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A Library of Curiosities - Part II

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  • LOOMIS, Elias,  1811-1889.  A Treatise on Astronomy.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 46

    LOOMIS, Elias, 1811-1889. A Treatise on Astronomy.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • LOVETT, Richard. Philosophical essays.
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $2,000
    Lot 47

    LOVETT, Richard. Philosophical essays.

    Est.
    $1,000 - $2,000
  • MACKENZIE, Colin (1795-1854). Five Thousand Receipts in all the Useful and Domestic Arts.
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 48

    MACKENZIE, Colin (1795-1854). Five Thousand Receipts in all the Useful and Domestic Arts.

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • MARTIN, Benjamin, 1705-1782. Philosophia Britannica.
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 49

    MARTIN, Benjamin, 1705-1782. Philosophia Britannica.

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • MAYALL, John, 1842-1891. Cantor Lectures on the Microscope.
    Estimate
    $200 - $400
    Lot 50

    MAYALL, John, 1842-1891. Cantor Lectures on the Microscope.

    Est.
    $200 - $400
  • MOORE, John Hamilton (1738-1807). Moore's Voyages.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 51

    MOORE, John Hamilton (1738-1807). Moore's Voyages.

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • MULLALY, John. The Laying of the Cable, or The Ocean Telegraph.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 52

    MULLALY, John. The Laying of the Cable, or The Ocean Telegraph.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • MURRAY, John,  1786?-1851. A Treatise on Atmospherical Electricity.
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 53

    MURRAY, John, 1786?-1851. A Treatise on Atmospherical Electricity.

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • MUSPRATT, Sheridan,  1821-1871. Muspratt's Chemistry.
    Estimate
    $750 - $950
    Lot 54

    MUSPRATT, Sheridan, 1821-1871. Muspratt's Chemistry.

    Est.
    $750 - $950
  • NANSEN, Fridtjof,  1861-1930. Farthest North.
    Estimate
    $600 - $800
    Lot 55

    NANSEN, Fridtjof, 1861-1930. Farthest North.

    Est.
    $600 - $800
  • NICHOLSON, John. The Operative Mechanic and British Machinist.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 56

    NICHOLSON, John. The Operative Mechanic and British Machinist.

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • NORTHROP, Henry Davenport, 1836-1909.  Indian Horrors : or, Massacres by the Red men
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 57

    NORTHROP, Henry Davenport, 1836-1909. Indian Horrors : or, Massacres by the Red men

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • NORTON, Robert (d. 1635). The Gvnner Shewing The Whole Practise Of Artillery.
    Estimate
    $200 - $400
    Lot 58

    NORTON, Robert (d. 1635). The Gvnner Shewing The Whole Practise Of Artillery.

    Est.
    $200 - $400
  • ORTELIUS, Abraham (1527-1598). [Theatrum Orbis Terrarum].
    Estimate
    $40,000 - $60,000
    Lot 59

    ORTELIUS, Abraham (1527-1598). [Theatrum Orbis Terrarum].

    Est.
    $40,000 - $60,000
  • PALLISER, Edward (1828-1907). United States Artillery.
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 60

    PALLISER, Edward (1828-1907). United States Artillery.

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • PAPACINO d'Antoni, Alessandro Vittorio,  1714-1786. A treatise on Gun-Powder.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 61

    PAPACINO d'Antoni, Alessandro Vittorio, 1714-1786. A treatise on Gun-Powder.

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • PARKER, Samuel, 1779-1866. Journal of an Exploring Tour Beyond the Rocky Mountains.
    Estimate
    $200 - $400
    Lot 62

    PARKER, Samuel, 1779-1866. Journal of an Exploring Tour Beyond the Rocky Mountains.

    Est.
    $200 - $400
  • PAYNE, John, active 1800. A new and complete system of universal geography
    Estimate
    $700 - $900
    Lot 63

    PAYNE, John, active 1800. A new and complete system of universal geography

    Est.
    $700 - $900
  • PEACHAM, Henry,  approximately 1576-approximately 1643. The Compleat Gentleman.
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 64

    PEACHAM, Henry, approximately 1576-approximately 1643. The Compleat Gentleman.

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • PENNANT, Thomas, 1726-1798. British Zoology. Volume 4.
    Estimate
    $200 - $400
    Lot 65

    PENNANT, Thomas, 1726-1798. British Zoology. Volume 4.

    Est.
    $200 - $400
  • PERRY, John, 1670-1732. Perry's Russia
    Estimate
    $200 - $400
    Lot 66

    PERRY, John, 1670-1732. Perry's Russia

    Est.
    $200 - $400
  • PHILLIPS, R.  (Richard), Sir, 1767-1840.  The Universal Preceptor.
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 67

    PHILLIPS, R. (Richard), Sir, 1767-1840. The Universal Preceptor.

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • PRIESTLEY, Joseph,  1733-1804. A History and Present State of Electricity.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 68

    PRIESTLEY, Joseph, 1733-1804. A History and Present State of Electricity.

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • PRIESTLEY, Joseph,  1733-1804. Experiments and observations on different kinds of air
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 69

    PRIESTLEY, Joseph, 1733-1804. Experiments and observations on different kinds of air

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • PURCHAS, Samuel, 1577?-1626. Purchas his pilgrimes
    Estimate
    $20,000 - $30,000
    Lot 69A

    PURCHAS, Samuel, 1577?-1626. Purchas his pilgrimes

    Est.
    $20,000 - $30,000
  • RAMUSIO, Giovanni Battista (1485-1557). Delle Navigationi et Viaggi.
    Estimate
    $10,000 - $15,000
    Lot 70

    RAMUSIO, Giovanni Battista (1485-1557). Delle Navigationi et Viaggi.

    Est.
    $10,000 - $15,000
  • ROHAULT, Jacques, 1618-1672. Rohault's system of natural philosophy
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 71

    ROHAULT, Jacques, 1618-1672. Rohault's system of natural philosophy

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • RUTHERFORTH, T.  (Thomas), 1712-1771, A system of natural philosophy
    Estimate
    $300 - $600
    Lot 72

    RUTHERFORTH, T. (Thomas), 1712-1771, A system of natural philosophy

    Est.
    $300 - $600
  • SANDYS, George, 1578-1644. Sandys Travailes.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 73

    SANDYS, George, 1578-1644. Sandys Travailes.

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • SCHLEY, Winfield Scott, 1839-1911. Report of Winfield S. Schley, commander
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 74

    SCHLEY, Winfield Scott, 1839-1911. Report of Winfield S. Schley, commander

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • SHAW, Thomas (1694-1751). Travels.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 75

    SHAW, Thomas (1694-1751). Travels.

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • SLEEMAN, Charles William. Torpedoes and Torpedo Warfare.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 76

    SLEEMAN, Charles William. Torpedoes and Torpedo Warfare.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • SMYTHS, C. Piazzi,  (Charles Piazzi), 1819-1900.  Life and Work at the Great Pyramid.
    Estimate
    $600 - $900
    Lot 77

    SMYTHS, C. Piazzi, (Charles Piazzi), 1819-1900. Life and Work at the Great Pyramid.

    Est.
    $600 - $900
  • SOLLEYSEL, Jacques de, 1617-1680. The compleat horseman
    Estimate
    $600 - $800
    Lot 78

    SOLLEYSEL, Jacques de, 1617-1680. The compleat horseman

    Est.
    $600 - $800
  • SPENCE, Lewis, 1874 - 1955, Myths & Legends of Ancient Egypt
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 78A

    SPENCE, Lewis, 1874 - 1955, Myths & Legends of Ancient Egypt

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • SPENCER, John (1630-1693). Prodigies.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 79

    SPENCER, John (1630-1693). Prodigies.

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • SPINETO, Marquis. Lectures on the Elements of Hieroglyphics and Egyptian Antiquities.
    Estimate
    $150 - $300
    Lot 80

    SPINETO, Marquis. Lectures on the Elements of Hieroglyphics and Egyptian Antiquities.

    Est.
    $150 - $300
  • STEVENS, George Alexander (1710-1780). A Lecture on Heads.
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 81

    STEVENS, George Alexander (1710-1780). A Lecture on Heads.

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • STEPHENS, John L. 1805 - 1852. Incidents of Travel in Yucatan.
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 81A

    STEPHENS, John L. 1805 - 1852. Incidents of Travel in Yucatan.

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • STEPHENS, John L., 1805-1852. Incidents of Travel.
    Estimate
    $750 - $1,500
    Lot 82

    STEPHENS, John L., 1805-1852. Incidents of Travel.

    Est.
    $750 - $1,500
  • STIELER, Adolf, 1775-1836. Handatlas über alle Theile der Erde und über das Weltgebäude herausgegeben
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,000
    Lot 83

    STIELER, Adolf, 1775-1836. Handatlas über alle Theile der Erde und über das Weltgebäude herausgegeben

    Est.
    $800 - $1,000
  • SURIREY DE SAINT-REMY, Pierre,  approximately 1650-1716. Memoires d'artillerie.
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $1,500
    Lot 84

    SURIREY DE SAINT-REMY, Pierre, approximately 1650-1716. Memoires d'artillerie.

    Est.
    $1,000 - $1,500
  • TIELKE, Johann Gottlieb (1731-1787). The Field Engineer.
    Estimate
    $200 - $400
    Lot 85

    TIELKE, Johann Gottlieb (1731-1787). The Field Engineer.

    Est.
    $200 - $400
  • TURNOR, Christopher Hatton (1840-1914). Astra Castra: Experiments and Adventures in the Atmosphere.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 86

    TURNOR, Christopher Hatton (1840-1914). Astra Castra: Experiments and Adventures in the Atmosphere.

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • WALKER, John, 1759-1830. Elements of Geography.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 87

    WALKER, John, 1759-1830. Elements of Geography.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • WARNER, Charles Dudley,  1829-1900. My Winter on the Nile.
    Estimate
    $80 - $120
    Lot 88

    WARNER, Charles Dudley, 1829-1900. My Winter on the Nile.

    Est.
    $80 - $120
  • WEDDELL, James,  1787-1834. A Voyage Towards the South Pole.
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $4,000
    Lot 89

    WEDDELL, James, 1787-1834. A Voyage Towards the South Pole.

    Est.
    $2,000 - $4,000
  • WILLIAMS JACKSON, Abraham Valentine, Editor. 1862-1937.
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,500
    Lot 90

    WILLIAMS JACKSON, Abraham Valentine, Editor. 1862-1937.

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,500

Auction Description

A Library of Curiosities - Part II by Gray's Auctioneers

On auction is a trove of books that explore human curiosity and ambition. The Library of Curiosities, Part II invites you to traverse continents, peer into the natural world, and measure the very earth beneath your feet, all through print. This diverse grouping  features rare and captivating books that chart the drive to explore, document, and understand the world. 

Included are travel narratives such as  Samuel Purchas's  Pilgrimes (1625-1626), which meticulously gathered accounts of voyages made by "kings, patriarkes, apostles, philosophers," and navigators across the globe, to the icy resolve of James Weddell's A Voyage Towards the South Pole (1825)—detailing exploration of the Antarctic Sea—these volumes capture the spirit of discovery across centuries.

Also here, find the practical meet the profound: Robert Gibson's The Theory and Practice of Surveying (1821) which provides the essential mathematical framework for mapping and claiming space, while Jacques de Olleysell's The Compleat Horseman (1696) offers specialized knowledge for managing the essential workhorse of early exploration and military endeavor. Even uncomfortable histories are preserved, as seen in Henry Davenport Northrop's Indian Horrors (1891?), a stark example of sensationalized 19th-century American views on conflict with Native Americans.

These works represent the effort to make the vast, unknown world knowable, one page, one voyage, and one measurement at a time.

These  auction items are from the Estate of John A. Davidson, Jr. Proceeds to benefit the APL of Lorain County and the Dittrick Museum.

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Gray's Auctioneers
Cleveland, OH 44102
United States

info@graysauctioneers.com

Phone:+1 2162263300

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When you’re the winning bidder on an item from Gray’s Auctioneers, you have three options for claiming your new treasure: 1. You can schedule an appointment to pick it up at 10717 Detroit Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio. 2. You can arrange for a third party service like UPS to pick up, pack, and ship your item. Two recommended UPS Stores are: store1308@theupsstore.com (440.333.4810); store1016@theupsstore.com (330-725-7033 press 9). 3. If you would like fine art craters or for blanket wrap shipping services, please contact Gray's.

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Terms & Conditions

1. These Terms and Conditions are applicable to those buyers who bid with us through our website. By bidding at auction you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions of Sale.

2. The Lots listed in this auction will be offered by Gray’s Auctioneers LLC (“Auctioneer” or the “Company”) as agent for consignor(s) or owner.

3. All the Property offered and sold through the Company shall be offered and sold under the Terms and Conditions set forth herein. YOUR BID IS A CONTRACT. By participating in any auction at the Company, you acknowledge that you accept and are bound by these Terms and Conditions, any of which may be modified or waived at the sole discretion of the Company.

4. Buyer acknowledges and agrees that Gray’s Auctioneers LLC shall be found to have no duty as to the validity of the consignor/owner’s lawful title to any property (lot) offered for sale greater than reasonable reliance on the representations of the consignor or owner. The Company provides no statement, guarantee or warranty as to the lawful title of any lot, and Buyer waives and releases the Company from any claims based on alleged defects in legal title to any lot.

5. Gray’s Auctioneers LLC advises all prospective buyers to examine in person all lots they are interested in before the auction. YOUR BID IS A CONTRACT and ALL SALES ARE FINAL. All Property (Lots) are sold “As Is” and without recourse, and neither Auctioneer nor it’s consignor(s) make any warranties or representations of any kind with respect to any of the Property (Lots) to be sold at auction, including, without limitation, with respect to warranty of title, warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or any other warranty or representation of any kind in reference to the Property. Neither the Company nor its consignor(s) shall be responsible for the correctness, authenticity, provenance, attribution, condition or any other terms used to describe the Property; and furthermore, neither Auctioneer nor its consignor(s) shall be deemed to have made any representation or warranty, in any advertisement, or in any statement by anyone or which is made at the sale, in the bill of sale, invoice, or elsewhere, nor shall any of the foregoing be deemed an assumption of liability. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is free of imperfections or the effects of aging.

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8. The Company will accept any pre-sale (“Absentee”) bids left in writing prior to the commencement of the Sale, however, the Company is not responsible for failing to execute such bids, or for any errors or omissions in connection with such bids. If an Item or Lot receives written bids for identical amounts, and they are the highest bids, the Item or Lot will be sold to the buyer whose written bid was received and accepted first. The Company’s copy of and records regarding receipt and acceptance of any Absentee bid shall be deemed sole evidence and conclusive.

9. A buyer may register to bid via telephone at least 48 hours before the start of a live auction. The Company will make every reasonable effort to contact the prospective telephone bidder to enable them to bid by phone at the auction, however, the Company does not accept any liability for failure to do so, or for any errors and omissions in connection with the telephone bidding. There is no telephone bidding for a timed auction.

10. Some Lots in the Sale may be subject to a confidential reserve below which the Lot will not be sold. The reserve will not exceed the low estimate of the Lot.

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12. The Company reserves the right to reject any bid. The highest bidder acknowledged by the Auctioneer will be the buyer. In the event of any dispute between bidders, the Auctioneer shall have absolute and final discretion either to determine the successful bidder, or to re-offer and re-sell the Property in dispute. If any dispute arises after a sale, the Company’s sale record shall be conclusive and final.

13. The Auctioneer’s decision to refuse any bid, advance the bidding in any manner, withdraw a Lot, determine a successful bidder, continue the bidding, to cancel a sale and re offer and resell an item in dispute, is conclusive, absolute and final.

14. Title of the property immediately passes to the highest acknowledged bidder when the Auctioneer’s hammer falls, subject to the Terms and Conditions set forth herein, at which point the bidder assumes full risk and responsibility for the Property. The buyer shall pay the full purchase price which includes Hammer price, together with the applicable buyers’ premium PLUS any applicable fees, taxes and shipping costs within five (5) days of the date of sale. Please note all payments must be made directly with Gray’s Auctioneers. If invoices are above $5,000 they must be paid by wire transfer or bank check. In person payment shall be made in US dollars by cash, cashier’s or certified check, debit, credit cards, and ACH accepted by the Company, or wire transfer. No credit card payments for first time buyers on jewelry lots and seven business days hold on all checks. Payment will not be considered complete until funds are cleared. No Property will be released to the buyer or shipper until payment has been made in full. If payment is made by ACH the Company reserves the right to hold Property purchased until funds have cleared the bank. Buyer agrees to pay the Company a handling charge of $50 for any check dishonored by the drawee.

15. The Buyer will remove all purchased Property at their own expense within ten (10) days of the date of sale, and if not removed, the Property may be sold by the Company, or removed by the Company to a public warehouse or storage facility, at the sole risk, responsibility and expense of the buyer. The Company will not be responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to any Property remaining on the Company’s premises ten (10) days after the sale. If purchased Property remains on the Company’s premises after ten (10) days, the Company reserves the right to charge a monthly late fee of 10% of the total purchase price, and an additional administrative fee of $200.00 if the Property is not picked up after thirty (30) days. If property has not been shipped or pick-up after sixty (60) days, ownership of property reverts to Gray’s Auctioneers Llc.

16. If the buyer fails to pay in full with good cleared funds, or fails to comply with the Terms and Conditions of the Sale as set forth herein, the Company reserves the right to exercise one or more of the following remedies, in addition to any other remedies available to the Company by law:
a) hold the defaulting buyer liable for the full purchase amount due;
b) charge interest at a rate the Company decides upon within reason;
c) cancel the sale;
d) resell the property without reserve at public auction, or privately under such terms as Company deems appropriate, and the defaulting purchaser will be liable for any difference between the original purchase price and the final sales price. In addition, the defaulting buyer will be responsible for any costs incurred by the Company including, but not limited to, handling, storage, commissions, insurance, administration, any and all legal fees, incidental damages and all costs relating to this transaction; and
e) Forbid the buyer from participating in any future auction.

17. The Company offers in-house shipping on selected lots. The Company will also provide a successful bidder with a list of alternative shippers. However, the Company will not be responsible for the acts or omissions of carriers or packers engaged by the buyer whether or not such shipper was listed by the Company. Property will not be released to a third party shipper without the buyer’s consent, and unless the Company is in receipt of full payment. Any packing, handling, and shipping by the Company is at the entire risk of the buyer and the Company bears no liability for any loss or damage to such items. The cost of shipment and insurance will be Buyer’s full responsibility.

18. If a purchased Lot, for any reason, cannot be delivered in the same condition as at the time of sale, or should any purchased Lot be stolen, mis-delivered or lost prior to delivery, the Company shall not be liable for any amount paid by the purchaser.

19. The conduct of the auction and all transactions associated with it, the Terms and Conditions herein set forth, together with the rights and obligations of the Company, Consignor and Buyer are governed by the laws under the jurisprudence of the State of Ohio. If any part of these Terms and Conditions is found by an Ohio court to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that part will be discounted and the rest of the Terms and Conditions will continue to be valid to the fullest extent permitted by law.