Items 124 and 125 are the most dramatic of the photographs. In 1890, a group of pirates attacked the Douglas Steamship Company vessel Namoa. The captain was killed in the attack. The so-called "Namoa pirates" were later captured and paid the ultimate price. In item 124, five pirates are shown on their knees, hands tied behind their backs, awaiting execution in Kowloon. In 125, the gruesome means of execution is made clear, their heads and torsos lying on the ground. The date of the beheading was May 11, 1891. £375 each ($769).

For the animal lover, item 43 is a circa 1880 photo of two snake charmers. One plays some sort of wind instrument while two snakes stand at attention, their heads raised as high as feasible for one built like a snake. £160 ($328). Item 44 is of a tiger who has been shot, and not just by a camera. A distinguished looking hunter with a rifle kneels next to the tiger, who looks as if he is just sleeping. £1,250 ($2,566).

Item 94 is a picture of two men from Shanghai in a cangue. A cangue is a board with holes to fit one's head through. It is much like stocks, except that rather than being fixed, people could move around in them. However, they could not slip their heads through the narrow holes, so they were forced to carry this heavy board until it was unlocked. Needless to say, the cangue was a form of punishment. £375 ($770).

For Americana collectors there is one item -- number 158. It includes seven prints from the Davey Photo Co. in Honolulu, circa 1880. Included are hula dancers and various scenes. £1,250 ($2,565).

You may visit Bernard J. Shapero Rare Books online at www.shapero.com, telephone +44 (0)20 7493 0876.