The Autumn 2014 Rare Book Sale has a real rarity in a 1897 first edition of Bram Stoker's Dracula (BK12/237), which carries a pre-sale estimate of £2,000-£3,000.
The Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood Antiquarian Book Auction on the 1st October 2014 has a wide-ranging selection of works to interest collectors in many fields. Modern first editions are represented by a selection of Ian Fleming first editions, which are as popular as ever. A real rarity is a first edition of Bram Stoker's Dracula (BK12/237), in slightly tired condition, but still very desirable.
An extensive one-owner collection of antiquarian books includes some popular offerings such as a couple of copies of John Evelyn's Silva as well as several works on numismatics.
Amongst the books on offer in the saleroom in Exeter and online through either The Saleroom or Invaluable is a copy of John Evelyn's Numista: A Discourse of Medals, Antient and Modern (BK12/19). The book is estimated at £200-£300.
High quality bindings are always sought-after as one has the pleasure of the book itself and the added attraction of beautiful-looking piece of 'shelf furniture'.
A good example of this is a typically colourful vellum binding by Cedric Chivers of Bath on a copy of Samuel Gardiner's Oliver Cromwell, estimated at £1,000-£1,500. A really charming binding of an important work is a three-volume edition of Dickens' Oliver Twist (BK12/146).
The three volume edition of Charles Dicken's Oliver Twist (BK12/146) is in a charming binding and invites bids of £1,000-£1,500.
There are a number of autograph books in the sale where the signatures of the Duke of Wellington, David Livingstone, William Makepeace Thackeray and many others are to be found.
There is a small group of the works of Sir Winston Churchill, which are inscribed by him - always of great interest.
Some interesting Royal memorabilia incudes two photographs of what appear to be Edwardian house parties, which include the King and other senior Royals standing in a group outside (BK12/544). These, and other cards and letters, were presented to two spinster sisters who were teachers on the Sandringham Estate and clearly were regarded with affection by Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary and their families.
The auction includes a group of four Edwardian informal photographs of the Royal Family: and others outdoors, possibly at shoots, one inscribed on the reverse with some names of those present including Edward VII, Princes Edward and Albert, Mrs George Keppel, etc, together with 7 formal portrait photographs (BK12/544), estimated at £100-£200.
A Devon book auction would not be complete without at least a few examples of the many works which have been written over the years on the history of the county. On this occasion, a large one owner collection has been consigned with everything you would expect to find including Polwhele, Prince, Moore, Risdon, Izacke and Lysons. As well as these are A large group of more modern works on the county, which are being sold in larger groups.
- Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood
- Antiquarian Book Auctions
- Rare Book Auctions
