17.5", w. 26"; overall h. 19", w. 27.25", d. 1".
- A GROUP OF EDO PERIOD (1603-1868) UKIYO-E
A GROUP OF EDO PERIOD (1603-1868) UKIYO-E WOODCUT PRINTS, KATSUKAWA SHUNCHO (1726-1792) "PLEASURE BOAT ON A SUMMER EVENING," CIRCA 1780, AND TOYOHARA KUNICHIKA (1835-1900) "YOMOGIU, NO. 15," FROM THE SERIES.....A group of Edo period (1603-1868) Ukiyo-e woodcut prints, Two works: Katsukawa Shuncho (1726-1792) "Pleasure Boat on a Summer Evening," circa 1780 Nishiki-e woodcut in colors on paper With printed Japanese characters near the lower edge of each sheet Overall sight: 14.25" H x 20.25" W Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) "Yomogiu, No. 15," from the series, " The Fifty-four Chapters [of the Tale of Genji] in Modern Times," 1884 Woodcut in colors on paper Signed and with the red Toshidama seal beath the signature, near the center of the image: Toyohara Kunichika hitsu; Takegawa Seikichi, pub.; Hori Gin, carver Sight: 13.25" H x 9" W 2 pieces
- GROUP OF BOOKS OF IRISH INTERESTIncluding:
GROUP OF BOOKS OF IRISH INTERESTIncluding: Glenveagh Castle by William Gallagher, Government of Ireland, 1993; Irish Furniture and Woodcraft by John Teahan, Town House and Country House, 1994; Irish Furniture edited by Brian Austen, The Furniture History Society, 1999; Cork: History and Society edited by Patrick O'Flanagan and Cornelius G. Buttimer, Geography Publications, 1993; Life in an Irish Country House by Mark Bence-Jones, Constable and Co. Ltd., 1996; Classic Irish Homes of the Middle Size by Maurice Craig, Ashfield Press, 2006; The Golden Age of Irish Art: The Medieval Achievement 600–1200 by Peter Harbson, Thames and Hudson, 1999; Castles of Ireland by Brian de Breffny, photographs by George Mott, Thames and Hudson, 1977; The Irish Country House by Desmond Guinness, Knight of Glin and James Peill, with photographs by James Fennell, Vendome Press, 2010, with signatures from the authors; In the Houses of Ireland photographs by Walter Pfeiffer and text by Marianne Heron, Thames and Hudson, 1988; Irish Houses and Gardens: From the Archives of Country Life by Seán O'Reilly, Aurum Press Ltd., 2008; James Barry (1741–1806): 'The Great Historical Painter' edited by Tom Dunne, Crawford Art Gallery and Gandon Editions, 2005; Famous Cities of the World: Dubliln and Cork photographs by R. S. Magowan, with an introduction by Kate O'Brien, Books for Pleasure Ltd., 1961; Ireland: Art into History by Raymond Gillespie and Brian P. Kennedy, Roberts Rineart Publishers, 1994; Representing Art in Ireland edited by Nuala Fenton, Fenton Gallery, 2008; Houses of Cork: Volume I: North Cork by Anna-Maria Hajba, with line drawings by Michael O'Sullivan, Ballinakella Press, 2002; The Irish Georgian Society: A Celebration by Robert O'Byrne, The Irish Georgian Society, 2008, with signature and inscription to Niall Smith by Desmond Guinness, Knight of Glin, dated 2008; Irish Houses and Castles by Desmond Guinness and William Ryan, Thames and Hudson, 1971; This is Ireland: A Children's Classic by Miorsalv Sasek, Universe Publishing, 2009; Irish Furniture: Woodwork and Carving in Ireland from the Earliest Times to the Act of Union by Desmond Guinness, Knight of Glin and James Peill, with photography by James Fennell and Dara McGrath, Yale University Press, 2007, with signatures from the authors; and Great Irish Houses by Desmond FitzGerald, Knight of Glin; The Honorable Desmond Guinness; Kevin Kelly; Amanda Cochrane; Ben Webb; William Laffan; Dierdre Conroy; Kate O'Dowd; Elizabeth Mayes; and Richard Power, photography by Trevor Hart, Image Publications Ltd, 2008, first edition (21).
Condition
Individual condition reports not available for this lot.
Notwithstanding this report or any discussion concerning condition of a lot, all lots are offered and sold "as is" in accordance with our conditions of sale.
- GROUP OF BOOKS ON ENGLISH DECORATIVE
GROUP OF BOOKS ON ENGLISH DECORATIVE ARTSIncluding: Beaton in Vogue by Josephine Ross, Clarkson N. Potter Inc., 1986, first American edition; The House Book by Terence Conran, Mitchell Beazley Publishers Ltd., 1976; A Collection of Designs for Household Furniture and Interior Decoration by George Smith, Praeger Publishers Inc., 1970; Regency Design 1790–1840 by John Morley, Harry N. Abrams Inc., 1993; Early Georgian Interiors by John Cornforth, Yale University Press, 2004; The English Archive of Design and Decoration by Stafford Cliff, Harry N. Abrams Inc., 1998; Household Furniture and Interior Decoration from the designs of Thomas Hope, John Tiranti and Co., 1937; Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700–1840 by Christopher Gilbert, The Furniture History Society and W. S. Maney and Son Ltd. 1996; Sir Edwin Lutyens: Designing in the English Tradition by Elizabeth Wilhide, Harry N. Abrams Inc., 2000; Nancy Lancaster: English Country House Style by Martin Wood, Frances Lincoln Ltd., 2005, first edition; Colefax and Fowler: The Best in English Interior Decoration by Chester Jones, Bulfinch Press, 2000; Follies and Pleasure Pavilions: England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales by photographs by George Mott, Harry N. Abrams Inc., 1989; Sir John Soane's Museum, London by Stefan Buzas, photographs by Richard Bryant, Ernst Wasmuth Verlag, 2002; Armorial Families, A Directory of Gentlemen of Coat-Armor edited by Arthur Charles Fox-Davies, Edinburgh: T. C. and E. C. Jack, 1905; and Ch. Dresser: People's Designer 1834–1904 by Harry Lyons and C. Morley, Alastair Carew-Cox, Home Farm, 1999 (15).
Condition
Individual condition reports not available for this lot.
Notwithstanding this report or any discussion concerning condition of a lot, all lots are offered and sold "as is" in accordance with our conditions of sale.
- William Osler autographed signed postcard
William Osler autographed signed postcard & print, Regius Professor of Medicine Oxford, described as the Father of Modern Medicine, one of the "Big Four" founding professors of Johns Hopkins Hospital, postcard reads "1.IV.18, Dear Dr Craig, I cannot imagine a greater pleasure than to be with you at the next session - but it is impossible. I am tied here with too many things. My greetings to the members of the council, and thanks for their kind invitation. Yours sincerely, Wm Osler, framed with a portrait print, 18-1/4" x 12-1/4" overall, both postcard & print laminated
- GEORGE WASHINGTON (1732-1799) AUTOGRAPH
GEORGE WASHINGTON (1732-1799) AUTOGRAPH LETTER TO GENERAL HENRY KNOX (1750-1806), MOUNT VERNON, 23 JANUARY 1787George Washington (1732-1799) Autograph Letter to General Henry Knox (1750-1806), Mount Vernon, 23 January 1787, the letter reading "My dear sir,The acct. of robbing the post rider of the mail at Newark on the 4th [__] has filled me with apprehension that a long, and confidential letter which I wrote to you on the 26th [___] was in it. - In the commencement it must have been so - my best hope is that the inattention to, & practice of bringing back, instead of exchanging mails, which frequently happens, and did actually happen about that time, may have saved my letter (for one of a similar nature of that to you was written to Gen. Humphreys of the same date) - I pray you to relieve me from my present suspence as soon as this had get to hand.We had the pleasure to hear by Major [__] who left this yesterday for Fredericksburgh that you, M. Knox and Family were here as well - accept every good wish we can offer you - and be a friend of the [__] care repaid and friendship ofMy dear sir.Your most obedient and affectionateGeorge Washington Provenance: By descent within a Massachusetts family. Condition: As is; the letter laid on a second sheet of paper, which is in turn laid on a backing board. Toning throughout; several repaired tears. Please note: All property is sold "AS IS" and any statement, whether oral or written, is given as a courtesy and shall not be deemed as a guarantee, warranty, or representation of the authenticity of authorship, physical condition, size, quality, rarity, importance, provenance, exhibitions, literature or historical relevance of the property or otherwise. The absence of a condition report does not imply the item is in perfect condition.
- OWEN J. GROMME (1896-1991)Wild Turkeys,
OWEN J. GROMME (1896-1991)Wild Turkeys, 1943
signed and dated "Owen Gromme 43" lower right
oil on canvas, 30 by 24 in.
The successful reintroduction of the wild turkey to nearly the entirety of its historical range of North America is one of the great conservation stories of the last century. The onslaught of this majestic bird began with the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620. The number of wild turkey at the time of their arrival was, by some estimations, as many as ten million birds. Clear-cutting, a common practice in the colonies, destroyed the forests where the turkey made its home. As a result of the loss of its habitat, by 1700 local bird populations had dwindled. Benjamin Franklin was an early admirer of the wild turkey and in a letter to his daughter in 1784, he pronounced his displeasure over the choice of the bald eagle as the national bird instead of the iridescent bronze game bird.
John James Audubon (1785-1851) reported seeing wild turkeys by the hundreds along the Upper Mississippi in 1810. By 1951 the entire population in North America was estimated at a little over 300,000 birds with a legal annual harvest in fifteen states of 47,000 birds. This clearly unsustainable quota placed the bird in dire straits. Due to the tireless effort of conservation groups and hunters around the country, by 1999 the wild turkey population had rebounded to over five million birds, present in forty-nine of the fifty United States.
This work, completed in 1943, was painted at a time when turkey stocks were at near collapse. The Spanish moss in the background places the work in the South, which due to its extensive habitat, was one of the wild turkey’s last bastions for the surviving population.
Owen Gromme was born in Wisconsin in 1896, and he spent much of his childhood hunting in the wetlands and forests near his home. Gromme made his career as the Curator of Birds and Mammals at the Milwaukee Public Museum, staying in this position for over four decades. In this capacity, he traveled across the United States, as well as to Africa, documenting the wildlife he encountered. Although he was a high-school dropout, by the time of his death in 1991 Owen Gromme had received five honorary doctorates, as well as published "Birds of Wisconsin," which he also illustrated. Known for his conservation activism, his paintings reflect his love of the outdoors.
Provenance: Private Collection, Georgia
Private Collection, Wisconsin, acquired from the Sporting Sale 2011, lot 24
Literature: James E. Cardoza, "The Wild Turkey: An Astonishing Success Story," MA, 2002.
- A MONOGRAPH OF THE PHEASANTS BY WILLIAM
A MONOGRAPH OF THE PHEASANTS BY WILLIAM BEEBEfour volumes published by H F & G Witherby, London, England, 1918-1922, under the auspices of the New York Zoological Society
edition 422/600
Volume 1 is inscribed "Inscribed with pleasure for Dr William Seward Webb by William Beebe May 28th 1923." and second inscription "To Dr William Seward Webb Shelburne House With kind regards and best wishes Anthony R Kuser Bernardsville NJ May 30th 1923"
- RICHARD E. BISHOP (1887-1975)Three Etchings
each
RICHARD E. BISHOP (1887-1975)Three Etchings
each signed "Richard E. Bishop" lower right
"For Victory Theo Coates"
6 by 4 in.
"Merry Christmas from Theo and Ben Coates," 1938
6 by 4 in.
"Merry Christmas from Theo Coates"
"Pass along your books new Servicemen in all parts of the world appreciate your thought for their pleasure (Call Adrmore 1047)"
4 by 6 in.
Provenance: The Estate of Ann Dickinson Dale
- POOLE HARBOUR CRUISE A cruise around
POOLE HARBOUR CRUISE A cruise around Poole harbour with Greenslade Pleasure Boats Proceeds to benefit Fortuneswell Cancer Trust
- 18TH C. MARTINUS HOUTTUYN BOOK, HOUTKUNDE.
18TH C. MARTINUS HOUTTUYN BOOK, HOUTKUNDE. “Houtkunde, Behelzende de Afbeeldingen, van meest alle bekunde, In- en Uitlandische Houten...” or, “A Representation of Inland and Foreign Wood, as well as Trees as Shrubs, which are Collected by the Lovers of Natural History in their Cabinets of Natural Curiosities for Use and Pleasure.” By Martinus Houttuyn, published in Amsterdam by John Christian Sepp, 1773-1791-1795. Titles and text in Dutch, English, German, French and Latin. Includes frontispiece and 100 engraved and hand colored plates by Jan Christiaan Sepp. 12” x 9.5” x 2.25”D.
- TWO 19TH C. SANDPAPERS, WEST POINT.
TWO 19TH C. SANDPAPERS, WEST POINT. One tilted “View From West Point” depicts sailboats on the Hudson River, the other titled “Rural Pleasure”, depicts a woman sketching cows in a stream. Both images approx. 8” x 12”, Overall in period mahogany frames 13” x 16”.
- A framed antique lithograph 'View of
A framed antique lithograph 'View of Santa Lucia, Pleasure Resort of the city of Santiago'. Image 7" x 9.5" Overall 15.5" x 19.5" Condition: good CT Transfer Fee $10
- HAMILTON JAY (BRITISH, Act. 1875-1913)
HAMILTON JAY (BRITISH, Act. 1875-1913) STOLEN PLEASURES OIL ON CANVAS; SIGNED AND DATED /77 LOWER LEFT 8 x 6 in — 20.3 x 15.2 cm
- TWO UKIYO-E COLOR WOODBLOCKS, UTAMARO
TWO UKIYO-E COLOR WOODBLOCKS, UTAMARO & SHARAKUKitagawa Utamaro (after)
(Japanese, 1753-1806)
Akashi and Matsuga of the Tamaya House , image ca. 1801
From "Famous Flowers of Beauty from the Pleasure Quarters"
Color woodblock on paper
14" x 9 1/2" (oban)
Publisher's seal bearing a strong similarity to that of Tsutaya Juzaburo. The glazed frame measures 19 1/2" x 15".
Toshusai Sharaku (after)
(Japanese, fl. 1794-1795)
The Actor Bando Mitsugoro as Ishii Genzo , image 1794
Color woodblock on paper
14" x 9 1/2" (oban)
No publisher's seal present. The glazed frame measures 19 1/2" x 15".
Condition
The Utamaro print has a flattened vertical fold to the right of the sheet, and shows a bit of toning and mat burn. The Sharaku print has unusual coloration, including a splotchy pattern of staining to the figure's face.
- PRINT, AFTER HENRY THOMAS ALKEN After
PRINT, AFTER HENRY THOMAS ALKEN After Henry Thomas Alken (British, 1785-1851), "The Pleasure of a View Holla, Gone Away," hand-colored etching and aquatint, published by S. and J. Fuller, London, England, overall (with frame): 19.5"h x 20.5"w
- CHINESE STYLE BOAT FORM METAL BIRD CAGE
CHINESE STYLE BOAT FORM METAL BIRD CAGE Chinese style boat form metal bird cage, in the form of a pleasure boat a person on board, approximately 35"l.
- CHINESE STYLE METAL WIRE BIRD CAGE Chinese
CHINESE STYLE METAL WIRE BIRD CAGE Chinese style metal wire bird cage, in the form of a pleasure boat a person on board, approximately 35"l.
- FAILE. Sinful Pleasures. 2006, screenprint
FAILE. Sinful Pleasures. 2006, screenprint in colors. 32¾ h × 24¾ w in. estimate: $1,500–2,500.
- HARMONY KINGDOM TRINKET BOX, POND PLEASURE
HARMONY KINGDOM TRINKET BOX, POND PLEASURE COFR-1Crushed marble and resin figure of a frog and a ladybird. Reliefs of fish inside the figure box.
Includes original box: 4.25"D x 6.5"H. Harmony Kingdom stamp and engraved markings on the base of the lid. Harmony Kingdom sticker on the base. #HarmonyKingdom #TrinketBox
Artist: Monique Baldwin
Issued: c. 2003
Dimensions: 2.75" L x 3.5" W x 2.75" H
Manufacturer: Harmony Kingdom
Country of Origin: Engand
Condition:
Good