Abstracts
Brief abstracts of each item in the auction are listed below. Links labeled More>> following each item lead to full descriptions with images. Either scan through the material, or click on the letters below to jump forward in the list. You can also use the search box below to search the full item descriptions.
Note: we are currently in the process of gathering consignments and cataloguing items for this auction. All descriptions are subject to change. New items will be added to this page as they are catalogued, and numbered when the catalogue is complete.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
ALMONTE, Juan Nepomuceno. VERACRUZ AND MEXICO RAIL ROAD. Lithograph bond, printed in double column (Spanish and English): Nuevo Fondo Mexicano de 5 p% Consolidado para a la Construcción del Camino de Fierro de Veracruz á México.... Mexican Five Per Cent New Consolidated Veracruz and Mexico Rail Road Stock Bearing Interest from the 1st September 1857... Mexico: Imprenta de Andrade y Escalante [1857]. Signed in ink by J. N. Almonte as Minister Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Mexico, and two Mexican officials. This tour de force of Mexican commercial lithography is an outstanding example of the work produced by two of Mexico’s most important nineteenth-century lithographers, Felipe Escalante and José María Andrade (Mathes, Mexico on Stone, pp. 30 & 63). ($500-1,000) More>>
ÁLVAREZ, José J[usto] & Rafael Durán. Itinerarios y derroteros de la República Mexicana, publicados por los ayudantes del Estado Mayor del Ejército.... Mexico: Imprenta de José A. Godoy, calle del Seminario núm. 6, 1856. First edition. Barrett, Baja California 34: “Territorio de la California pp. 432-437.” Eberstadt 138:033: “An important guide book, giving the routes and mileages, with sketches of the country throughout Mexico, including Coahuila, Sonora and New Mexico.” Palau 9290. Sabin 976. ($500-1,000) More>>
[ATLAS]. EVERTS & KIRK (publishers). The Official State Atlas of Nebraska.... Philadelphia: Everts & Kirk, 1885. First edition of a foundational work for the study of nineteenth-century urbanization in the Midwest. Rumsey 2719: “The only Nebraska state atlas made in the 19th century. It is similar to the Kansas atlas by Everts.” ($1,500-3,000) More>>
ALZATE RAMÍREZ, José Antonio. Gacetas de literatura de México por D. José Antonio Alzate Ramírez, socio correspondiente de la Real Academia de las cienias de Paris, del Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid, y de la Sociedad Bascongada...Tomo Segundo [Vol. 2 (of 4)]. Puebla: Reimpresas en la Oficina del Hospital de S. Pedro, à cargo del ciudadano Manuel Buen Abad, 1831. This volume is a reissue of various articles written and edited by Alzate y Ramírez which appeared primarily in the original Gacetas de literatura de México, but augmented with material from some other sources. ($500-1,000) More>>
[AZLOR Y ECHEVERZ, MARÍA IGNACIA]. Relación historica de la fundación de este convento de Nuestra Señora del Pilar.... Mexico: Felipe de Zúñiga y Ontiveros, calle del Espíritu Santo, año de 1793. First edition of one of the few biographies of a woman of the eighteenth-century Spanish-Texan borderlands. Beristain 4(1)4. Bulletin of the New York Public Library (Vol. IX, 1905), “List of Books Relating to Woman,” pp. 535 & 581. Medina, México 8255 (commenting that he knew of only one copy, his own). Palau 259736. Sabin 21777 & 69226. ($750-1,500) More>>
[BAJA CALIFORNIA]. SMITH, José Wallace. Autograph manuscript report in Spanish in his hand regarding the status and importance of Baja California. México City, 12 January 1855, signed José W. Smith. Apparently unpublished. Smith, clearly knowledgeable regarding Baja California and its leading residents, here provides a succinct review of the present condition of the peninsula and its future promise. ($400-800) More>>
BENAVIDES, Alonso de. The Memorial of Fray Alonso de Benavides 1630. Translated by Mrs. Edward E. Ayer, Annotated by Frederick Webb Hodge, and Charles Fletcher Lummis. Chicago: Privately printed [R. R. Donnelley and Sons Company at the Lakeside Press, (title verso)], 1916. Limited edition, #110 of 300 copies. The book includes a full facsimile of the first edition of the Memorial, published in Madrid in 1630 (cf. Sabin 4636 & 76810; Streeter Sale 134; Wagner, Spanish Southwest 33). Graff 250. Holliday 67. Howell, Americana 49: “The first scholarly edition in English of an indispensable source for the history of the Spanish Southwest, and the New Mexico missions in particular.” ($300-600) More>>
BERLANDIER, [Jean] Luis & Rafael Chovel. Diario de viage de la Comisión de Límites que pusó el gobierno de la República, bajo la dirección del Exmo. Sr. General de División D. Manuel de Mier y Terán.... Mexico: Tipografía de Juan R. Navarro, Calle de Chiquis Número 6, 1850. First edition. Basic Texas Books 14: “A few copies are known with a frontispiece...the best scientific study of Texas during the colonial period.... He was observant, careful, and intelligent, and he left us a record that is unmatched for his era in Texas.” ($1,000-2,000) More>>
BIG TREE (Ado-Eete). Letter signed “Big Tree (Ad-do-ya-tee) Chief of Kiowas” to Miss Frances M. Schuyler, 617 Grace St., Williamsport, PA. A rare letter by an important Kiowa chief who could neither read nor write, apparently dictated to Given, who was Chief Satank’s daughter and Big Tree’s interpreter and was educated at Carlisle. The letter includes an exciting recounting of his fiery youth, his capture and extradition to Texas, and his conversion to Christianity. With the letter are an undated cabinet card photo of Big Tree taken by Christian Winkler at Fort Sill, Indian Territory, a boudoir card of Big Tree taken by Lenny & Sawyers, Purcell, Indian Territory, and 2 photographs of other individuals mentioned in the letter, Satank and Satanta. ($7,500-15,000) More>>
[BIRD’S-EYE VIEW]. BROWN, G[rafton] T[yler] (lithographer). Reno, The Commercial Center of Nevada. Reps lists only two birds-eye views of Reno, neither of which is this one. Grafton Tyler Brown (1841-1918), was the first African American lithographer on the West Coast, cartographer, draftsman, and an important Western artist. ($1,500-$3,000) More>>
BLACKMORE, William [Henry]. Colorado: Its Resources, Parks, and Prospects as a New Field for Emigration; With an Account of the Trenchara and Costilla Estates, in the San Luis Park. London: Sampson, Low, Son, and Marston, 188, Fleet Street, English and Foreign, American and Colonial Booksellers; [printer’s slug on title verso] London: Printed by Ranken and Co., Drury House, St. Mary-Le-Strand, 1869. 3 lithograph maps with original hand coloring. This elaborate promotional work was published to coincide with the completion of the transcontinental railroad, which opened the central United States to prospective immigrants. ($3,000-6,000) More>>
[BORDERLANDS]. [INDIAN DEPREDATIONS] Documentos para la historia de México [section title: Cuaderno historico de las agresiones y hazañas de tres celebre Apaches sublevados en el estado de Chihuahua a principios del presente siglo]. Mexico: Imprenta de Vicentf [sic] García Torres, Calle de San Juan de Letrán núm. 3, 1857. This is one part of the massive, very scarce series by the same name compiled by Joaquín García Icazbalceta and published 1853-1857. Sabin 48440 remarks of the grand compiler’s series: “It is a most important series for the student of Mexican history. The publication of these documents reflects the highest credit upon the Mexican administration, as it places within the grasp of the scholar a body of information which no amount of individual enterprise and industry could possibly obtain. They were first published in the ‘Diario official.’” ($200-400) More>>
[BORDERLANDS]. MEXICO. SECRETARÍA DE ESTADO Y DEL DESPACHO DE RELACIONES EXTERIORES. Correspondencia Diplomática relativa a las Invasiones del Territorio Mexicano por Fuerzas de los Estados-Unidos de 1873 á 1877. Mexico: Imprenta de Cumplido, Calle de los Rebeldes número 2, 1878. First edition. Palau 62769. Not in Kerr and other standard sources. This pamphlet, compiled by I. L. Villarta, a private citizen acting as interim Mexican commissioner in Washington, D.C., is one in a continuing series of diplomatic exchanges between Mexico and the United States concerning cross-border excursions by both sides into the other’s territory. ($500-1,000) More>>
[BRAND BOOK]. NORTHERN NEW MEXICO STOCK GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION. Brand Book of the Northern New Mexico Stock Growers’ Association, By-Laws and List of Members. July 1, 1884. Raton, New Mexico: The Raton Comet Print, 1884. This is a very early New Mexico brand book (the earliest brand book listed for New Mexico by Adams is 1902, a supplement to another work). The series of brand books put out by the Northern New Mexico Stock Growers’ Association commenced in 1882 (according to Bancroft holdings), and they appear to be the first New Mexico brand books. ($2,500-5,000) More>>
BRIDWELL, J. W. The Life and Adventures of Robert McKimie, Alias “Little Reddy,” from Texas.... Hillsboro, Ohio: Printed and published at the Hillsboro Gazette Office, December, 1878. First edition. Adams, One-Fifty 18: “Exceedingly rare.... I know of but three copies of this book, one of which I once owned.” This book is among the créme de la créme of portrayals of the wicked Western underworld. ($1,500-3,000) More>>
BROOKE, Francis Key. The Missionary District of Oklahoma and Indian Territory [caption title]. N.p., n.d. [lower wrapper: Press of the Avil Printing Company, Philadelphia, Pa., 1896?]. First edition. Not in standard sources. The documentary photographs include scenes from the land rush. The Episcopal General Convention created the Missionary District of Oklahoma and Indian Territory, and author Right Reverend Francis Key Brooke was sent to Guthrie in January of 1893 as its first bishop. ($300-600) More>>
[CALIFORNIA COLONIZATION]. MEXICO (Republic). LAWS (October 26, 1833). PRESIDENT (Antonio López de Santa-Anna). [Decree of October 26, 1833, stating that income from the secularized California missions may be used to support colonization.] First edition of a fundamental document for the history of California. Howell, California 50:122. Streeter Sale 2469 (WRH-TWS copy). ($500-1,000) More>>
[CALIFORNIA PORTS]. SPAIN. LAWS (October 22, 1803). SECRETARIO DE ESTADO Y DEL DESPACHO (Miguel Cayetano Soler). [Decree of October 22, 1803, upgrading the status of California ports]. First Mexican edition. Not in Medina, Mexico. By this law, Spain gives increased, official recognition to ports in upper and lower California to allow increased imports and exports through them. ($200-400) More>>
[CHAMP D’ASILE]. RULLMANN, Ludwig (artist) & Charles Etienne Pierre Mott (lithographer). Les Lauriers seuls y croitront sans culture.... [Paris, ca. 1818]. Lithograph on heavy paper, depicting a scene on the Trinity River set in a landscape with palm and banana trees, cane, yucca, and lofty mountains. First edition. This beautiful print-the title of which in English is “Laurels grow here by themselves without cultivation” -is among the earliest lithographs of a scene or subject related to Texas. ($3,000-6,000) More>>
CHURCH, John H[enry] C[offin]. Diary of a Trip through Mexico and California.... Pittsfield, Mass.: Marcus H. Rogers, Printer, 1887. First edition. A successful Berkshire, Massachusetts, merchant gives an account of his seventy-six-day trip by rail from the East Coast through New Orleans, into Texas, thence to Mexico, north to California and then back to the East Coast through Salt Lake City, Denver, and Canada, as outlined on the title page. Despite the cursory nature of the author’s observations, this is nevertheless a valuable travel book, encompassing as it does a trip of several thousand miles through the wilds of the American West and Mexico at a time when tourism by train in those regions was a fairly new option. ($300-600) More>>
CISNEROS, José. Transition of Govt in Texas from Spanish to Mex. N.p., n.d. [El Paso, ca. 1997]. Silkscreen print in black, green, red, gold, and cream on thick paper. Signed in print at lower right, “J. Cisneros - 97.” A rare example of Cisneros’s work in the medium of silkscreen. Limited edition (#10 of 45 copies), signed and numbered in pencil below image. ($2,000-3,000) More>>
[CIVIL WAR]. CONFEDERATE STATES ARMY. ARMY OF TENNESSEE. “Terms of a Military Convention entered into this twenty sixth (26th) day of April, 1865, at Bennett House, near Durham’s Station, North Carolina, between General Joseph E. Johnston, Commanding the Confederate Army, and Major General W. T. Sherman, Commanding the United States Army in North Carolina.” Signed “W. T. Sherman,” “Joseph E. Johnston,” and “Archer Anderson.” Entirely in a secretarial hand. A very good contemporary copy of this important document which basically ended the Civil War east of the Mississippi River. ($8,000-12,000) More>>
[CIVIL WAR]. CONFEDERATE STATES ARMY. DEPARTMENT OF THE TRANSMISSISSIPPI WEST. “Terms of Military Convention entered into this 26th day of May 1865 at New Orleans [i.e, Shreveport] La between Gen E. Kirby Smith Confederate States Army commanding the Dept, Trans Miss & Maj Gen. E. R. S. Canby U S Army Cmg the Army & Div’s of West Miss’s for the surrender of the Military and Naval authorities of the Texas Miss Dept.” Signed “S. B. Buckner,” “P. Jas Asterhaus” “J. N. Gallaher” and “Austin N. Standish”; noted as “Official Copy”; “Supplemental Articles” signed and noted same as above; “General Order, Shreveport, June 2, 1865” signed “Maj Gen Parsons” and J[edidiah] Waldo (authentic signature), noted as “Official”; undated (but June 2, 1865). “General Order” signed by “Col. Mitchell” and Waldo (authentic signature) Any contemporary copy of such orders is rare. Copies of any such documents marked as “official” are especially so. This one is particularly significant for both Confederate and Texas history. ($8,000-12,000) More>>
[CIVIL WAR]. TEXAS. CONVENTION. (First Session, January 28-February 4, 1861). AN ORDINANCE | TO DISSOLVE THE UNION BETWEEN THE STATE OF TEXAS AND THE OTHER | STATES, UNITED UNDER THE COMPACT STYLED “THE CONSTITUTION OF | THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”.... [Austin]: State Gazette, [1861]. Broadside within ornamental border printed on newsprint. This brief but forceful ordinance was one of the basic documents that set Texas on a path that would lead to its joining the Confederacy and becoming embroiled in the bloody and disastrous Civil War. ($15,000-30,000) More>>
[CODEX OSUNA]. Pintura del gobernadór, alcades y regidores de México. Códice en geroglíficos mexicanos y en lenguas castellana y azteca, existente en la Biblioteca del Excmo. Señor Duque de Osuna.... Madrid: Imprenta de Manuel G. Hernández, San Miguel, 23, bajo, 1878. First printing, limited edition (#12 of 100 copies) of the 1565 codex from Mexico City, Tlatelolco, Tacuba, D.F., and Tula, Hidalgo. Glass, p. 178 & 676: “The codex forms part of an inquiry into the conduct of the Indian and Spanish governments of Mexico City by the Visitador Valderrama in 1565.” ($1,500-3,000) More>>
[COLT REVOLVERS]. Two items: (1) Illustrated broadside commencing: Colt’s Patent Repeating Pistols, Army, Navy, and Pocket Sizes. The broadside illustrates Colt’s .44 Caliber Second Model Dragoon Revolver (manufactured 1850-1851), complete with the cylinder engraving of a battle between Native Americans and soldiers. (2) Autograph letter, signed, from Samuel and Elisha Colt (entirely in the latter’s hand and signed with both names by Elisha), Hartford, March 25, 1852, 1 page on wove paper, with integral address leaf to Armand Soubie at New Orleans, 4to (25 x 19.7 cm). Docketed as from Samuel Colt, March 25, 1852, and received April 2, 1852. ($750-1,500) More>>
[COLT REVOLVERS]. UNITED STATES. CONGRESS. SENATE. In Senate of the United States, April 25, 1848. Submitted, and Ordered to Be Printed. Mr. Rusk Made the Following Report.... The Committee on Military Affairs, to Whom Was Referred the Message of the President of the United States Relative to “Colt’s Repeating Fire Arms” Dated April 14, 1848, and the Documents Accompanying the same, Report. [Washington, 1848]. First edition of this important report on Colt’s revolver-brief in content, but pivotal in military history. ($100-200) More>>
CORPUS CHRISTI AND RIO GRANDE RAILWAY COMPANY. The Corpus Christi and Rio Grande Railway Company. A Description of the New Railway across Southwestern Texas, from Corpus Christi, on the Gulf of Mexico, to Laredo, on the Rio Grande River.... Philadelphia: Wm. F. Murphy’s Sons, Printers and Stationers, 509 Chestnut St., 1874. First edition. This railroad promotional seeks support and investors for the proposed railroad that was to run from Corpus Christi to Laredo. The handsome, finely executed, and rare Borderlands map was lithographed by Julius Bien (1826-1909), well known for his chromolithographs from Audubon’s copper plates. ($4,000-6,000) More>>
[COX, James]. Historical and Biographical Record of the Cattle Industry and the Cattlemen of Texas and Adjacent Territory. St. Louis, Missouri: Woodward & Tiernan Printing Co., 1895. First edition. Adams, Herd 593: “Very rare.... One of the ‘big four’ cattle books. An important book on the history of the cattle industry, and no collector’s library would be complete without it. It is rarely found with the frontispiece, and since it is an unusually heavy book and the leather has deteriorated with age, its back strip is usually missing or in bad condition. It is said that the scarcity is due to the fact that nearly all the edition was lost in a warehouse fire.” (7,000-15,000) More>>
[CROCKETT, DAVID]. OSGOOD, S[amuel] S[tillman](artist) & [Cephas G.] Childs & [George] Lehman (lithographers), [Albert Newsam] (attributed as drawing Osgood’s portrait on stone). David Crockett. [below lower neat line] Printed by S. S. Osgood. | On Stone. | Childs & Lehman. Lithry. Philadelphia. Lithograph bust portrait printed on India proof paper, mounted (as issued) on beige wove paper support sheet. An extremely rare and handsome portrait of the iconic American frontiersman and indelible hero of Texas who perished at the Alamo and caused generations of young and old boys to be afflicted with Crockett-mania. ($12,000-20,000) More>>
DAVIS, Winfield J. History of the Political Conventions in California, 1849-1892. Sacramento: [California State Library], 1893. First edition. Zamorano Eighty 28: “The author of this work was the historian of the Sacramento Society of California Pioneers.... It is the authority for its period and might well be brought down to date.” ($100-200) More>>
DE VENY, William. The Establishment of Law and Order on Western Plains. Portland, Oregon: Optimist Print, The Dalles, Oregon, 1915. First edition. Adams, Guns 584: Adams, One-Fifty 47: “The author states in his preface that it was his intention ‘of having about one hundred copies printed to be used by my family and myself for gifts to a few personal friends’.... According to all the information I was able to unearth, there was only one copy known to authorities, that one being locked in a vault of the Oregon Historical Society.... The book deals largely with lawlessness in the various Kansas county-seat fights and has some material on Dodge City, where the author lived in its early days.” ($750-1,500) More>>
[DIRECTORY]. PORTER, Gay E. City Directory of Las Vegas, New Mexico for the Year 1882-3.... Las Vegas, New Mexico: Carruth & Layton, Printers, 1882. First edition of the first directory of Las Vegas, New Mexico, one of the earliest directories of any New Mexico town (if not the first), and a somewhat early imprint for Las Vegas. The author asserts, we believe correctly, in his introduction: “I have the satisfaction of presenting to the public the first complete Directory of Las Vegas.” The excellent panoramic photograph of Las Vegas in this copy is a bonus, providing early documentation of the booming town of Las Vegas shortly after introduction of the railroad in 1880. ($3,000-6,000) More>>
[DIRECTORY]. SUTHERLAND, [James] & [Henry N.] McEvoy (compilers & publishers). Kansas City Directory, and Business Mirror, for 1859-60, Containing the Name and Residence of Every Male Citizen, a Business Mirror, and an Appendix of Much Useful Information. Published Annually. Price One Dollar. Saint Louis, Mo.: Sutherland & McEvoy, [1859]. First edition of the first Kansas City, Missouri, directory. The compilers declare in the preface: “In presenting the first issue of the Kansas City Directory, the publishers feel they have done something toward satisfying the wants and necessities of the public, and rendering the work a fit representative of the business and enterprise of the city.” ($2,500-3,000) More>>
[DIRECTORY & MAP]. SMITH, Robert Pearsall (publisher), et al. Map of Richland Co. Ohio from Actual Surveys by P. O’Byrne.... Philadelphia, 1856. First edition. We locate only one copy, at the Library of Congress. The most unusual feature of this mammoth cartographical production is the manner in which it combines street maps with key business directories for every town shown on the insets, resulting in both a map and a city directory. Because of its generous size, the map includes an astonishing amount of detail. ($1,500-3,000) More>>
EAGLE TAVERN (Manhattan, Ohio). Printed invitation completed in contemporary ink manuscript: The Celebration of the Independence of the U. States, AND THE TRIUMPH OF TEXAS.... First edition. Midland 72-441 (this being the copy Mr. Streeter purchased, now at Yale). Morgan, Bibliography of Ohio Imprints, 5553 (locating copies at Yale and the University of Texas, Arlington). Streeter 1198: “This folder has been entered after considerable hesitation, notwithstanding its direct reference to Texas. It does show how a little town in Ohio felt about Texas in 1836.” ($750-1,500) More>>
ELLIOTT, Wallace W. (publisher). History of San Diego County, California.... [and] WILSON, Warren. History of San Bernardino County, California, pp. [141-204]. San Francisco: Wallace W. Elliott & Co, 1883. Very rare. First edition. Edwards, Enduring Desert, p. 76: “Much of southern desert interest in this huge old record book of 1883.” ($3,000-5,000) More>>
EMSLEY, Charles. “Dignowitty [i.e., Dignowity] House, Hill, San Antonio, 1885, Chas. Emsley” [title painted on verso]. Painting (oil on canvas, stretched over original wooden board and secured by original nails and three corner pieces) showing Dignowity’s idyllic San Antonio home (built in 1853), a European-type structure with blooming tree and yucca in landscape, peacock in foreground, blue sky and puffy white clouds above. 15.3 x 25.1 cm. Emsley paintings seldom appear on the market. ($750-1,500) More>>
[FOLSOM, George]. Mexico in 1842: A Description of the Country, Its Natural and Political Features; with a Sketch of its History, Brought down to the Present Year. To Which is Added, an Account of Texas and Yucatan; and of the Santa Fé Expedition. Illustrated with a New Map. New York: Charles J. Folsom; Wiley and Putnam; Robinson, Pratt and Co., [J. P. Wright, Printer, 18 New Street, N.Y. (title verso)], 1842. First edition. This book is prized as much for its text as the unusual map showing the Republic of Texas in a rather bizarre configuration, colored in neon yellow and outlined in hot pink. ($2,500-5,000) More>>
FORNEY, John W. What I Saw in Texas by John W. Forney. Ringwalt & Brown, Prs., Press Building, Philadelphia [1872]. First edition. Adams, Herd 822: “Rare.” Clark, Travels in the New South I:77: “Forney, a well-known journalist, left Philadelphia on June 12, 1872, and made his way to Texas through Kentucky, Tennessee, and Louisiana, stopping at New Orleans and Shreveport in the latter state. His tour of Texas included Marshall, Jefferson, Dallas, Fort Worth, Corsicana, Austin, Houston, Galveston, and San Antonio. He was a keen observer and noted the progress being made in various parts of the South, but pointed out the need of schools, churches, free press, skilled labor, and capital. His chief interest, however, was railroads, their builders, and statistics for Texas and the Southwest. An excellent work.” ($750-1,500) More>>
FRÍAS, Simón de. Tratado elemental de la destreza del sable. Compuesto por Don Simón de Frías, maestro de todas armas examinado, aprobado y titulado por el superior gobierno de Nueva España. Mexico: En la Imprenta de Arizpe, 1809 [but 1810]. First edition. The Mexican author was a master of arms in New Spain. Dicc. Porrúa notes that his birth and death dates are unknown, but he is known to have taught self defense by 1787. Of engraver Manuel Araoz, Mathes (La Ilustración en México colonial) comments: “Manuel Araoz, instructor in engraving, produced thirteen excellent plates of fencing and fighting maneuvers using the saber for Simón de Frías, Tratado elemental de la destreza del sable, Imprenta de Arizpe.” ($2,500-5,000) More>>
GUADALUPE AND SAN ANTONIO RIVERS STOCK ASSOCIATION. $150.00 Reward! The Guadalupe and San Antonio Rivers Stock Association, by resolution adopted at their regular meeting, held at Yorktown, August 5, 1882, will pay a Reward of One Hundred and Fifty Dollars for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person guilty of the theft of any live stock belonging to the members of the Association. The names of person giving such information will not be exposed without their consent. J. R. Hamilton, President G. & S. A. R. S. A. [Cuero]: Printed at the Cuero Star Office, [1882]. This amazingly detailed broadside gives the names of sixty-two ranchers in roughly alphabetical order and shows 101 brands for cattle and horses. ($10,000-20,000) More>>
[HAWAII]. [BISHOP MUSEUM]. FORNANDER, Abraham. Fornander Collection of Hawaiian Antiquities and Folk-lore: The Hawaiian Account of the Formation of their Islands and Origin of their Race with the Traditions of their Migrations, etc., as Gathered from Original Sources.... Memoirs of the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum [volumes IV & V]. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919. First editions of the first and second series of the Bishop Museum’s publications of Abraham Fornander’s collected Hawaiian folklore; a third series, vol. VI of the Bishop Museum Memoirs, was also published. Leib and Day, Hawaiian Legends in English, p. 61, pp. 11-13: “The greatest collector of Hawaiian lore.... Fornander’s collection remains the most important single source of Hawaiian legends.” ($450-900) More>>
HOLLEY, Mary [Phelps] Austin. Texas. Lexington, Ky.: J. Clarke & Co., 1836. First edition. Basic Texas Books 94: “An entirely different book from Mrs. Holley’s 1833 volume, this contains a great deal more information on Texas history, geography, and society....” Sibley, Travelers in Texas 1761-1860, pp. 178-179: “Mary Austin Holley opened the great era of travel literature in Texas with Texas: Observations, Historical, Geographical and Descriptive. Her books are standard sources for the later Mexican period because they are based on the writer’s observations and information obtained from her cousin, Stephen Fuller Austin.” ($5,000-10,000) More>>
HORN, [Sarah Ann Newton] & E. House (editor). A Narrative of the Captivity of Mrs. [Sarah Ann Newton] Horn, and Her Two Children, with Mrs. Harris, by the Camanche [sic] Indians.... St. Louis: C. Keemle, 1839. First edition of a very rare, genuine Texas captivity. ($6,000-8,000) More>>
[HOUSTON, SAMUEL]. T[HIELEPAPE], W[ilhelm Carl August]. Sam Recruiting, | after the injunction of secrecy had been removed | [pointing finger] These are his Principles [lower center] San Antonio, July 1855 [lower right] W. T. Lith. | San Antonio, Texas. Lithograph on heavy paper. First lithographed political cartoon created in Texas. This highly unusual print is part of a group of three lithographs, all the work of Thielepape, which are considered by some to be the first three lithographs created in Texas. ($3,000-6,000) More>>
[HOUSTON, SAMUEL]. Two imprints bound together: (1) Life of General Sam Houston [caption title]. [Washington, D.C.: J. T. Towers, 1852?]. BURNET, David G[ouverneur]. Review of the Life of Gen. Sam Houston, as Recently Published in Washington City by J. T. Towers, By D. G. Burnet, First President of Texas. Galveston: News Power Press Print., 1852. First editions of both works. An example of the two works bound together, as here, is held by the Center for American History at the University of Texas. Winkler considers the second work to be the first pamphlet printed in Texas on a power press, albeit, in this case, a press powered by a horse. ($1,500-3,000) More>>
[HUMBOLDT, F. H. Alexander von (after)]. Idea estadística y geográfica del reyno de Nueva España precedida de una descripción general de la America traducción del francés por M. B. Guadalajara: Imprenta del cuidadano Urbano Sanromán, 1823. First Mexican edition? Catálogo de la colección Biblioteca Manuel Arango Arias R174 (p. 105). Palau 117889. According to the anonymous translator, this work is based on a text written in Paris in 1814 and published in 1817, although that text has never been positively identified. The author drew upon Humboldt, whom he cites several times, but clearly was familiar with many other sources, including those that ranged far beyond Humboldt’s scope. ($750-1,500) More>>
HUNT, Richard S[almon] & Jesse F. Randel. Guide to the Republic of Texas.... New York: Published by J. H. Colton, 124 Broadway, 1839. First edition. Streeter 1348: The contents of this Guide, the first general guide to Texas, are pretty well stated in its title. It must have been a useful book for intending settlers, and its contemporary account of existing conditions makes it a valuable book now. The map is important.” A fine copy, the map excellent, with fresh, intense original color, the best we have seen of this desirable Texana. ($20,000-30,000) More>>
INCLÁN, Luis G[onzaga]. [Vol. I] Astucia el gefe de los hermanos de la hoja, ó Los charros contrabanistas de la rama. Novela histórica de costumbres mexicanas, con episodios originales, escrita por Luis Inclán en vista de auténticas apuntaciones del protagonista, amenizada con sus correpondiente litografías. Tomo I. Mexico: Imprenta de Inclán, cerca de Santo Domingo Núm. 12, 1865. First edition of the first Mexican novel “to integrate the theme of banditry throughout its narrative” (Chris Frazer, A History of Outlaws and Cultural Struggle in Mexico, 1810-1920). The enduring nature of the work is demonstrated by the plethora of modern editions that continue to be published. ($1,500-3,000) More>>
KENDALL, Geo[rge] Wilkins. Narrative of the Texan Santa Fé Expedition.... First edition, first issue (“1844” gilt stamped at foot of spine of each volume) of the best account of the abortive 1841 Republic of Texas expedition to establish jurisdiction over Santa Fe. The first issue is distinguished by the gilt stamping of 1844 at the foot of the spine of each volume (rebound copies thus are indistinguishable as first or later issue). Raines, p. 131: “‘As a writer,’ says Dr. Randall, ‘he...possessed the art of giving the most dry details all the vivid interest of a well-told tale. His style was vigorous, direct, and crisp, while it had a most captivating ease and unstudiedness; and gleams of quaint and irresistable humor.’” ($2,800-3,400) More>>
[KICKAPOO WAR GAME]. La Guerra de los Kikapoos. [chomolithograph pictorial game]. Mexico, n.d. [ca. 1870s]. Chromolithograph broadside pictorial game with rules for playing printed in letterpress beneath image. Unrecorded. This game appears to depict a scene from the Battle of Dove Creek, Texas (near present-day San Angelo), which occurred on January 8, 1865, in which the Kickapoo inflicted a decisive defeat on a combined Confederate and militia force. The game is played on a grid of bright red circles interconnected by red lines. ($500-1,000) More>>
[LE CONTE, Joseph]. A Journal of Ramblings through the High Sierras of California by the “University Excursion Party.” San Francisco: Francis & Valentine, Commercial Printing House, 517 Clay Street, 1875. First edition. Neate, Mountaineering and Its Literature 451: “The book is regarded as one of the greatest classics of early Californian mountain travel.” ($7,000-$14,000) More>>
LEE, A[rthur] T[racy]. “Capt. Jordan’s Quarters.” Finished watercolor on paper showing a small wooden cabin at the base of a hill with a ramshackle fence in the foreground and other buildings and rocky hills in the background. Several figures populate the view. Signed at lower right in pencil: “A. T. Lee.” Fort Davis, undated. 24 x 32 cm. This painting depicts a building at the first Fort Davis, which was established in 1854 and was in existence until 1862, when it was occupied by Confederate forces. ($10,000-20,000) More>>
LEE, A[rthur] T[racy]. “House Occupied by Dr. Sutherland at Ft. Davis.” Finished watercolor on paper showing a one-story house surrounded by a fence and outbuildings at the foot of a rocky hill, with several people visible around the house and in the yard to the right and a U.S. flag flying in the distance. Signed at lower right in pencil: “A. T. Lee.” Fort Davis, undated. 23 x 32 cm. This painting depicts a building at the first Fort Davis (see previous item). ($10,000-20,000) More>>
LÓPEZ DE SANTA-ANNA, Antonio. Ornate engraved pictorial mortgage bond on bank note paper within ornate border, decorative monetary designation of $500 in oversize green plaid lettering across center. New York, 1866. Signed and with paraph by Santa-Anna with orange seal to right of signature, signed by two others, plus a signature in red at left. This very crisp, highly accomplished engraving is the work of the firm of Nathan Hale, newspaper publisher of Boston, who also created maps (Tooley’s Dictionary of Map Makers, 2001 edition, Vol. 2, p. 248). ($750-1,500) More>>
[MAP]. BEALES’ RIO GRANDE COLONY. Map | of the | Republic of Texas, | Exhibiting the Property | of John Woodward. | Drawn by | Joseph Rodney Croskey | 1842. | Narine & Co’s. Lith. 11, Wall St N.Y. | J.F.S. [lower right in image above neat line]. New York, 1842. Lithograph map with grants and borders in original bright hand coloring. First edition. The map appeared in the following pamphlet by John Woodward: An Abstract of the Constitutions, Laws and Other Documents Having Reference to, and including the Empresario Grants and Contracts made by the State of Coahuila and Texas to and with John Charles Beales.... (New York: Narine & Co’s Print, 1842). Eberstadt, Texas 162:915. Streeter 1444: “The map, ‘Exhibiting the Property of John Woodward,’ also dated 1842, is of considerable importance as it shows in colors the boundaries of the Arkansas grant, of the two Rio Grande grants, and of the two million acre Milam or Rio Colorado grant held by Beales. It also shows in color the Galveston Bay grants.” ($6,000-8,000) More>>
[MAP]. BRADFORD, T[homas] G[amaliel]. Texas. [Boston, ca. 1839]. Engraved map on medium-weight wove paper, land grants in original pastel colors, plain triple-line border. This copy of Bradford’s large-format Texas map is from the same plate as the first issue (1838), but it is an advanced issue: added is the city of Austin, which is shown as the capital (established 1839); the southwestern boundary has been moved farther south (from the Nueces River to the Rio Grande); and dotted county lines are superimposed over original grants (for instance, San Patricio County is here added to the map and colored in green to the Rio Grande, but “McMullen & McGlone’s Grant” is still shown above as an empresario grant). ($1,000-2,000) More>>
[MAP]. [BRADFORD, Thomas Gamaliel]. Texas. [Boston & New York, 1835]. Engraved map, original outline hand coloring of land grants. Neat line to neat line: 19.8 x 26.5 cm; overall sheet size: 26.5 x 32.4 cm. Scale: 1 inch = 75 miles. First issue of the first separate map of Texas to appear in an atlas, with early issue points, including the Mustang Wild Horse Desert shown in south Texas; the Nueces River as the southwestern boundary; land grants indicated instead of counties; and the fact that Austin (founded 1839) is not yet shown. This map is from Bradford’s 1835 Comprehensive Atlas, Geographical, Historical & Commercial. Martin & Martin 31: “Aside from showing Texas as a separate state, the map [is] historically important for clearly demonstrating the demand in the U.S. for information about Texas during the Revolution and the early years of the Republic. It also serves to confirm the importance of Austin’s map as source for that information.” ($1,000-2,000) More>>
[MAP]. CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH. RICHARDSON, J. H. & Charles Bent, Jr. (1821-?). Original professionally executed manuscript chart in ink and pencil on two sheets of joined paper, drawn as if on a scroll with illustration of a roller at bottom, fancy calligraphic title at lower left: “The | Course of the | Bark Oxford | from Boston Bound to | San Francisco | California. 1849. | Drawn by J. H. Richardson,” ship’s position by dates written in three columns on left and right, scale below title, compass situated in South America. On verso of chart is Charles Bent Jr.’s 32-line letter to his father in ink with integral address leaf. Although Gold Rush letters are not all that uncommon, the combination here of such a letter on the back of an original manuscript map illustrating a voyage to the Gold Fields is highly unusual and may be nearly unique. ($12,000-14,000) More>>
[MAP]. COLTON, J[oseph] H[utchins]. Nebraska and Kanzas.... New York, 1856. This separately issued pocket map is another fine commercial production from the industrious Colton firm, whose ad on the pastedown touts its 1855-1856 world atlas, where the map appeared in an altered form (Rumsey 149). The map presents the High Plains north to Canada and west to the Rockies, including parts of present-day New Mexico, Colorado, the Dakotas, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana (to Maria’s Pass). ($1,500-3,000) More>>
[MAP]. CRAM, George F[ranklin]. Crams New Sectional Map of Kansas.... Chicago, 1880. Later edition of Cram’s 1876 map (Phillips, America, p. 347). Kansas is presented on a grid pattern with locations for counties, cities, towns, rivers, roads, post offices, and railroad lines (completed and in progress) identified and located. Portions of Nebraska, Missouri, Colorado, and Indian Territory are shown. ($500-1,000) More>>
[MAP]. DELISLE, Guillaume. Carte de la Louisiane et du Cours du Mississipi Dressée sur un grand nombre de memoires entr’autres sur ceux de Mr. le Maire Par Guillme. de l’Isle de l’Academie Rle. des Sciences. Amsterdam, [1730]. Copper-engraved map showing the area from Lake Champlain to New Mexico and south to Florida and Texas, on laid rag paper, original outline hand coloring (olive green, pink, and blue), small compass rose at lower center. Third edition of Delisle’s epochal prototype 1718 map of the same name, the first accurate delineation of the Mississippi Valley system and “the first printed map to show Texas” (Tooley). ($2,500-5,000) More>>
[MAP]. FISHER, Richard S. (compiler). Dinsmore’s Complete Map of the Railroads & Canals in the United States & Canada.... New York: John G. Wells, 1856. The predecessor for the present map was an uncolored map published in 1850 in the American Railway Guide (Modelski, Railroad Maps of the United States 16). The 1850 map differs from the present map, the earlier map being slightly smaller, without the ornate border, and with an inset of New York showing the Harlem Railroad ($750-1,500) More>>
[MAP]. FRANKLIN & BAKER SILVER MINING COMPANIES. Plan of the Franklin & Baker Silver Mining Cos’. Properties of Colorado N.p., n.d. [Colorado, ca. 1868]. Although labeled a mining plan, this sheet consists primarily of a topographical map illustrating the important mining regions contained within the Clear Creek valley, which extends from Denver to the headwaters of Clear Creek just below Loveland Pass. ($1,500-3,000) More>>
[MAP]. GARCÍA CONDE, Diego. Plan General de la Ciudad de México, Levantado por el Teniente Coronel Don Diego García Conde, en al Año de 1793. Y Gravado en Miniatura en Londres por Edouard Mogg, el Año 1811. [London, 1811]. Copper-engraved map with contemporary hand coloring (pink, green, yellow, pale olive green), sectioned into 15 parts and mounted on old cartographical linen. First English edition, in smaller format, following the Mexico City, 1807, printing of the mammoth original, the plates for which were destroyed and lost. All editions of this map are difficult to acquire, with no copies at auction for the past thirty years. ($3,000-6,000) More>>
[MAP]. [GERMAN COLONIZATION IN TEXAS]. Texas eine geographische Skizze bearbeitet nach Berghaus Länderkunde und den neuesten Forschungen des Prinzen Carl zu Solms Braunfels und anderer Reisenden. von Walter Farmer in Texas 1847;[top left] Namen der Cantons [list of 32 counties]; [lower left below counties: untitled comments and keys to rivers, towns, etc.]. N.p., 1847. This handsome and relatively detailed map was intended for use by German emigrants to the Adelsverein lands in Texas, which are clearly indicated by outline color. Although the efforts of Solms-Braunfels and the Adelsverein were on their last legs when this map was published, it remains an important indication of Germans’ continued interest in emigration to Texas, which continued to occur for many years. ($5,000-8,000) More>>
[MAP]. [GULF OF MEXICO & WESTERN CARIBBEAN]. SPAIN. DEPÓSITO HIDROGRÁFICO DE MARINA. Carta esférica que comprehende las costas del Seno Mexicano construida de orden del Rey en el Depósito Hidrográfico de Marina: Por disposición del Exmo. Señor Don Juan de Lángara, Secretario de Estado y del Despacho Universal de ella. Año de 1799. Advertencia.... [Madrid], 1799. Copper-engraved hydrographical chart showing coastal soundings, on heavy laid paper. First edition. Martin & Martin, Plate 22A & pp. 105: “The first large-scale printed chart of the Texas coast based on actual soundings and explorations.” ($10,000-20,000) More>>
[MAP]. GULF OF MEXICO & WESTERN CARIBBEAN. SPAIN. DEPÓSITO HIDROGRÁFICO DE MARINA. Carta esférica de las costas del Seno Mexicano con parte de la isla de Cuba y cánales adyacentes...Madrid Año 1836.... Not in standard sources. Although based on the preceding 1799 coastal chart issued by the same Spanish department, this map was printed from an entirely new plate. The geographical area covered is basically identical in both maps, showing the far western Caribbean almost to the eastern tip of Cuba and the North American coast from Cumberland Island, Georgia, to Espiritú Santo Bay in Yucatan. ($1,500-3,000) More>>
[MAP]. [GULF OF MEXICO & WESTERN CARIBBEAN]. FRANCE. DÉPÔT GÉNÉRAL DE LA MARINE. Carte du Golfe du Mexique dressée par Mr. Keller, Ingénieur Hydrographe, d’après les travaux les plus récents.... [Paris], 1853. Copper-engraved hydrographical chart. Mapoteca Colombiana 153. Not in other standard sources. This rare chart is part of a family of maps that began with the late eighteenth-century Spanish Hydrographic Office’s survey of the Gulf of Mexico (see Streeter 1029 and preceding two entries). The map directly descended from the French Dépôt Général de la Marine’s 1800 Carte des côtes du Golfe du Mexique.... (Streeter 1030). ($500-1,000) More>>
[MAP]. HULLMANDEL, [Charles Joseph] & [Joseph Fowell] Walton (lithographers & printers). A Correct Map of the Bay of San Francisco and the Gold Region to April 1850.... [London, ca. 1850]. Lithograph map showing relief in hachure, mountain ranges, bodies of water, major streams and rivers, roads, towns, distances between points, and mining operations. This English map of the California Gold Fields is an updated version of Jarves’ 1849 map, which was the same general size and had a similar title. Streeter Sale 2540: “From many points of view Jarves’ map is one of the most interesting and important of the early gold region maps.” ($12,000-16,000) More>>
[MAP]. KEELER, J[ulius] M. Mining Map of Inyo County.... San Francisco, [1884?]. Uncolored lithograph map with relief shown by hachures and spot heights. First edition. Currey & Kruska 222 (illustrated p. 109): “Though brief, the description is notable for inclusion of a very early reference to the Sierra Golden Trout.” Norris 2375. Not in Cowan, Rocq, or any of Edwards’ bibliographies on Death Valley. ($2,500-5,000) More>>
[MAP]. KELLY, Santiago T. Plano de la Habana dibujado por Santiago T. Kelly Engeniero y Arequitecto 1837. Lith. by A. E. Baker, No. 8 Wall St. New-York.... New York, 1837. Lithograph map of the city of Havana showing the streets and the port. First edition. Despite the fact that Kelly is an obscure figure in U.S. mapmaking history, his skills, as evidenced by the present map, must have been considerable. ($2,000-4,000) More>>
[MAP]. [KINO, Eusebio Francisco]. Passage par Terre a la Californie Decouvert par le Rev. Pere Eusebe-François Kino Jesuite depuis 1698 jusqu’à 1701 où l’on voit encore les Nouvelles Missions des PP. de la Compage. de Jesus. Streeter Sale 2424 (remarking on the map): “The map is remarkably accurate, and remained the best map of much of the area until the twentieth century.” ($500-1,000) More>>
[MAP]. KNIGHT, W[illia]m Henry. Bancroft’s Map of Central California.... San Francisco: H. H. Bancroft & Co., 1869. Lithograph map on bank note paper, original full pastel First edition? Rumsey 4106 (not yet described or illustrated). The present map underwent revision and enlargement in its 1871 incarnation, as noted by Rumsey (5154). It is smaller and extends east to Stockton, north to southern Lake County, and south to Santa Cruz. The 1871 version shows a larger extent of territory, east to Virginia City in Nevada and north to Fort Bragg. ($4,000-8,000) More>>
[MAP]. LANGERMANN, A. B. The Railroad System of Texas on September 1st, 1881, Galveston.... Galveston, 1881. Wood-engraved map within issue of newspaper The Galveston Daily News for September 1, 1881 (Vol. XL, No. 139). The Galveston Daily News, founded in 1842, is “the oldest surviving paper in Texas” (Sibley, Lone Stars and State Gazettes, p. 324). The present map appeared at the moment of the city’s zenith. ($300-600) More>>
[MAP]. LOW, E[sther] (publisher). Georgia from the latest Authorities.... N.p., n.d. [New York. ca. 1831]. This map first appeared in John Payne's A New and Complete System of Universal Geography (New York, printed for and sold by John Low, Bookseller, 1798-1800), in Vol. 4 opposite p. 438 (Evans 34316, Sabin 15284, Wheat & Brun 619). The map subsequently reappeared in New Encyclopaedia (1810) with John Scoles listed as engraver in the oval at top right, along with the date 1810 and E. Low as publisher. ($300-600) More>>
[MAP] MARTÍNEZ DE CASTRO, Mariano. Mapa Oficial del estado de Sinaloa Mexico levantado bajo la inmediata dirección del Gobernador del Estado Ingeniero Mariano Martínez de Castro 1891. London: Stanford’s Geographical Establishment, 1891. Lithograph map on heavy paper, showing the Mexican state of Sinaloa and parts of Sonora, Durango, and Chihuahua, original color wash of coastlines and bodies of water in pale green and blue, boundaries pink. First edition of this version. This basic map appeared in various editions and formats in 1891. The present version is the most elaborate and robust manifestation of this map, far larger than the others. ($2,000-4,000) More>>
[MAP]. [MATAGORDA, TEXAS]. Untitled manuscript map of Matagorda in ink and watercolor on two joined sheets of paper mounted on contemporary cartographic linen (with selvage). Color key to owners’ properties at upper left. [Matagorda, 1835]. This finely detailed map, showing numerous streets, town lots, and other features such as the public square, clearly indicates a town intended for prosperity, founded as it was by some of the early luminaries in Texas. It is among the very earliest maps of Matagorda, the few others extant being in institutions. ($7,500-15,000) More>>
[MAP]. MITCHELL, S[amuel] Augustus. Mexico | & Guatemala.... Philadelphia: S. Augustus Mitchell, 1846. Lithographic transfer from engraved plate (showing the Californias, Texas, New Mexico, and areas south to Costa Rica), original full coloring of Mexico and insets, pink and green double border. Unrecorded pocket map issue of a map easily found in Mitchell’s New Universal Atlas, the copyright to which he acquired from H. S. Tanner in 1846. Mitchell’s 1846 atlas has this map as No. 36, which is the same number found on the present map. ($3,000-6,000) More>>
[MAP]. MITCHELL, S[amuel] Augustus. A | New Map of | Texas Oregon | and California | with the Regions Adjoining. | Compiled | from the Most Recent Authorities. | Philadelphia | Published by S. Augustus Mitchell | N.E. Corner of Market & Seventh Streets. | 1846. Lithograph map on bank note paper, original full hand color, ornamental vine border in pink. Folded, as issued, in original cover. Rumsey 534: “One of Mitchell’s most popular and important pocket maps.” This map and its accompanying emigrant guide have been widely and frequently praised as the most accurate and current information then available in separate cartographic form for the regions shown. ($6,000-12,000) More>>
[MAP]. MUNSON, Sam[ue]l B[ishop]. A New Map of the Western Rivers. Or Travellers Guide Exhibiting the Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Illinois Rivers, with all the Principal Towns, Islands & Distances. Cincinnati, 1846. The first edition of this map came out in 1842 (Streeter Sale 1378). A nation on the move and the rising western economy, which was dependent upon river transportation, made this map popular and long-lived, with succeeding editions recorded by Newberry in 1843, 1844, 1845 (Streeter Sale 1382), and 1851. All editions are very rare. Popular publisher George Conclin would subsequently expand the work into a guidebook with maps. ($2,000-4,000) More>>
[MAP]. OWEN, A[lbert] K[imsey]. Nuevo mapa, estadístico de México, en que se marcan los productos de las diferentes zonas, las lineas de ferrocarriles actuales y proyectadas las lineas telegráficas cables, alturas, y poblaciones.... Philadelphia, 1884. Lithograph map on heavy paper, showing Mexico, the U.S. from San Diego to Montgomery, Alabama (Texas from Llano Estacado to Texarkana), and northern Central America (Belize and northern Guatemala and Honduras), original shading of coastlines in blue, boundaries in pink, products of states in red lettering. First edition. Not in standard U.S. or Mexican sources. ($2,000-4,000) More>>
[MAP]. RAND, McNALLY & COMPANY. Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Ry.... Chicago: Rand, McNally & Company, ca. 1902. Lithograph wall map printed on stiff polished paper with original black wooden rollers. Not in Newberry and other standard sources. This highly detailed map shows the United States from the Pacific coast east to Mobile, Alabama and Lake Michigan, along with the southern Canadian provinces and northern Mexico to Veracruz. ($600-1,200) More>>
[MAP]. SENEX, John. A Map of the World Corrected from the Observations Communicated to the Royal Societys [sic] of London and Paris By John Senex F.R.S.... Copper-engraved map on heavy laid paper, 2 sheets joined to form large double-hemisphere map of the world. Whitfield, The Image of the World, pp. 110-111: “This map represents the complete ascendancy of scientific taste in the eighteenth-century twin-hemisphere world map: the map’s borders are filled neither with classical motifs nor even with scientific motifs, but with scientific texts, long and detailed passages from two of the foremost scientists of the day [Isaac Newton and Edmond Halley].” ($2,500-5,000) More>>
[MAP]. SINCLAIR, T[homas S. (lithographer)]. Map | of | Mexico | Showing the Seat of | War. Philadelphia, [1846?]. Lithograph map with original hand coloring (Mexico in brown, borders of Texas and U.S. in bright rose, map border yellow), showing railroad routes from San Francisco to New Orleans and Napolian [sic]. Rumsey 5536: “Very rare map with no reference to it found in any of the normal bibliographies. The date is estimated. Proposed railway lines are shown to and from San Francisco to New Orleans and Napolian (sic). The map has been distorted severely with San Francisco much too far east. Napoleon, Arkansas, now defunct, according to Baldwin and Thomas’ Gazetteer of 1854, was the capital of Desha County. It was situated on the Mississippi at the mouth of the Arkansas. The population was about 1,000 people, and steamboats ran three times a week to Little Rock. Why it was placed so prominently on the map is unknown. Perhaps it was vying to be a terminus for the railroad.” ($2,000-4,000) More>>
[MAP: TREATY MAP]. ROSA. Mapa de los Estados Unidos Mejicanos arreglado a la distribución que en diversos decretos ha hecho del territorio el Congreso General Mejicano. Paris, 1837. Publicado por Rosa. [inset map at lower left] Mapa de los caminos &c. de Vera Cruz y Alvarado a Méjico [above inset map] Tablas de las distancias. Paris, 1837. Lithograph map with original outline coloring, sectioned and mounted on cartographical linen (18 sections). First edition of the Rosa version of the Treaty map (another edition came out in 1851). Streeter Sale 233. Wheat, Mapping the Transmississippi West #429: “A palpable plagiarism of Tanner’s Mexico.” This rare European map is the most elusive segment in the evolution of the resounding Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo map, by which the final border between Mexico and the United States was set. ($30,000-60,000) More>>
[MAP]. VANDERMAELEN, Ph[ilippe Marie Guillaume]. 5 lithograph maps on heavy rag paper with original outline hand coloring, relief shown in hachures, together showing Texas and surrounding areas [map list and details below]. [Bruxelles]: H. Ode, Avril [and] Juin, 1825. First printing of the largest scale map of Texas printed at the time. The atlas in which these maps appeared was the first printed atlas of the world on a uniform scale and the first major lithographed atlas. Map No. 55 is the first separate map of North Texas ever printed. These maps are very handsome, their place names at times curious, their cartography sometimes imaginary, and their historical significance in cartography and lithography important and interesting. For many of the areas depicted, Vandermaelen’s maps are the largest scale maps yet made at the time and the most detailed (particularly in the American West). ($1,500-3,000) More>>
[MAP]. WHITMAN, E[dmund] B[urke] & A. D. Searl. Map of Eastern Kansas.... Boston, 1856. First edition. Rumsey 3069: “This was an early map for settlers and speculators. Inset map shows in detail the area around Ft. Riley, ‘The Geographical Centre of U.S. Possessions.’ The roads to California, Oregon, and Santa Fe are shown, with 13 Indian reservations taking up about a fifth of the area of the map.... All the township and range lines completed to date are shown, making this a useful map for locating land claims.” ($1,500-3,000) More>>
[MAP]. WOODWARD & TIERNAN PRINTING COMPANY (publisher). Map of the Missouri Pacific Railway, Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, Rio Grande Western Railway, Rio Grande Southern Railroad, St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad, Texas & Pacific Railway, International & Great Northern Railroad, St. Louis Southwestern Railway, Leased, Operated & Independent Lines and Connections. St. Louis, n.d. (late nineteenth century). Lithograph wall map with original black wooden rods, printed on stiff polished paper. Not in the Newberry collection, Modelski’s two books on railroad maps, Library of Congress, Yale, Rumsey, or other standard sources. ($750-1,500) More>>
[MAP]. YOUNG, J[ames] H[amilton]. Map of the State of Texas from the Latest Authorities.... Philadelphia: Thomas, Cowperthwait & Co, 1854. Pocket maps of Texas in such fine condition are increasingly difficult to find. The roots of this map may be traced back to J. H. Young’s wonderful series of maps of the Republic of Texas, which came out under the title of A New Map of Texas with the Contiguous American and Mexican States beginning in 1835. ($5,000-7,000) More>>
MARTÍNEZ CARO, Ramón. Verdadera idea de la primera campaña de Tejas y sucesos ocurridos después de la acción de San Jacinto, por D. Ramón Martínez Caro. Mexico: Imprenta de Santiago Pérez, á cargo de Agustín Sojo, Calle de Tiburcio núm 14, 1837. First edition, and first printing in Mexico of the secret Treaty of Velasco and other documents. Andrade 3211. Basic Texas Books 138: “Eyewitness account of the Texas Revolution written by Santa-Anna’s private secretary [who] was captured at San Jacinto and imprisoned with Santa-Anna.... An insider’s view of the whole campaign, the capture at San Jacinto, the negotiations for the treaty, and life as a prisoner.” ($4,000-6,000) More>>
MÉNDEZ, JUAN NEPOMUCENO. Archive of letters, documents, photographs, and printed ephemera relating to Méndez and his family. Manuscripts cover the period 1831-1894, printed ephemera date from 1862 to about 1892, and photographs show subjects during the period 1858-1928. A liberal leader, Méndez served as governor of Puebla, president of the military supreme court, interim president of Mexico, and in a number of other civil and military offices. This archive descended from Méndez’s family. ($10,000-20,000) More>>
[MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR]. [ALCÁRAZ, Ramón, Manuel Payno, Guillermo Prieto, et al. (editors)]. Apuntes para la historia de la guerra entre México y los Estados-Unidos. Mexico: Tipografía de Manuel Payno (Hijo), ca. 1848. First edition, this copy having one more map than the 13 usually reported; it would appear that the Texas map showing the battle of Resaca de Guerrero (i.e. Palo Alto, a battle fought on Texas soil, Map 3 above) is often missing. Garrett, The Mexican-American War, p. 3: “An excellent source of material for the Mexican side of the war. It is generally critical of Santa Anna.” Haferkorn, p. 8. Howes A105 (27 maps & plates): “The original Spanish edition was suppressed by Santa Anna.” Larned 2008: “Best source on the conduct of the war.” ($2,500-5,000) More>>
[MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR]. [ALCÁRAZ, Ramón, Manuel Payno, Guillermo Prieto, et al. (editors)]. The Other Side: or, Notes for the History of the War between Mexico and the United States.... New York: John Wiley, 161 Broadway, and 13 Paternoster Row, London, 1850. First edition in English. Ron Tyler, in his preliminary survey on Texas lithographs, cites the portraits of Santa Anna, Arista, and Ampudia. Anderson Sale 1686 (10 plates, 13 folding maps): “The Mexican side of the causes leading to, and campaigns in, the War. The account of the operations in California, as differing so vastly from American reports, is of especial interest.” ($300-600) More>>
[MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR]. CURRIER, N[athaniel]. Battle of Resaca de la Palma May 9th 1846.... New York, 1846. Hand-colored lithograph. First edition of a popular view of an early Mexican-American War battle fought on Texas soil. Ratcliff, Painting Texas History to 1900, p. 58 (illustrated, Fig. 43): “The initial engagements of the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma were the most important actions fought on Texas soil during the Mexican War. Lithography, a rapidly developing method of illustration, disseminated visual images of these and other engagements of the war to large numbers of Americans.” ($250-500) More>>
[MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR]. GAXIOLA, F[rancisco] Javier. La Invasión norte-americana en Sinaloa. Revista histórica del Estado de 1845 á 1849 por Javier Gaxiola Socio activo del “Liceo Mexicano” y de la “Prensa Asociado de México.” Segunda edición. Mexico: Imprenta à cargo de Antonio Rosas, Avenida Oriente 8. Número 1129, (Antes 1a. de la Merced núm. 4), 1891. Author’s warm, lengthy, signed presentation copy to influential Mexican poet-author Luis G. Urbina dated October 1, 1891 (Dicc. Porrúa, pp. 3637-3638). First separate edition. According to the author (p. 225), the work first appeared as part of Emilio del Castillo y Negrete’s multi-volume Mexico en el siglo XIX, o sea su historia desde 1800 hasta la epoca presente... (Mexico, 1875-1891). Palau 100857. Tutorow 3452. Not in Garrett and other Mexican-American War bibliographies. Not in Barrett. ($600-1,200) More>>
[MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR]. HARTMAN, G[eorge] W. A Private’s Own Journal.... [Pennsylvania]: Printed by E. Robinson, 1849. First edition. This account covers the period January 6, 1847-July 14, 1848. The author, a tailor by trade, volunteered for service when he was nineteen and served until the end of the war in the Westmoreland Guards, which served as Company E, 2nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. Of the ninety-four original men in Hartman’s company, only forty-three lived to see the final victory at Mexico City. ($2,000-4,000) More>>
[MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR]. KENDALL, Geo[rge] W[ilkins] & Carl Nebel. The War between the United States and Mexico Illustrated, Embracing Pictorial Drawings of all the Principal Conflicts.... New York: D. Appleton; Philadelphia: George Appleton [Paris: Plon Brothers], 1851. First edition. Bennett, American Nineteenth Century Color Plate Books, p. 65: “The very best American battle scenes in existence.” Christensen, The U.S.-Mexican War, p. 181. Garrett & Goodwin, Mexican-American War, p. 31. Haferkorn, p. 47. Holman & Tyler, Texas Lithographs of the Nineteenth Century: “An extraordinary portfolio.” ($25,000-$35,000) More>>
[MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR]. Lantern slide showing Scott’s entry into Mexico City. [N.p., ca. 1870]. A dramatic scene, probably adapted from one of the many lithographs and books concerning the war, showing Scott, his officers, and troops parading before the National Palace (over which the U.S. flag waves), watched by several citizens in the foreground. ($50-100) More>>
[MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR]. ROA BÁRCENA, José María. Recuerdos de la invasión norte-americana 1846-1848 por un jóven de entónces. Mexico: Juan Buxó y Ca., 1883. First edition in book form. Garrett, The Mexican-American War, p. 45: “This work is considered basic to the study of the Mexican-American War and it is among the best accounts by a Mexican author.” ($300-600) More>>
[MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR]. TAYLOR, Fitch W[aterman]. The Broad Pennant: or, A Cruise in the United States Flag Ship of the Gulf Squadron, during the Mexican Difficulties.... New York: Leavitt, Trow, & Co., 191 Broadway, 1848. Folding lithograph frontispiece: The United States Squadron Landing its Seamen & Marines, at the Brazos de Santiago May 8, 1846. First edition, although the presentation offers evidence that the volume was available before the date on the title page. Eberstadt, Mexican War 857: “One of the few descriptions of the naval operations of the war.” ($600-1,000) More>>
MONTES DE OCA, José María (engraver). [Engraved title]: Vida de San Felipe | de Jesús pro | tomartir de Japon | y patron de su patria | Mexico. | Se gravo el año de 1801 | Montes de Oca la invento i grabo en Mexco. Calle del. Bautisterio | de S Catalina Mr no. 3. Mexico: Montes de Oca, 1801. First edition of one of the earliest entirely engraved Mexican imprints. This is the original printing, rather than the restrike. ($2,000-4,000) More>>
[MOREL, Juan Carlos (artist)]. Gaucho y sus armas [below image at right] Lit Argent. N.p., n.d. [Buenos Aires?, ca. 1839]. Lithograph on thin blue wove paper, depicting a virile equestrian gaucho dominant in the foreground of a vast pampa, riding on a horse at full gallop and swinging his bola with his left hand while giving his horse free reign with the right. The confident, sweeping skill of the artist and his rapport with his subject is marvelous, resulting in a very lively composition. ($600-1,200) More>>
[NAVARRO, José Ángel]. COAHUILA AND TEXAS (Mexican State). LAWS (May 20, 1835). GOBIERNO SUPREMO. [Decree of May 20, 1835, abrogating January 11, 1834, decree allowing the state to act against thieves.] First edition. Kimball 324. The law here repealed (Kimball 247) granted broad powers to the governor to use whatever measures necessary to repress thieves while the legislature enacted proper legislation on the matter. ($150-300) More>>
NEBEL, C[arl]. Voyage pittoresque et archéologique dans la partie la plus intéressante du Mexique par C. Nebel, Architecte. 50 Planches Lithographiées avec texte explicatif. Paris: Chez M. Moench, Cité Bergère, N. 14.-M. Gau, Rue Poissonnière, N. 46. Imprimé chez Paul Renouard rue Garancière, n. 5, 1836. 50 lithographs after original art work by Nebel: 20 hand-colored (highlighted with gum arabic), 30 in grey tones (except plan). With the book is Nebel’s signed presentation holograph letter to Messieurs Vestur Frères, Architects, Rue Hauteville N. 2, Paris, dated at Paris, October 8, 1839. First edition. Sabin 52177: “A beautiful copy volume, now scarce.” ($40,000-80,000) More>>
[NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS]. [MANUSCRIPT LEDGER BOOK]. Manuscript tavern ledger book on ruled paper, New Braunfels, Texas. Entries date between 1873 and 1880. A fascinating, direct glimpse into late nineteenth-century life in the Texas Hill Country, and a rare survival of an item that saw heavy use in a nineteenth-century Texas tavern. ($50-100) More>>
[NEW MEXICO]. MILLS, T. B. New Mexico. San Miguel County, Illustrated. Its Health, Wealth, Resources and Advantages.... Las Vegas, New Mexico: J. A. Carruth, Printer and Binder, 1885. First edition. The pamphlet, basically intended to promote New Mexico, San Miguel County, and Las Vegas itself, opens with a description of the fair, including directions on how to get there. The author first gives a history of New Mexico, covering topics such as mining, climate, livestock, agriculture, and railroads, then discusses San Miguel County, Las Vegas Hot Springs (owned by the railroad), and Las Vegas itself. The illustrations are all calculated to project an image of solidity, prosperity, and growth, and all relate either to San Miguel County, or Las Vegas itself. ($250-500) More>>
[NEW MEXICO]. SPAIN. LAWS (January 26, 1813). SUPREMO MINISTERIO DE LA GOBERNACIÓN DE ULTRAMAR. [Decree of January 26, 1813, promulgated by Felix María Calleja del Rey, establishing a bishopric and seminary in New Mexico]. First Mexican edition. Not in Medina, Mexico. Despite this decree, nothing came of the new bishopric or the seminary. ($150-300) More>>
[NEW MEXICO]. The Climate of New Mexico and Las Vegas Hot Springs. Presented by the Management. Chicago: Poole Bros., Printers, 1883. First edition. Not in standard sources. This promotional issued by the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad focuses on the health benefits of New Mexico, especially the Las Vegas Hot Springs. ($250-500) More>>
NOMBELA [Y TABARES], Julio [Santos Justo]. [Publisher’s name above title] Urbano Manini, Editor. [Main title] La fiebre de riquezas siete años en California descrubimiento del oro y explotación de sus inmensos filones Historia dramática en vista de datos auténticos é interesantes relaciones de los mas célebres viajeros, por Don Julio Nombela [pseudonym]. Vol. I [-II]. [Vol. I imprint] Madrid: Urbano Manini, Calle de San Bernardo, núm II, 1871; [Vol. II imprint] Calle de Serrano. núm. 14, Barrio de Salamanca, 1872. [printer slug on title versos] Imp. de Santos Larxé, calle de Rio, 24. First edition. Streeter Sale 2933: “Much of this novel relates to California in the gold rush days, and there is much about well-known California characters such as Joaquin Murieta.” ($600-1,200) More>>
NORDENSKIÖLD, G[ustaf]. Ruiner af Klippboningar i Mesa Verde’s Cañons af Nordenskiöld. Med talrika illustrationer efter originalfotografier af Författaren. Stockholm: P. A. Norstedt & Söners Förlag, [1893]. First Swedish edition of the first scientific investigation of Mesa Verde. Larned 671: “[Nordenskiöld’s] contribution to the literature of this interesting field of American archaeology is one of the best that has ever been presented. In addition, he has given a good summary of the characteristics of the Moki (Hopi) Indians of Arizona and of the condition of the Pueblos of New Mexico at the time they were first visited by whites...as well as a brief review of our present knowledge of the Pueblo tribes.” ($1,500-3,000) More>>
[PHOTOGRAPHY]. CHAMBERLAIN, W[illiam] G. (photographer). CDV (albumen print mounted on Chamberlain’s cardstock printed in purple and gold, commencing: Denver Photographic Rooms, Graham’s Block, Larimer St.....). Image: James B. Thompson (left) and S. M. Sanders (right) (identified as such on verso in contemporary pencil and dated 1870). This handsome CDV shows Thompson, standing on the left dressed in high boots, hat, pants, big floppy bow tie, and duster, with a knife in a sheath on his belt. Sanders, sitting in a chair and looking somewhat the worse for wear, is dressed in lace-up shoes, pants, vest, coat, and hat. Thompson amiably rests his left hand on Sanders’ right shoulder. The view was obviously posed in the photographer’s own studio, adorned with a floral patterned rug. ($400-600) More>>
[PHOTOGRAPHY]. [CHAMBERLAIN, William G.] [DIRECTORY: COLORADO: DENVER]. History of the City of Denver from its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time.... Denver: Byers & Dailey, Printers, News Office, 1866. First edition of an early and significant Colorado imprint. Anderson Sale 1686 (fetched $290 in 1922): “Original edition of the pioneer history of Denver and one of the veritable nuggets of early Coloradiana.” ($2,000-4,000) More>>
[PHOTOGRAPHY]. [FERGUSON, MIRIAM AMANDA WALLACE (“MA”)]. Bust portrait of Miriam A. (a.k.a. “Ma”) Ferguson. Gelatin silver print on lightly textured paper. N.p., n.d. 25.2 x 20.2 cm. Signed and dated at lower right, “Miriam A. Ferguson | March 21/33.” Miriam A. “Ma” Ferguson (1875-1961) was Texas’ first woman governor and the second female governor of a U. S. state, inaugurated fifteen days after Wyoming’s Nellie Tayloe Ross. Ferguson served two separate terms (1925-1927 and 1933-1935). This photograph was signed during her second term. ($100-200) More>>
[PHOTOGRAPHY. GOLDBECK, EUGENE OMAR]. DUPREE, H. L., Jr. Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, Tex. San Antonio: National Photo & News Service, n.d. [1935]. Gelatin silver print, 81.3 x 359.3 cm (32 x 141.46 inches), on two sheets (approximately 4 and 8 feet respectively) joined with museum tape and backed with smaller sheets of thin paper. This stunning panoramic view shows the Alamo Plaza area from the west. Excellent exhibit item. ($4,500-6,500) More>>
[PHOTOGRAPHY]. [JACKSON, William Henry (photographer)]. [Cover title] Centennial State 1776 [gilt-stamped state seal] 1882. A Memorial Offering of the Business Men and Pioneers of Denver, Colorado. Published by Rebanks, Wilson & Co. Copyrighted. [Denver: Rebanks, Wilson & Co., 1882]. [2 (letterpress text)], 26 leaves of heavy card stock containing 149 gold-toned albumen photographs: 46 mounted albumen photographs of Denver and surrounding area, most credited to “W. H. Jackson & Co. Phot.” Very rare. First edition. Harrell, William Henry Jackson: An Annotated Bibliography, p. 34: “A quite rare book.... one of the very few published books in which actual Jackson photographs were used.” ($15,000-25,000) More>>
[PHOTOGRAPHY]. [WILLIAMS, ELIZABETH ELLEN JOHNSON]. HILLYER, H[amilton] B[iscoe] (photographer). Carte de visite (albumen print mounted on cardstock with printed red border, imprint of H. B. Hillyer, photographer, Austin, Texas, on verso). Image: Elizabeth Ellen Johnson Williams, seated; contemporary ink legend on front below image: “Bessie.” Austin: H. B. Hillyer, n.d. [ca. 1870]. 9.5 x 5.8 cm (image); 10.8 x 6.5 cm (card). A rare and beautiful image of a legendary Texas lady. ($1,000-2,000) More>>
PORTILLO, Estebán L. Apuntes para la historia antigua de Coahuila y Texas.... Saltillo: Tipografia ‘El Golfo de México,’ de Severo Fernández, 1a. calle de Galeana Núm. 10, [1886]. First edition of the first publication of documents of the Bosque-Larios expedition in 1675. ($500-1,000) More>>
RIEDESEL, Friederike Charlotte Luise von (Baroness). Auszüge aus den Briefen und Papieren des Generals Freyherrn von Riedesel und seiner Gamalinn, gebornen von Massow.... N.p., n.d. [Berlin, 1800]. First edition, privately printed for the author’s family (according to Sabin, 260 copies printed, 60 on fine paper), preceding the regular edition printed at Berlin in 1800 and with a different collation, under the title Die Berufs-Reise nach America. Baroness Riedesel’s book is considered one of the most accurate eyewitness accounts of the Burgoyne Campaign. ($1,000-2,000) More>>
[RICKMAN, John]. An Authentic Narrative of a Voyage to the Pacific Ocean: Performed by Captain Cook, and Captain Clerke, in His Britannic Majesty’s Ships, the Resolution, and Discovery, in the Years, 1776, 1777, 1778, 1779, and 1780. Philadelphia: Robert Bell, 1783. First American edition of Rickman’s account of Cook’s third voyage, first published in London, 1781. Davidson, p. 64 (listing it as one of the “five other items” in addition to the official account that collectors should seek). Eberstadt 132:242. Evans 17921 (incorrectly attributed to William Ellis). Forbes, Hawaiian National Bibliography 54 (illustrated at p. 47): “Very rare.” ($10,000-20,000) More>>
SARDO, Joaquín. Relación histórica y moral de la portentosa imagen de N. Sr. Jesucristo crucificado.... [Mexico City]: Impresa en casa de Arizpe, 1810. First edition. Stevens, Bibliotheca Historica 1833, p. 163: “The large number of the earliest and rarest books relating to New Spain referred to and quoted in this work, renders it indispensable to the historian.” ($600-1,200) More>>
SCHERPF, G[eorge] A. Entstehungsgeschichte und gegenwärtiger Zustand des neuen, unabhängigen, amerikanischen Staates Texas.... Augsburg: Verlag der Matth. Rieger’schen Buchhandlung, 1841. First edition. Streeter 1395: “Scherpf says he writes to give information about Texas to those considering emigration to America. He gives a brief sketch of its colonization, of the events leading up to the Texas revolution, and of the military engagements of the years 1835 and 1836.” ($6,000-12,000) More>>
SEGUÍN, Juan [Nepomuceno] (Commander). Manuscript power of attorney, in the hand of John James, signed by Seguín and other Tejanos. [Text begins] “State of Texas County of Bexar. Know all men by these presents, that we the undersigned having full confidence in John James of San Antonio do hereby appoint him our true and lawful agent and attorney in fact for us and in our names to ask for, claim, and secure pay for certain services rendered by us in the Year 1839 to the Late Republic of Texas (say in July) in a campaign against the Comanches under Col Henry W. Karnes, John A. Seguín being Captain of the Company....” Bexar County, September 28, 1860. ($1,500-3,000) More>>
SPAIN. SOVEREIGNS (Ferdinand VII). El Rey Don Fernando Séptimo. [caption title] [Madrid, 1810]. First edition. Cf. Streeter 673 for the Mexico City partial reprinting from this original text. This decree, signed April 25, 1810, reflects the growing fear concerning Napoleon’s intentions towards Spain and her colonies, which, while justified, bordered on paranoia. ($1,000-2,000) More>>
STARR, Frederick. Indians of Southern Mexico: An Ethnographic Album. Chicago: [Privately printed for the Author at the Lakeside Press], 1899. First edition, limited edition (560 numbered and signed copies, this being #329 of 500 printed on heavy paper, numbered and signed by author). Starr is credited with encouraging popular interest in anthropology: “His greatest contribution to anthropology lies...in the wide interest he personally created in the subject, and in the appreciation of other peoples which he engendered in his students” (DAB). ($1,500-3,000) More>>
STEPHENS, Alexander Hamilton. Autograph letter, signed, to Governor George W. Crawford (governor of Georgia) discussing politics and Texas annexation, dated at Washington, D.C., December 19, 1844. Stephens played an important role in Texas annexation; he offered, in consultation with Tennessee Senator Milton Brown, the joint resolution (January 16, 1845) declaring the terms under which Congress would admit the Republic of Texas to the Union as a state. In the present letter, written immediately before the introduction of the said annexation resolution, Stephens writes Georgia Whig Governor Crawford an insider letter discussing intricate political matters ranging from duties on railroad iron, to Thomas Hart Benton and the “old Hickory dynasty,” to Polk’s welcoming of Calhoun. On the Texas question, Stephens concludes: “For my own part I think all will be safe - though I am a little afraid if Texas should be mixed in the contest. What say you?” ($1,000-$2,000) More>>
STEVENS, J[ohn] W. Reminiscences of the Civil War by Jno. W. Stevens, a Soldier in Hood’s Texas Brigade, Army of Northern Virginia. Hillsboro, Texas: [Privately printed at] Hillsboro Mirror Print, 1902. First edition (based on a series of articles printed in the Picayune, a Hillsboro newspaper, see p. 4). Parrish, Civil War Texana: A Bibliography of Outstanding Rare Books 94: “Instead of the usual battle accounts, Stevens gives a personal view of life in Hood’s Brigade, providing numerous anecdotes and colorful observations.” ($750-1,500) More>>
[TEXAS PETROLEUM INDUSTRY]. [STOCK CERTIFICATES]. 5 Texas oil and gas company stock certificates, all ca. 1920, completed in manuscript and/or printed ink. These certificates, with their optimistic images of gushing wells and smoke-puffing trains, directly document the petroleum-based transformation of the Texas economy in the decades after the 1901 discovery at Spindletop. ($50-100) More>>
[TEXAS RANGERS]. Contemporary secretarial manuscript Texas Ranger muster roll, probably in the hand of George Aldrich, commencing: “The following Men compose my company which I am Ordered to report to you by the commander in chief,” followed by two columns giving the names of fifty-six Rangers in the Company, concluding: “The above is a True copy from my Roll Book. To the Actg. Acalda [sic] of Nacogdoches. Elisha Clapp. Capt. of Compy. of Rangers.” Addressed on verso: “To the Actg. Alcalda [sic] Nacogdoches, Texas” and docketed “Official Report Capt. Elisha Clapp Recd. Novr. 2. 1836.” Folio (35.6 x 24.7 cm). Very rare and early documentation on the Texas Rangers, apparently the only known contemporary copy of this roll. ($6,000-10,000) More>>
[TEXAS RANGERS]. FORD, John Salmon (“Rip”). Autograph letter signed, Brownsville, TX, August 5, 1860, to Ranger John J. Dix with statement and signatures of seven fellow Rangers on verso with notary public certification. [2] pp. on a single sheet. 4to (25.2 x 19.7 cm). The confluence in the document of the signatures of so prominent a Ranger as Ford and seven of his Rangers is unusual. ($6,000-12,000) More>>
[TEXAS REVOLUTION]. MEXICO (Republic). ARMY. FILISOLA, Vicente, José Francisco Urrea, et al. Contemporary Mexican archive of nine retained manuscript copies written in ink of documents and letters concerning the Battle of the Alamo and the immediate aftermath of the Battle of San Jacinto, dating from February 28, 1836, to April 28, 1836. This important series of retained documents gives added insight into Santa-Anna’s preparations for the assault on the Alamo, the aftermath of that battle, and the desperation that surrounded Filisola and his fellow commanders after the President’s defeat and capture at the Battle of San Jacinto. ($10,000-20,000) More>>
[TEXAS REVOLUTION]. MEXICO (Republic). CONGRESO GENERAL. Manifiesto del Congreso General en el presente año. Mexico: Impreso por J. M. F. de Lara, Calle de la Palma número 4 [lower wrapper: Impreso por J. M. F. de Lara], 1836. First edition. Signed and dated in type: Mexico, July 29, 1836, Angel G. Quintanar, José R. Malo, and Rafael de Montalvo. Palau 148995. Streeter 859: “Many pages are devoted to extolling the lofty traditions of Mexico and to calls on all Mexicans to unity in quelling the revolt of the Texans. The treaties signed by Santa Anna in Texas are said to have no effect and final victory over Texas is said to be certain.” ($500-1,000) More>>
[TEXAS REVOLUTION]. MEXICO (Republic). LAWS (October 15, 1836). SECRETARÍA DE HACIENDA (José Justo Corro). [Decree of October 15, 1836, opening the ports north of Matamoros to importation of provisions intended for the Mexican Army in Texas]. [Toluca, October 20, 1836]. Streeter (881) lists only the Mexico City edition, first issued by the President of Mexico on October 15, 1836 (Streeter Sale 348). This decree represents a certain degree of wishful thinking, since the only ports north of Matamoros were on the Texas coast and were yet to be recaptured. ($250-500) More>>
TEXAS VETERANS ASSOCIATION. [BRYAN, Moses Austin (compiler)]. [Wrapper title] Proceedings of the First Annual Meeting of the Texas Veteran Association, Held in Houston, May 20 and 21, 1874. Together with Report of the Executive Committee, and a List of Veterans now Living, and a List of Deceased Veterans, from 1828 to 1874. Houston: Printed at the Telegraph Office, 1874. First edition. Raines, p. 66: “Abounding in historical reminiscences.” ($750-1,500) More>>
TEXAS VETERANS ASSOCIATION. Printed form accomplished in manuscript appointing R. H. Hunter a member and signed by Walter P. Lane, Stephen H. Darden, and A. Deffenbaugh. Austin, January, 1890. This document captures in one place the signatures of several prominent Texas soldiers and veterans. ($500-1,000) More>>
[TOEPPERWEIN, ADOLPH (“AD”)]. Broadside completed in manuscript: “Ad” Topperwein. World’s Foremost Fancy Shot. Free Exhibition of Shooting Showing the Amazing Accuracy of Winchester Guns and Ammunition Trade Mark at [Bauman’s Field, Harper Rd] Date [Apr 26] Time [3:00 P.M.] See just How “Ad” Topperwein Tops Them All! Behold the phenomenal stunts that have spread “Ad” Topperwein’s fame from coast to coast. An Amazing and varied exhibition of skill and Accuracy. Such a demonstration occurs seldom in a life-time. No Admission Charge. Don’t Miss it. Come! Printed in U.S.A. N.p., n.d. The poster documents one of “Ad” Toepperwein’s public shooting exhibitions to promote Winchester Repeating Arms Company. ($1,000-2,000) More>>
UNITED STATES. DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR. CENSUS OFFICE. Department of the Interior, Census Office.... Report on Indians Taxed and Indians Not Taxed in the United States (except Alaska) at the Eleventh Census: 1890. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1894. First edition (issued as Vol. 10 of the Census Reports, Eleventh Census, 1890). Graff 4396. Howes D418. McCracken, 101, p. 47: “Prior to 1850 Indians were not included in the United States Census. By 1890 the census included Indians living both on and off of the reservations, as well as those who had ‘abandoned their tribal relations and became citizens.’ This beautifully illustrated volume enumerates the Indian population in every imaginable category [and] contains a wealth of the sort of statistical information that only the government can produce.” ($750-1,500) More>>
UNITED STATES. PRESIDENT (Thomas Jefferson). Message from the President of the United States to Both Houses of Congress. 8th November, 1804. Read, and ordered to be Referred to the Committee of the whole House on the State of the Union. Washington City: Printed By William Duane & Son, 1804. First edition of one of the earliest selections in Becker’s fourth edition of Wagner-Camp’s Plains & Rockies (entry 2d). Plains & Rockies IV:2d: “President Jefferson’s State of the Union message carried with it three documents. The first consists of an extract of a letter from Don Pedro Cevallos to Charles Pinckney, Esq. with a translation, and a letter from the Marquis of Casa Yrujo to Secretary of State James Madison with a translation. Both communications express Spain’s abandonment of opposition to the Louisiana Purchase. The second is a proclamation by the President establishing a Customs District and Port of Entry at Mobile on the Gulf Coast. The third is Moses Austin’s Summary Description of the Lead Mines in Upper Louisiana, Also, an Estimate of Their Produce for Three Years Past.” ($2,000-4,000) More>>
[VAN HORN, ISAAC & CO.]. Brains and Money vs. Resources Illustrated and Embellished with Views of One of the Most Resourceful yet Undeveloped Sections of the Rocky Mountain Region.... [Boston?]: Isaac Van Horn & Co., [ca. 1901]. First edition. Not in standard sources. The latest date in the text is January 1, 1901. This unabashed Wyoming promotional seeks investors in a trust. The bankers make it abundantly clear that their main purpose is to make money: “Money is attractive, not because it is money, but because it is the means whereby that happiness which seems so elusive may be acquired. If we have tasted in a limited way of the sweets, the desire is just as strong to do so without limit.... When such desires are once awakened, legitimate effort to attain money is to live—is happiness...” ( p. [5]). ($500-1,000) More>>
[VIRGIN OF GUADALUPE]. Album de la Coronación de la Sma. Virgen de Guadalupe.... Mexico: Imprenta de “El Tiempo,” de Victoriano Agüeros, Editor, 1895. First edition. This elaborate album was published as part of the celebration of the coronation of the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, which took place with great fanfare in 1895 and which was attended by most of the episcopate of the Americas. ($200-400) More>>
WALL, Bernhardt. The Anthony Kroll collection of etchings, etched and printed books, post cards, emphemera, and research material relating to Bernhardt Wall. In the annals of etching and fine press books, Bernhardt Wall (1872-1956) is acknowledged as a pioneer, and his work is unique in the art of the book. ($25,000-50,000) More>>
WILCOCKE, Samuel Hull. History of the Viceroyalty of Buenos Ayres; Containing the Most Accurate Details Relative to the Topography, History, Commerce, Population, Government, &c. &c. of that Valuable Colony. London: Printed for Sherwood, Neely, and Jones, (Successors to Mr. H. D. Symonds, No. 20, Paternoster-Row); and Black, Parry, and Kingsbury, Leadenhall-Street; By Squire and Warwick, Furnival’s-Inn-Court [bottom of last page] Squire, Printer, Furnival’s-Inn-Court, n.d. [1807]. First edition, second issue, with reset title page. ($500-1,000) More>>
WOLFF, John E[liot]. Route of the Manly Party of 1849-50 in Leaving Death Valley for the Coast. [Santa Barbara: Pacific Coast Publishing Company, 1931]. First edition. Edwards, The Enduring Desert 261: “This is perhaps the first published attempt to trace the physical route of the Manly-Bennett Party, locating their exodus from Death Valley through Redlands Canyon.... The book represents a worthy effort. It also represents a scarce and valuable item.” ($100-200) More>>
WYOMING (Territory). SECRETARY OF THE TERRITORY (Samuel D. Shannon). Resources of Wyoming, 1889.... Cheyenne: Daily Sun Electric Print, 1889. First edition. Adams, Herd 2037: “Rare.” Decker 37:378: “The first state promotional work issued on the advent of statehood.” ($1,000-2,000) More>>
ZAMACOIS, Niceto de. La destrucción de Pompeya. Obra escrita por Niceto de Zamacois. Mexico: Imprenta de Ignacio Cumplido, Calle de los Rebeldes Numbero 2, 1871. Total 38 lithograph plates of views and archaeological scenes lithographed by Iriarte after the original artwork of Ramón Rodríguez y Arangoiti (4 full-color, including half title to Vol. I; remainder on tinted grounds in various shades of green and sepia). First edition. Spanning a half-century, the role of Iriarte in Mexican lithography cannot be overstated. The present work is one of the most difficult of his works to obtain. ($250-500) More>>
ZAVALA, Lorenzo de. Ensayo histórico de las revoluciones de Megico, desde 1808 hasta 1830. Por D. Lorenzo de Zavala [Vol. 1]: Paris: Imprenta de P. Dupont et G.-Laguionie, Calle de Grenelle-Saint Honoré, 55, 1831; [Vol. 2]: New York: Imprenta de Elliott y Palmer, Calle de William, No. 26, 1832. First edition. Streeter 1128: “Included because of the prominent part played by Zavala in Texas affairs, and for his comments on Austin, the law of April 6, 1830, Texas colonization...[and] Mexicans whose conduct influenced the course of events in Texas.... A mine of information on the political events and personalities of the period covered.” ($1000-2,000) More>>
[ZAVALA, LORENZO DE]. Prisión de Zavala y Complices por nueva conspiración. Mexico: Imprenta en la calle corrada de Jesús núm. 1, 1830. First edition. This is a virulent denunciation by an anonymous writer who, after first declaring that the people he attacks are driven only by greed and the ambition to rule rather than by some higher, purer motive, then denounces Lorenzo Zavala, Cresención Rejón, Manuel Rionda, Isidro Gondra, Manuel Palomino, José María Chavero, and numerous others, including the printer Nepomuceno Cabrera. ($300-600) More>>
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