Two photograph albums, Ottoman, Greek and African interest, compiled by Engineer Lieutenant Herbert W Harris
the first album large format, circa 1891
containing photographs taken in and around Greece and Turkey, including views of Boudrum [sic]; Salonica; Thasos; Marmarice; Athens; Mycenae; Nauplia; Ephesus; Smyrna and Malta, a fold-out panoramic view of shipping in Bodrum harbour, 122.5cm wide; portrait photographs individually titled 'A Jew'; 'Dervishes'; 'A Greek Lady'; 'A Romanian'; 'A Turkish Lady'; 'A Maltese Lady' and 'A Bashi Bazouk'; further images include 'The Heads of Brigands', a gruesome shot showing decapitated heads on spikes; the Lost Chapel of Bones at Valletta; the crew of H.M.S Inflexible and a photograph of this ironclad battleship (then in service with the Mediterranean fleet).

The second, smaller album dated 1904-06, taken onboard H.M.S Terpsichore during its service stationed at the Cape of Good Hope and re-commission at Simon's Town in 1904. Including views of Simon's Town, Zanzibar and St. Helena, containing 12cm x 8.5cm photographs of the surrounding area and its inhabitants, including ladies drinking at a well; the 'Sultan of Zanzibar and officers'; 'Billy the Goat' (dressed in naval uniform); a 300lb sting ray pictured alongside navy and boat crew; a presentation before the Duke of Connaught, Lieutenant George N. Ballard (fellow crewmember) in hospital etc and one further loose photograph of H.M.S Terpsichore
(approximately 93 photographs contained within the two albums, most with individual inscriptions although some faded, smaller album only partly filled with photographs previously removed)

Provenance: From a Herefordshire country house estate.

Footnote: The online catalogue shows photographs of the 1891 Navy List for HMS Inflexible and the 1904 Navy List entry for HMS Terpsichore, which are for information only not included within this lot. Cross-referencing the lists of crew members between the two ships, the only name which appears twice is Eng. Lieutenant Herbert W. Harris. After this research was completed, the vendor confirmed that Harris was indeed a relation. He was also later stationed at Wei-Hei-Wei Dockyards in 1911 and collected a number of Chinese antiques during that time, which also are available to purchase in this sale.

Condition Report

Album exteriors - large album heavily worn with tears to corners and fraying and losses to spine. Smaller album worn and with wear to edges.
Of the two photographs of ships which aren't laid down in the album, one is torn.

Larger album interior- all pages stained and discoloured with age. The back page is slightly torn from the spine. Several of the photos are faded and all are glued down.

Smaller album - photos are inserted in windows and not glued down, with some curling to corners on several photographs, some of the captions are now faded, some original photos have been removed from the album. Slight foxing in areas, photos towards the end are very faded.

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot.  All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.