Search Results: 20th Century Ephemera from Katz Fine Manuscripts Inc.

CARACAS VENEZUELA. Very Good. 1938. On offer is a super archive of manuscript letters to and from Manuel Antonio Matos a banker, politician, investor, General and businessman of Venezuela, who exerted great political and economic influence over the country, maintaining contact with companies and foreigners who were operating in Venezuela and having held variety of positions in banking and disposing of the estimated was the greatest fortune of Venezuela which he used to fund the popularly called 'Liberation Revolution', which sought to overthrow the government of Cipriano Castro, and was supported by overseas and multinational companies in the financial circles of the country. He was brother in law and Admin of Antonio Guzmán Blanco , and Minister of Finance during his administration. Later he was Minister of Foreign Affairs during the government of Juan Vicente Gómez , retiring from public life in 1913 , settling in Paris , where he died 16 years later. Twenty… Read More

BOBBILI CASTE GIRL'S SCHOOL INDIA, 1938. On offer is a super, original and interesting glimpse into Baptist missionary work in India being manuscript history of the Bobbili Caste Girl's School in India from 1880-1938 handwritten by an unknown Baptist missionary. "Trouble came when a rival school was started by the Maharajah. The superior inducements which he held out such as presents of gold, money, etc. made it impossible to maintain the former attendance." "In 1904 it was decided that the Bobbili School should be recognized as the "Central Girls School for the Maritime Missions". Dates to 1938: "The boarding apartment starting with one waif has grown until this year (1938), 125 have been in attendance - the full capacity." omplete in six numbered leaves each measuring 8 x 5 inches, difficult to read the last line of page one, thereafter no problem. HISTORICAL NOTES: From the Dictionary of Canadian Biography: "Matilda Moore Faulkner (Churchill),… Read More

ABOARD THE HMS ALEXANDRA EGYPT. Very Good. 1882. On offer is the original manuscript eyewitness account of the Bombardment of Alexandria, Egypt between July 11th - 13th 1882 handwritten by participant Captain George James Tomlin, Royal Navy [1837 - 1906]. This is a superb primary source account by a Royal Navy Officer and a participant in the bombardment, augmented by photographic material and as such rare and unique. Captain George J. Tomlin, the second generation in a line of four men who all became Royal Navy Officers. He was on board HMS Alexandra during the British assault on Alexandria and provides a detailed first-hand account of the battle. He notes: 'the Alexandra was struck about 30 times to the hull. she had 1 man killed and 30 wounded'. The narrative describes the battle and both collectors and historians will be impressed by the details provided in the written manuscript. Tomlin lists the participating ships, their guns, losses, method of attack etc. and also comments… Read More

Washington DC, USA. Very Good. 1897. On offer is an old cloth-bound notebook (9"x12") containing the stored patent papers for twenty-four (24) mechanical inventions from 1897 thru 1965 with the majority in the first 20 years of the century. Documents were maintained by an aero-space firm in Massachusetts that went out of business in the nineties but whose name we do not know. Papers include diagrams, descriptions, technical data and patent info for devices that were likely issued to, purchased by or owned by the company over many years. Patents include: Governing Device for Fluid Pressure Motors, 1897 (Patent # 582,233); Method of Governing Prime Movers, 1900 (# 661, 222); Apparatus for Governing Elastic Fluid Turbines, 1904 (# 749,476); Frequency Control System, 1924 (# 1,505,158) and the Constant Frequency Alternating Control System, 1965 (# 3,178, 630). VG.; English Language; 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall; KEYWORDS: HISTORY OF, PATENT, PATENTS, AMERICANA,… Read More

BELLVIEW, BELLEVUE, TENNESSEE. Good+. 1900. On offer is an original, unique circa 1900 -1908 archive of a young college aged woman Frances Harding from Bellview [Bellevue] Tennessee. She attended Soule College and the Memphis Conference Female Institute. The archive includes letters [23] from her family and friends and some notes [9] from college friends and school mates. Some seem to be from young men who are trying to court her; others are from her friends telling Frances not to flirt! Here is a good example "Yield not to flirtation, For flirting is serious each sister will help you her brother to fight advances, Don't flirt with the boys (girls) let the boys (girls) flirt with you!" Also included: 4 receipts relating to college; a Soule College Recital program; five photos [four mounted on cardboard, one of Miss Smiths class]; and one Wedding invitation. BACKGROUND NOTES: Soule College was named for Bishop Joshua Soule of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Rev. Thomas… Read More

BALTIMORE MARYLAND MD, 1900. On offer is a charming, original 1900 six page manuscript letter handwritten on University of Maryland Dental Dept. Baltimore letterhead signed John B. to Florrie. John relates what he saw and knows of a major fire in Baltimore seeing 11 fire trucks attend the blaze. He relates local campus news. No cover. Overall VG.. Good. 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. Manuscript.

WESTERN EQUATORIAL AFRICA NIGER. Good+. 1910. On offer is a super archive of original, manuscript autographed letters, hand drawn illustrations, photographs and ephemera dated early 1900s through 1947 related to the Niger Mission in Western Equatorial Africa of the Church Missionary Society and specifically the celebrated Archdeacon Sidney Richard Smith (1873-1946) and his wife Mabel who were Christian missionaries in one of the most difficult missions on earth. Here is the breakdown: a) Three manuscript diary leaves in Archdeacon S.R. Smith's hand, six pages, undated; b) 20 manuscript letters in Mabel K. Smith's hand, 123 pages, dated March 1911 to April 1922; c) Two pages, ALS from Alfred Smith to Mabel and Sidney Smith. C.M.S. Oshagbo 16th Aug. 1918; d) 17 manuscript letters to "Dr. Smith" from various, between May 1939 to June 1943, 22 pages; e) Typed ALS to Mrs Smith in sympathy on the death of Archdeacon S.R. Smith. 24th Jan. 1947; f) Two hand-drawn sketches of… Read More

Hamilton, Ontario, Northern Ontario, Canada. Very Good with no dust jacket. 1900. Non-Book. Three letters written by Joseph Brennen, whose family owned a large lumber manufacturing firm in Hamilton, Ontario, and timber interests in Northern Ontario. The letters are dated 1906, 1908, and 1909. The Brennen letters offer a tantalizing glimpse into the lumbering business that existed at the turn of the 20th century in Ontario. The M. Brennen & Sons Manufacturing Co Limited were headquartered in Hamilton, Ontario, where they operated a lumber manufacturing firm. Brennen also had an operation in Northern Ontario, supplying timber to their facility in Hamilton. This was located at Brennan Harbour, just west of Spanish, ON, on the north shore of the fabled North Channel. Joseph Brennen worked out of the Northern Ontario facility, and he wrote often to his brother Herbert. Some letters went to Herbert in Hamilton, and others to where Herbert was staying at Russel House, one of the great hotels… Read More

MEXICO CITY MEXICO ALICANTE SPAIN On offer is an interesting, original undated Spanish language manuscript treatise titled 'La educacion en Espana' [Education in Spain] handwritten and signed by renowned Spanish educator, historian, lawyer, humanist and prolific author Rafael Altamira y Crevea (1866-1951) who was born in Spain but died in Mexico City, following his 1944 exile. The 5 page 6.25" x 8.5" autograph manuscript is signed on the last page. Overall G+ save fo some old discreet pinholes.. Good+. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Spanish Language Manuscript.

LAWRENCEBURG, TENNESSEE. Good+. 1900. On offer is a super, original archive of letters, photos, receipts and ledgers relating to breeding and training of the noted Tennessee Bird Dogs. Much of the archive is comprised of correspondence between the highly respected dog breeder, trainer and handler David (Dave) E. Rose and the many clients whose dogs he trained as well as receipts and a red leather ledger showing the monetary exchanges between him and his clients. Rose also prepared and entered dogs into various competitive field trials and the archive includes letterhead from Hobart Ames, developer of the Hobart Ames Plantation in Grand Junction, TN, the Continental Field Trial Club, Manitoba Field Trials Club, and the United States Field Trial Club. Included is the Tennessee History of Bird Dog Training including the book "Field Trial Records of Dogs in America 1874 Ð 1907 by Major J.M. Taylor" wherein David E. Rose is mentioned several times. Additionally included are six… Read More

London England. Good+. 1910. On offer are two [2] charming, original manuscript notebooks containing handwritten information regarding the members of the ancient Cordwainer's Guild. Cordwainers have existed as exclusive shoemakers and leather workers since the middle ages. The first book is titled, "An Alphabetical List of the Liverymen of the Cordwainers Company of the City of London who have died since the year 1800" detailing deaths until as late as 1915 or so. The second notebook contains an "Index to the names of Cordwainers from the 12th Cent". The 8 x 6½ inch books are overall G+ with a few nicks and weaknesses here and there.; Manuscript; 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall; KEYWORDS: HISTORY OF, CORDWAINERS, LIVERYMEN, GUILD, TRADES, TRADE UNIONS, CITY OF LONDON, COBBLERS, LEATHERMEN, CRAFTSMEN, UPHOLSTERY, UPHOLSTERERS, SHOEMAKERS, TANNER, CHAUCER, ENGLAND, BRITISH, APPRENTICESHIPS, GUILDS, CRAFT UNIONS, ENGLAND, BRITTANICA,… Read More

SEAL ISLAND NOVA SCOTIA. Good. 1901. On offer is a super group of eight [8] original Seal Island Nova Scotia log books with handwritten notes and data of the lighthouse and fog alarm operation by John Crowell and E.A. Hamilton, Lighthouse keepers, Engineers and the Fog Alarm Station attendants through the 1920s. These folio sized logs are unusual manuscript relics of a notorious and capricious geographic hot spot for shipwrecks in the Maritimes of Canada. Seal Island has been the place of destruction for 215+ ships that came ashore on it's ledges around the island since 1787. Some covers a bit rough around the edges, but overall in good condition. The books each have a purpose: Fog Alarm Station [2 books], Return of Stores, Diary of Lightkeeper, Diary of Engineer [2] and Lighthouse Service [2] with dates ranging from 1901 to 1935 making for a treasure trove of historical data and personal observations of this fascinating Island. The books have some chipping and rubbing to the… Read More

United States. Good with no dust jacket. 1901. Ephemera. On offer is an excellent example of a written application for an advertised job, dating to the beginning of the 20th century. The letter was written by a Mr. H. L Howland in response to a job advertised in a local newspaper. In his letter, he extols his virtues and how he would be able to fill the position offered. The position is not named but context suggests that it is a machine operator. Also included is the envelope in which the letter was sent. His letter is interesting from a couple of perspectives. First, he writes it on his employer's letterhead. His employer, D. J. Young, is a wholesale agent for Anheuser Busch and their logo features prominently on each page. Secondly, he offers that he is dissatisfied with his employer but does not go into specifics. The Anheuser Busch logo is very prominent on each page of the letter. Anheuser Busch began in 1852 as the Bavarian Brewery in St Louis MO. In 1860, it was purchased by… Read More

Very Good with no dust jacket. 1901. Manuscript. On offer is a typewritten job offer from the owner of a nursery wholesaler hoping to land a reliable new employee. Dated Feb 21,1901, and signed in ink by E. W. Fisk himself, this typewritten letter is a full page imploring a potential new hire to take a job as a salesman running a currently unmanned territory. Given the fact that each territory operator will work remotely, Fisk highlights the importance of hiring a man who is strictly honorable and upright. Fisk goes on to describe the benefits of working for his company: We have been in business for a long time and this long experience enables us to place the very best grade of stock grown in the hands of our salesmenit means you are able to sell over and over again in the same territory; that you are able to work up a better trade each season; that your customers will be glad to see you a second timeFisk even invites the candidate to verify their financial health with the First National… Read More

PIETERSBURG SOUTH AFRICA, 1902. On offer is an informative Boer War era manuscript 4 page autograph letter signed [ALS] dated Pietersburg [South Africa], Aug. 22 1902 handwritten by Reverend C.E.C. Lillingstone a clergyman serving the troops detailing his activities and duties: "...the work here is very fascinating. One Regt. (Wilts) has left us, but we still have nearly 1000 troops here. Lately I have been playing cricket a good deal...." Talks about his various cricket games. "I miss the Wilys men very much. There were some very keen Christians amongst them. You would be amused to see our 'tea & bun canteen' at work each night. The men buy up the buns very quickly. The last night the Wilts were here, we sold 46 doz. in 1/2 an hour. Tonight we are to have a Camp Fire Concert..." Overall VG.. Very Good. 24mo - over 5" - 5¾" tall. Manuscript.

New York NY. Very Good. 1903. On offer is an original 1903 manuscript notebook handwritten by noted physicist, mathematician and astronomer Robert Simpson Woodward. The author has signed and inscribed "R.S. Woodward, Department of Mechanics, Columbia College, New York, NY." On following page he has written "Notes on Kinetics Lectures of 1903." There are approx. 27 pages of notes and diagrams in Woodward's hand. BIO NOTES: Robert Simpson Woodward (1849-1924) American physicist and mathematician, born at Rochester, Michigan. He graduated C.E. at the University of Michigan in 1872 and was appointed assistant engineer on the United States Lake Survey. In 1882 he became assistant astronomer for the United States Transit of Venus Commission. In 1884 he became astronomer to the United States Geological Survey, serving until 1890, when he became an assistant in the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey. In 1893 he was called to Columbia as professor of mechanics and… Read More

GOWRIE GROVE CHATHAM ONTARIO CANADA. Very Good+. 1904. On offer is a super, boldly handwritten ALS, autograph letter signed, by Alexander Macfarlane (1851-1913) Scottish-Canadian logician, physicist, and mathematician. During his life, Macfarlane played a prominent role in research and education. He was, at various times in his life, physics professor at the University of Texas, professor of Advanced Electricity, and later of mathematical physics, at Lehigh University, and co-founder and president of the International Association for Promoting the Study of Quaternions and Allied Systems of Mathematics until his death. He was also the author of a popular 1916 collection of mathematical biographies (Ten British Mathematicians), a similar work on physicists (Ten British Physicists of the Nineteenth Century, 1919), and he compiled a bibliography on quaternions in 1904. Significantly, he invented of hyperbolic quaternions, precursor to Minkowski space. He actively participated in several… Read More

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI MI. Good. 1904. On offer is a unique and very interesting from the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, Missouri. It is written by a man, signed only as “Will” who relates to a “A. Osburn Esq” of Rochester, New York, of his recent trip to the St. Louis World’s Fair. “It is the biggest 4th of July I have seen for a good while. 4-6 Pounder Cannon 1 Gatling and 1 machine gun going while about 700 cavalrymen and Infantry are all popping away together.” He spends much of his time in St. Louis fighting Piles (hemorrhoids) and headaches. “Have been bust up ever since I got here with Piles and headache. I had to go to closet on train from Chicago to St. Louis after they got started and Monday when I went to the Fair I had to lay down all day on The Grass to get the damn things into place. He heads back to his lodge and writes “I told the fellow in charge of the Red War of my headache and...he took me in and gave me… Read More

BLAIRMORE ALBERTA FRANK NORTHWEST TERRITORIES NWT. Good+. 1904. On offer is a super, original 5¼ x 4½ inch photograph album with nine 2½ x 1¾ inch snapshots of Blairmore Northwest Territories including a few of the aftermath of an historic human tragedy known as the Frank Slide, a rockslide that buried part of the mining town of Frank, Northwest Territories, Canada, on the morning of April 29, 1903. It occurred at 4:10 am, when over 82 million tonnes (90 million tons) of limestone rock slid down Turtle Mountain within 100 seconds, obliterating the eastern edge of Frank, the Canadian Pacific Railway line and the coal mine. It was one of the largest landslides in Canadian history and remains the deadliest, as between 70 and 90 of the town's residents were killed, most of whom remain buried in the rubble. Multiple factors led to the slide. Turtle Mountain's formation left it in a constant state of instability. Coal mining operations may have weakened the… Read More

BANGOR BREWER MAINE ME, 1905. On offer are the original, manuscript diaries for 1905, 1907 and 1910 handwritten by Samuel M. Conley [b.1858] of Brewer Maine. Mr. Conley writes this as part logbook, part diary and part record of commerce as the yacht steams out of Bangor Maine and all through the Penobscot Bay and beyond. These books detail his dedication and devotion to the ship which is almost constantlt on the water in season. At first reading, given Conley approach to the subject one believes he is the owner of the yacht but in fact he appears to be the commander, captain or otherwise master of the crewman and the yacht which belongs to Edward H. Blake [1856-1922] one time mayor of Bangor Maine as evidenced by a newspaper clipping provides: "Hon. E. H. Blake's steam yacht, Aria, sailed Sunday for New York with the owner, Dr. E. T. Nealey, F. H. Appleton, and Col. I. K. Stetson on board. They will attend the Hudson-Fulton celebration." Another online source states: "Mr.… Read More