1933 – FRANCONIA NOTCH FOREST RESERVATION – NATURAL COLOR PHOTOGRAPHS – with – RECREATIONAL CHART and HISTORICAL DESCRIPTIONS
Like new booklet by C. T. Bodwell measuring about 7 7/8 inches by 5 15/16 inches published and sold only by the Flume Reservation in Franconia Notch, New Hampshire. Following a page of history are 12 great color views (one a fold out) reminiscent of the post cards of the era. Laid in is the original separate “Recreational Chart.” An early Notch item.
PRICE — $40
1933 – THE WHITE MOUNTAINS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE – PHOTO-GRAVURES from photos by C. T. BODWELL
Very good booklet measuring about 7 1/4 inches by 5 1/4 inches with reproductions of 12 photographs (one fold-out) by C. T. Bodwell. “Published and Sold Only by The Flume Reservation, Franconia Notch, N.H.” with all proceeds from the sale of this booklet used for the maintenance and improvements in Franconia Notch. An early Notch item.
The bimonthly newsletter of the New England Historic Genealogical Society Boston, Massachusetts
From the society’s website: “Published between 1983 and 1999, NEXUS (New England Across the United States) was the bimonthly newsletter of the New England Historic Genealogical Society that later evolved into New England Ancestors (now American Ancestors) magazine. NEXUS featured a variety of articles pertaining to genealogical research, including Gary Boyd Roberts’ “Notable Kin” column. Other topics covered matrilineal studies, interviews with industry professionals, news of the society, and research queries.” A wonderful resource for the professional genealogists, or local historian, and those interested in amateur genealogy reading and history.
Valued at $8 to $15 per issue (and more) – Offered here as a single collection – this is a real bargain for your genealogy research needs.
Offered here are 58 issues from 1988 to 1999 as follows (note some are combined numbers in one issue):
c1970 – BARRY FAULKNER – OPENING OF THE CHESHIRE RAILROAD – PRINT – NEW HAMPSHIRE
This print is of a mural by Barry Faulkner (1881-1966). A commemorative reprint issued by Cheshire County Savings Bank. It depicts men, women, and children standing in front of and riding on a locomotive with “C.R.R.” on tender. At lower left are three lines: THE CHESHIRE COUNTY / SAVINGS BANK / INCORPORATED 1847″ Center text of two lines: “THE OPENING OF THE CHESHIRE RAILROAD / KEENE NEW HAMPSHIRE MAY SIXTEENTH 1848″. At the right side three lines: CHESHIRE RAILROAD / COMPANY / INCORPORATED 1844”. Unframed – the sheet measures about 10 by 17 1/2 inches, and the image is about 7 by 14 1/8 inches. With the original envelope, a couple of faint impossible to see bumps in the margins of the paper.
Faulkner is known widely for the murals he painted at the National Archives in Washington, Rockefeller Center in New York and many other buildings, including several locations in Keene. This mural, I believe, is currently at the Historical Society of Cheshire County in Keene, New Hampshire.
In about 1992, I worked with an attorney settling an estate in Gloucester City, New Jersey. There were three generations of book collections on three floors of a Victorian home. Great books, would have been even better if the first generation collector had not cut the dustjackets of collectible books and laid the panels inside instead of leaving them intact in the barrister bookcases.
But, this family was connected with the Welsbach Light Company in Gloucester, N.J. and Camden. Along with the books I purchased photographs, old catalogues and scrapbooks of lights and gas fixture equipment assembled from about 1911 (a couple work papers dated in 1920s and 1930s). Over twenty pounds of materials, I have had this collection put away only occasionally unboxing it to browse through. BUT it needs to be in the proper lighting historian’s hands for further research or to compile fine illustrated books from the material on the pages of the scrapbooks.
In the first image below you see original photographs, in the top photo are members of the company, and identified on the rear of the photo taken December 14, 1912. Spread out are about 28 photographs, mainly of lighting fixtures and probably the original images later used in catalogues. As originals for catalogs, their value should be at least $5 each.
Then (not illustrated below) I have a few sheets of work papers, a great catalog – ELECTRIC FIGURES, BROOKLYN BRASS & MFG. CO., MARTINSBURG, W. VA.,. Two large Catalogues from CRAIGHEAD & KINTZ COMPANY – 1890-91 Lamps and Oil Fixtures, and an undated ARTISTIC BRONZES… both with much wear and nicely illustrated. And, there is a third CRAIGHEAD in poor condition, but just a few illustrations to utilize could make a purchase of this collection worthwhile. Even with the condition, the three catalogues easily have a value of $125 to $150.
Finally are two massive scrapbooks with clippings of interest and related lamp advertisements, descriptions, articles, and an occasional booklet or catalogue laid in.
First Scrapbook – dated April 1901, by the original owner, and first generation of the estate I bought, Measures about 9 1/2 by about 12 1/4 inches. On second page he wrote – Metal Work, April 1, 1909, to Dec. 31, 1910. Maybe 80 sheets (160 packed pages)? Hard to count since boards detached, and pages of scrapbook are fragile newsprint – BUT clippings nice and many, many, I am probably the first one going through these in 100 years.
Second Scrapbook – dated by the same owner, 1911, probably when album started and measuring 9 by 15 inches with at least 90 sheets (thus 180 pages) packed with clippings and great illustrations.
I do not believe any lighting historian will be sorry to own this for research, and possibly utilize the illustrations in some way.
1884 and 1898 – DICK’S GAMES OF PATIENCE; OR, SOLITAIRE WITH CARDS — TWO VOLUME SET
A lovely two volumes bound in brown cloth with handsome black and gilt stampings – books measure about 6 inches by 7 1/2 inches. With the same owner’s name in each, this set has always been together. Includes:
1-First Volume – NEW EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED, CONTAINING SIXTY-FOUR GAMES ILLUSTRATED WITH FIFTY EXPLANATORY TABLEAU, edited by William B. Dick, Dick & Fitzgerald Publishers, New York, (1883) (1884), 154 pages, ads.
2-Second Volume – DICK’S GAMES OF PATIENCE OR SOLITAIRE WITH CARDS – SECOND SERIES CONTAINING SEVENTY GAMES ILLUSTRATED WITH SIXTY-SIX EXPLANATORY TABLEAUX– SECOND SERIES, edited by Harris B. Dick, Dick & Fitzgerald Publishers, New York, (1898), 113 pages, ads.
I have had put away for decades some lovely (I think) late 19th, early 20th century Valentines colorfully printed, die cut, articulating fold-outs. Just look at my images. There are some minor flaws hard to see usually – thus “sold with all faults, as is.” Perfect for that special someone, or for your Valentine’s Day decorations. Scroll through and enjoy, and remember it is easy to order from Ray Boas, Bookseller.
1925 – VALENTINE GREETINGS – COUNTRY STORE FOLD-OUT WITH GIFTS FOR YOUR VALENTINE
A fun and (I think) rather unique fold-out Valentine feature two young lovers purchasing their cards and gifts. The base measures about 11 1/4 inches across, and 6 1/2 inches front to back when opened. The store display shelves extend up over 10 inches. When opened the kids are in front of the store counter that has a cash register, and then two rows of shelving in depth behind. For sale are: Love Tokens, Love; Suavity; Happiness; and more. This card has some loss at the extremities to some pieces (hard to tell) and one piece remains separate that may have come off the top of the cash register. I really like this piece, should keep it, but cannot keep everything. Sold AS IS and With all Faults.
$35 plus post(order number VD-16) — SORRY SOLD
circa 1920s – VALENTINE – STAND-UP HONEYCOMB WITH CANOPY
Standing about 10 inches high with a diameter (when opened) of about 7 inches a young boy and girl are seen getting ready to give each other their Valentines. Made in the United States by Beistle, there are no clips to hold it open – I used a small paper clip to hold it open to take these images. Red has faded in the tissue honeycomb. Could be some minor flaws, hard to tell, but sold AS IS and With all Faults. A nice centerpiece for your Valentine’s Day dinner.
Price – $20 (order number VD-15)— SORRY SOLD
1898 – DIE CUT CINDERELLA COACH – VALENTINE AND CALENDAR
Measuring almost 14 inches by about 8 1/4 inches at its highest point, the sash on the horse reads “1898 Cinderella.” A valentine possibly? At one time the gentleman welcoming Cinderella was probably a separate stand up figure, but is now attached to the main card, and blocking the door from opening. Appears to be the case since the door is hinged to open up (note the isinglass window) so Cinderella could be helped out. As with most of the early die-cuts I have owned there are breaks and faults. Coachman’s head has been glued back in place (note repair on back side), and the rear wheel has loss as probably part of the rear of the carriage. THUS SOLD AS IS and With All Faults. But a great display piece with full 1898 calendar on the rear.
This girl standing next to a pedestal that expands out and clips open is LACKING HER RIGHT HAND. There is a card on the honeycomb pedestal, “forget me not…” The figure stands 5 3/8 inches tall, and when opened up the diameter of the base is 4 inches.
Price – $12.50 (order number VD-1)
LARGE VINTAGE VICTORIAN VALENTINE – WHITNEY MADE – WORCESTER, MASS., DIE-CUT, COLORFUL
This large card made by Whitney in Worcester, Massachusetts measures about 7 1/2 inches by about 10 inches. There are some very small folds/separations on the intricate die-cut front panel which if you are careful expands out for a diorama effect. I did not do this to photograph, but it is something you could do. Message on the inside, and the company logo on the rear.
Price – $12.50 (order number VD-4)
AUTO FLOWER FILLED WITH LOVING COUPLE- VINTAGE VICTORIAN VALENTINE – DIE-CUT, COLORFUL
WITH SINCERE LOVE this card proclaims, and measures about 4 1/2 inches across by 5 1/8 inches high. On the rear is the fold-out stand that may never have been used. Great gift for your car loving significant other and/or display and enjoyment.
This large Valentine is amazing. Please note that one small item on the spinning wheel may not be opening correctly, and I do not want to force. The background appears to be a log, flower entwined gazebo with some light green glassine paper at the top. Doves are sitting on the logs, the spinning wheel and on the ground at the beautiful girl’s feet. This Valentine stands about 9 inches high and is 5 3/4 inches at the widest point of the base. When open and folded out the base extends out about 3 1/4 inches. This Valentine must be opened with care. I have priced it down for that reason.
PLEASE NOTE — THE KNOB ON THE TOP OF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SPINNING WHEEL IS ALMOST DETACHED — NO PROMISES IT WILL REMAIN ON, but it is there at least, and you can carefully fix. Thus, as noted – “sold with all faults” – but this is a unique piece and worthy of your careful repair.
again, below you can see the arm on the left side of the spinning wheel hanging down
This special hanging Valentine has three die-cuts (one heart and two wreaths of flowers with cherubs) and hooked together on a ribbon extend 12 1/2 inches, and to the top of the ribbon the overall length is about 16 inches. The top wreath has a cherub playing what I believe is a mandolin, the center is a heart that when opened up has a message (sorry it does not show well in image below), and the bottom wreath has red heart with an arrow through it and a cupid cherub. The die-cuts measure about 4 inches across. Too much fun – ENJOY
Price – $12.50 (order number VD-9)— SORRY SOLD
THREE (3) – FANCY VINTAGE VICTORIAN VALENTINES WITH DOILY EFFECTS
Offered as a lot are these three Valentines with lovely doilies cutouts enhancing each. Not perfect as each has imperfections – folds, creases, tears as you can see in images, but a nice “as-is” lot for your special day enjoyment and display
This first card measures about 7 inches square and opens up for a message
opened up below, larger than my scanner bed – the back side is blank
this is the smallest of the lot, and barely a flaw – measures about 3 5/8 inches by 4 3/4 inches. I think this is special in its size and presentation.
and the back with the name of the original recepient
and, finally with paper loss, folds and tear, this card, measuring about 5 3/4 inches by about 7 3/4 inches folds open, and is also worthy of saving.
and, opened up this card almost fits on my scanner bed.
c1925 – DREAMLAND – AMUSEMENT PARK CUT-OUT ACTIVITY BOOK – UNCOMMON – CHILDREN’S and “BIG KID” FUN
Drawings and text by Gerta Ries, and published circa 1925 by the Atlantic Book & Art Corporation in New York, printed in Germany. Pictorial boards with much edge wear as shown, this unique activity book measures about 13 1/4 inches by about 11 inches opening up with board pages with slots for the cut-outs.
Seven two page spreads (as all shown below) take you through DREAMLAND, including: Entrance; Merry-Go-Round; One Ring Circus; Photo and Food Booths; Scenic Railway; Roller Coaster; and the Boardwalk. There is no bibliographic information I can find telling how many cut-outs were published. Since I have some (see last image) that are not cut or punched out my guess is that the cut-outs came on separated thin boards laid in with the publication. I have about 34 cut-outs of various sizes, but there are some empty slots. Following the story line at the bottom you can assume what cutouts go where, but you can also use your imagination, of course.
I purchased my DREAMLAND on eBay in September 1998, for my Amusement Park collection, but having enjoyed it for 24 years, it is time to share with someone else, and at much less than I paid for it originally. Currently there is a copy for sale in Germany and one other in the US.
PRICE – $370 – (Order Number eb1863) Shipping – $7.95 packed in cardboard and with tracking. Shipped with Signature Required for your protection. Ordering Information
MAP OF CHESHIRE CO. NEW HAMPSHIRE FROM ACTUAL SURVEY BY L. FAGAN 1858 with an historical sketch by David R. Proper. Published by Old Maps, West Chesterfield, NH, 1981. The is a complete reproduction of the 1858 Map of Cheshire County, N.H. The original is a large wall hanging scroll that measures 25 feet. I have seen a few originals, and they are usually in tatters. That large wall map is reproduced here on 34 single sheet pages in a box.
Boxed, each sheet measures 14 by 17 inches. List of what each sheet represents is below.
Below I have reproduced the contents page so you know what is on each sheet. The illustrations that are on the original hanging map are reproduced on the last few sheets.
Price for the Boxed Set – $70 plus $6.95 post – Order Number: 71471
I have a second set that lacks David Proper’s introduction page, and sheet 22 which is the map of Walpole and Westmoreland. If you wish to purchase this set, price $55 (plus $6.95 post), and I can provide jpg. photo images of the two lacking sheets.
1887 – SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN ARCHITECTS & BUILDERS 11 COLOR PLATES
Bound together are five issues (detailed below) as the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN ARCHITECTURE AND BUILDERS EDITION. Front cover detached, rear cover torn in two (both parts present) and tears to some black and white pages – mainly in the June issue. Overall measurements are about 11 by 16 inches. BUT WHAT IS IMPORTANT HERE are the two full page chromolith (color) plates in each month’s issue depicting the elevation of a home or store and the floor plans. The article and B&W illustrations are great, but the color plates would be perfect to be framed in an architect’s office, or museum display. I have recently seen these color pages for sale at $50 and $75 each. Here are 11 COLOR PLATES – the frontis is a advertisement with the “President’s Cottage” and then there are two plates per month. Any tears/flaws on the color plates should be easily matted out. There is value here to the right person. Enjoy.
June 1887 – pages 123-146 – tears through center of many pages due to improper opening July 1887 – pages 1-26 August 1887 – Pages 27-52 September 1887 – pages 53-78 October 1887 – pages 79-100
the other portion of the rear cover is tucked under what shows.
Price — $275 (which is less than $35 for each color plate) Shipping on this oversize item with insurance – $10 Ordering Information
1902 – L. FRANK BAUM – THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF SANTA CLAUS – FIRST EDITION, FIRST STATE
Published by The Bowen-Merrill Company, Indianapolis, IN. Good, decorated red cloth, 206 pages, endpapers tad cracked (paper only not the hinges), book block tad loose. I had two copies of this First Edition, First State. This copy with the brightest cloth I had in my own collection. In January, 2021, I sold a similar, but not as bright a copy, on my website for more than I am now offering this copy for, realizing I cannot keep everything. I enjoy placing my treasures in new homes, thus am now offering my personal copy of this classic at a reduced price.
This copy is the FIRST EDITION, FIRST STATE with chapter headings reading Book First, Book Second, Book Third. Illustrated with 6 full color plates (which includes the title page) and 14 two-color plates by MARY COWLES CLARK — I have page checked this copy several times, all plates are present.
For comparison information the SECOND STATE – has 12 tipped in color plates, which includes the frontis. & title-page. Also, with the second state the section headings are now labeled “Youth,” “Manhood,” and “Old Age.” This second state includes many textual illustrations and decorations, mainly in the margins, not present in the first state
Ray Boas, Bookseller 