Poulin Antique Company is a busy auction house that occasionally sells rare books.  Their sales are well presented with estimates that tend to be on the low side as evidenced by their total realizations periodically exceeding the sum of their high estimates.  Later this month the Fairfield, Maine firm will hold another rare book sale, this time with estimates totaling $80,000 to $110,000, mostly for less important and decidedly obscure material that dealers know can present both challenges and opportunities.  Charles Robinson, who has cataloged the sale, has created an interesting event.

 

The timing of the sale is the Tuesday following the closing of the ABAA Book Fair in Boston on the 16^th.  The start time is 11:00 EST on the 18^th. Material is available for viewing and inspection in the days leading up to the sale continuing into the morning of the event.  Dealers, institutions and collectors, after they fold their tents at the conclusion of the Boston Book Fairs, may want to drive up for a look-around.

 

Charles has prepared a lengthy and entertaining list of high points that leaves little out except the price of the hot dogs and the fact that the bathrooms are free. 

 

So if you remember when auctions were a regular weekend affair, and long to rekindle the feeling, this is a potential event for you.

 

As to its description I’ll now let you read the official company account.  It sounds like fun.  

 

RARE BOOK AUCTION: NOVEMBER 18th, 2014 @ 11:00 AM
PREVIEWS: NOV. 17th 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM & 8:00 AM DAY OF SALE

 

Thank you for visiting our introduction to the Poulin Rare Book Auction to be held on Tuesday, November 18th, 2014. The detailed photo illustrated catalog will be forthcoming. The auction will begin at 11:00 AM EST in Fairfield, Maine. Fairfield is approximately three hours north of Boston. Preview day will be Monday, November 17th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Doors will open at 8:00 AMthe day of sale for preview. The material can also be viewed by appointment.

We are pleased to offer rare and important books in many fields. Among the approximately 100 lots of 17th & 18th Century Americana are two important works by Cotton Mather. The WONDERFUL WORKS OF GOOD COMMEMORATED is the 1st edition of 1690 printed by Samuel Green in its original binding. A remaining portion of the title page confirms it as the first printing. The work is bound with THE WAY TO PROSPERITY. An extensive description, Holmes collation, and photographs of the book are found in the catalog. The second 17th century work by Cotton Mather isTHE LIFE OF THE RENOWNED JOHN ELIOT printed by Harrison Allen in 1691. It is in a handsome late 19th century binding. The title page is torn on the diagonal with approximately two-thirds remaining. Both works are exceedingly rare.

Adorned with 239 plates, the large folio of DESCRIPTION De L'EGYPTE DES…FRANCAISE is the second edition of 1826, parts I and II. Likely unique to this copy is the well accomplished hand-colored treatment of several of the fish.

Harry Houdini’s copy of the SYBERT REPORT ON SPIRITUALISM has Houdini’s annotations, bookplate and his signed notation of “Harry Houdini Bot in Glasgow, Scotland”. 

An ephemeral offering from August 26, 1749 is a manuscript “Warning Out” to one Jane Dane in Swansey. Moore and Jones’ THE TRAVELERS DIRECTORY; OR A POCKET COMPANION, SHOWING THE COURSE OF THE MAIN ROAD FROM PHILADELPHIA TO NEW YORK: AND FROM PHILADELPHIA TO WASHINGTON is a complete and very attractive copy in its original binding. Zadok Cramer’s NAVIGATOR has all of its woodcut river maps and is in its original binding although wanting the title page. This is the first edition incorporating material from Lewis and Clark and was published in Pittsburgh in 1808.

A 1799 Thanksgiving Broadside from the Presidency of JOHN ADAMS is further enhanced by the signature of Thomas Pickering. An authorization signed by Alexander Hamilton dated 1791 is in excellent example. A complete set of HAMILTON’S WORKS in seven volumes will be offered as well. The 1795 LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES is a tall copy in its original boards with wide clean margins.

Works by and about American Presidents and major political figures are well represented in the sale. These include a third edition (1791) of Thomas Paine’s RIGHTS OF MAN and several 18th centuryBOOKS OF LAWS AND ACTS containing the Declaration of Independence and other important appearances. The 1795 AMERICAN REMEMBRANCER is filled with fascinating content. The 1789 PERPETUAL LAWS OF MASSACHUSETTS has broad and universal appeal. Early political titles include works by or about John Adams, Jefferson, Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Daniel Webster (including his works in a signed edition). BENJAMIN FRANKLIN related material includes a 1747 issue of the PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE. The John Quincy Adams ORATION is one of the special presentation bindings. GRANT’S MEMOIRS is found in the fine deluxe three-quarter leather binding. The copy offered of THE LAST MEN OF THE REVOLUTION is a highly desirable example with all the photographs and plates of revolutionary soldiers’ homes complete.

There is an extensive section of Native American material including a beautiful copy of the 1929 Jacobson KIOWA INDIAN ART. This is the true 1st edition and is complete with its full complement of identified pochoir plates. The McKinney Hall HISTORY…TRIBES OF NORTH AMERICA offering is the edition of 1933. The Catlin LETTERS is the edition of 1857. Included in the captivity narratives lots is the rare and fascinating A VERY SURPRISING NARRATIVE OF A YOUNG WOMAN, published in 1799 bound in wraps, and authored by Abraham Panther. RINEHART’S INDIANS is the preferred large copy in color and was published in 1899. Dixon’s VANISHING RACE is offered twice in fine condition. Of particular interest is the BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER printed in the SIOUX language and published in 1878. The ABNAKI DICTIONARY is represented in its first printing of 1833. There are many desirable issues of the Bureau of Ethnology Reports.

Western Americana includes books and government reports with maps by authors such as Marcy, Custer, Fremont, Derby, N. Michler, Cram, S. Adams (Colorado River), Wheeler/Humphries, R. Williamson, J. Ross Browne, F. Hayden, C. Dutton, and Nelson Miles will sell as will the two volume 1787 Dechastelleux with all maps and an additional portrait. 

Important early religious material includes Quaker books (Sewell’s HISTORY, 1774), Fox’s BOOK OF MARTYRS (1760), William Penn (1789) and Barclay’s ANARCHY OF THE RANTERS (1783). There are a variety of sermons offered including a 1749 Thomas Prince. THE LAUD CONFERENCEprinted in London in 1686 is bound in leather. There are numerous 18th century printings of works by luminaries such as Jonathan Edwards and David Brainard (1793), P. Doddridge (1777) and several 18th century books authored by Isaac Watts. J. Ogilvie’s PROVIDENCE (1766) is a First. Also on the block is the first American printing of the KORAN published in 1806. The Essex House BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER in a gorgeous folio printing was published in 1903. Perhaps the most beautifulMASONIC HISTORY (Mackey) ever printed will be offered in seven Morocco-bound folios as published in 1898. Judaica includes two early American Hebrew Grammars as well as a disbound copy of DIE ALTEN JUDISCHEN HEILIGTHUMBER by Johannes Lund published in Hamburg in 1722, the title page in red and black, the whole in Gothic letter and with marvelous illustrations. One of the most reviled books of the 20th century is the PROTOCOLS OF THE ELDERS OF ZION which is represented in a 1st edition with brilliant blue covers. Several lots are of Mormon interest.

We are pleased to offer a rich selection of anti-slavery material including the true first issue ofSOJOURNER TRUTH’S NARRATIVE as well as First Editions by John Rankin, Wendell Phillips, Eleanor Eldridge, Lydia Child, G. Weston and John Thompson. Booker T. Washington is represented with a TLS and an uncommon appearance in an exhibition book. A book important to both freedom of the press and anti-slavery is the work by “Defenser,” ENEMIES OF THE CONSTITUTION published in 1831, the First Edition. A large and moving 1847 Maine anti-slavery broad side will hit the block as will a copy of “ROOTS” with an autograph of the author laid in. FATHER HENSON’S STORY (1858) is included as is the autobiography of evangelist AMANDA SMITH (1893). A pristine First Edition of T. Stewart’s 1886 LIBERIA is a cornerstone of any library of Black Back to Africa emigration material. It is in remarkable condition with all maps, ads, and illustrations.

There is a wealth of offerings containing maps, particularly those focusing on Western exploration. These include a complete copy of John Freemont’s MISSOURI RIVER…PLATTE RIVERS in the first Edition of 1843. The 1850 Whipple U.S./MEXICO BOUNDARY REPORT will be offered as will an 1852 STANSBURY with all maps. A good selection of RAILROAD SURVEYS and a prospectus for the Northern Pacific will be offered. 

Maps are offered in individual and atlas form. The most stunning atlas is a hand colored leather bound carriage atlas of Paris published by Chez Lattre in Paris IN 1762. The color, binding and borders are more than exquisite. There is a beautiful copy of the 1855 Mitchell Atlas which is complete. Atlas’ showing TEXAS as a Republic will be offered as will be a complete 1867 Johnson’s Atlas. A rare and important atlas of Somerset County, Maine with a remarkable association will be sold as well as many atlases of the State of Maine. A 60 x 45 1822 map of Pensacola Harbor is in remarkable condition. The complete JOINT MAPS OF THE NORTHERN BOUNDARY COMMISSION of 1878 is seldom offered for sale. The sheets are unbound as issued and the set is complete. A volume of the Bromley BACK BAY BOSTON published in 1908 is in large folio with exquisite coloring and highly detailed maps. CARVER’S NEW MAP OF THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC completed in 1765 after the battle for Montreal is hand colored and near pristine.

Illustrated books are represented by a signed copy of Roland Clark’s ETCHINGS published by the Derrydale Press. Several important issues of VERVE MAGAZINE in their boxes are on offer as are eleven bound volumes of ST. NICHOLAUS MAGAZINE, 1916-1921. Bound years of HARPERS WEEKLY magazines with WINSLOW HOMER engravings will find a home following the sale as will a desirable selection of books illustrated by Arthur Rackham, Willy Pogany, Maxfield Parish, Howard Pyle, Dore, and other notable illustrators. Rare and delightful AMERICAN CHAPBOOKS will prompt strong bidding. Bound volumes of fashion magazines such as GODEY and PETERSON which are in unusually fine condition will be on offer. The well-known works of LA CROIX with their beautiful chromolithographs will sell in their handsome small folio leather bindings. The large folio NAPOLEON(1921) is illustrated by “Job” and is Paris printed. The “TIPPLER’S VOW” contains twenty-six original dry points. A magnificent 1772 folio of MEDAILLIES DE RUSSIE---KATHERINE II will be sold. There are several books whose illustrations are to be found on their fore-edges, including double fore-edge paintings. The FORE-EDGE paintings are well accomplished.

The most noteworthy medical book offered is the first American surgical atlas, PANCOAST’S TREATUS ON OPERATIVE SURGERY. Published in 1845, it has all of its plates including the male genital plate often found missing.

Paper includes American Almanacs from 1813 to 1850, a large selection of RADIO WORLD MAGAZINES published weekly from 1927 until 1928. Eighteenth and nineteenth American newspapers and magazines as well as two newspapers published in SAMOA in 1895 will find new owners. Desirable TRADE CATALOGS and PROMOTION BROCHURES regarding various subject matters including Model Trains will sell.

Offerings of a variety of topics including early economics, gold mining, early philosophy, disasters, horses, cowboys, cattle, sheep, polo, labor movements, anti-Semitism, California (the first lithograph of L.A.), violins, fishing, hunting, guns, trains, ships, antiques, music, early law, and the art of dance will sell. There are several large dealer lots organized by category and condition. 

Sets and singles bound in cloth and in leather will tempt collectors and designers. Authors include Dickens (Three sets), Poe, Thackery (in 23 volumes bound by Tout), Emerson, Hawthorne, C. Lever, Fiske, Hutchinson’s HISTORY…MASSACHUSETTS COLONY (1795), A. Hamilton (1851), J. Rhodes, F. Parkman, Wharton’s DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE, Shiller, Karl May, J. Ruskin,AMERICAN STATE PAPERS (1819), Shakespere, J. Campbell, W. Irving, T. Paine, Sir W. Scott, D. Webster (Signed), Plutarch, R. Kipling, REBELLION RECORDS (two sets, 100+ vols. Each set), Ruth Fielding, H. Balzac, Dumas, and J.M. Barrie. Binders include Bumpus, Tout, Bayntun, Riviere, Bennett, and others. There are many books printed by Isaiah Thomas which will appeal to the typophile. 

Nineteenth century women travelers in America are represented, as is the 1st Boston edition (1794) of the VINDICATION OF THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN. Six First Editions by Harriet Martineau will sell.

The two sets of the RECORDS OF THE WAR OF THE REBELLION are in most desirable condition as are many of the books from the Library of Hannibal Hamlin several of which are leather bound and embossed with his name on either the spine and/or cover. Perhaps the most notable among the books from the Hamlin Library is his personal copy of Emory’s MEXICAN BOUNDARY DISPUTE(1859) with color plates and found in a handsome binding.

Literature is represented and the books on offer are highly desirable including Thomas Hardy First and early editions both in cloth and bound in full leather by Bayntun (with spines and covers bound in) including TRUMPET, THE HAND OF ETHEL BERTA, TESS, and others. There are, as well, interesting lots of “HARDIANA”. Early and first issues of works by Mark Twain including HUCK FINN, THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER, FOLLOWING THE EQUATOR and others. The 1st edition of FOR WHOM THE BELLS TOLL is found in the appropriate dust wrapper.

The sale will include our usual offering of Maine-related material including early 19th century imprints from around the state, many desirable atlases, and books and photographs related to the Pine Tree State.

In order to facilitate your bidding and evaluation of the lots offered, each lot has at least one photograph and several of the more important lots have as many as six photographs. We urge your collaboration in keeping the catalog accurate and updated. Please feel free to e-mail us corrections or to seek clarification.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

A 17% buyer’s premium is in effect. If purchasing in state, please be sure to provide us with a copy of your Maine resale certificate. Out of state checks MUST be pre-approved, if not, we do accept credit cards such as MC, VISA, Discover & American Express.

Our goal is a 100% sell through rate. To achieve this goal, every lot with a high estimate of $250.00 or less CAN BE SOLD AT THE OPENING BID OF $25.00 IN THE EVENT THERE IS ONLY A SINGLE BIDDER ON THAT LOT AND NO OTHER BIDS INVOLVED.

We are already preparing for the 2015 November sale with consignments of important military books, books on food, wine, and spirits and photographs and photo illustrated books. We offer competitive commission rates and would be happy to consult by telephone or in person to discuss your material and our terms of sale.

We strongly encourage your attendance at this sale which will be fast-paced and move at more than 100 lots an hour. There is a great variety of material available appropriate for dealers, collectors, and e-bay and other on-line auctioneers. A complete and competent shipping service is available.

Please know that on-line bids can be placed on three of the most reputable on-line services: Auctionzip.com, Invaluable.com and Proxibid.com. There is an additional charge for the use of these platforms. The online catalog address is www.poulinantiques.com and can be searched by word, topic, author, etc. The catalog is also available on Americana Exchange who posts auction results as soon as available. Americana Exchange does not accept bids.

Please see the directions link at www.poulinantiques.com for driving directions and for restaurants and lodging available in our area. For inquiries, please feel free to contact us by e-mail atinfo@poulinantiques.com or by telephone at 207-453-2114. We look forward to seeing you after the Boston Book Fair.

 

 

Thank you,

 

Charles Robinson

207-240-0277

 

 

 

Deanna Daub

Poulin's Antiques & Auctions

199 Skowhegan Rd.

Fairfield, ME  04937

deanna@poulinantiques.com