Australian historical Colonial documents - price guide and values

Panoramic View of King George's Sound and Yagan Portrait

Dale, Lieutenant Robert. Descriptive account of the panoramic view of King George's Sound and the adjacent country. London, 1834. Small octavo, pp 20 with hand-coloured aquatint frontispiece 'Portrait of Yagan, King of the Swan River', after George…

1835 Colonial Pardon by Governor Bourke

A Colonial Conditional Pardon, number 305, Issued by Major General Richard Bourke, Governor of NSW, dated 2 November 1835

Transportation of convicts to Australia: Legislation and Letters

Four items relating to the Transportatation of convicts to Australia, including legislation and letters

1835 Colonial Conditional Pardon by Governor Richard Bourke

A Colonial Conditional Pardon, number 309, Issued by Major General Richard Bourke, Governor of NSW, dated 2 November 1835

1917 Referendum and Reinforcements Poster with Related Documents

A poster, Reinforcements Referendum 1917, 'Votes Yes., together with five other Documents relating to the 1917 Referendum

PM Stanley Bruce Corresponds with Hugh Ward (1925-1928)

Three Letters from Prime Minister Stanley Bruce to Hugh Ward, each signed and dated by Stanley Bruce, 1925-1928

1836 Tasmanian Land Grant signed by Governor George Arthur

Colonial Tasmanian Land Grant on vellum dated 1836 and signed by Governor George Arthur with wax seal

Sydney's Bridge Connection: Public Works Committee's Design (1913)

Framed panoramic scene, Bridge to Connect Sydney with North Sydney, design recommended by Public Works Committee, 1913

Hobart to Glasgow: A 1892 Diary

1892 Diary, Hobart to Glasgow

Royal Decree of King Charles I, 1640

A Royal Decree of King Charles I, dated 27 September 1640, signed by Carleton in Dublin, manuscript on vellum, with a broken great seal of the Realm attached by rope. 28 x 63 cm

1808 Indenture between Morant and Loggen

An indenture, signed and dated 25 November 1808 between John Morant and Thomas Loggen, manuscript on vellum. 52 x 65 cm

Dublin Indenture 1594 on Vellum

An indenture, signed and dated in Dublin October 1594, manuscript on vellum. 41 x 71 cm

1667 Allyn Indenture on Vellum

An indenture, signed and dated 30st August 1667 between Thomas Allyn to W. Allyn, manuscript on vellum. 27.5 x 60.5 cm

George II Indenture with Seal, Cornwall 1748

An interesting George II indenture with the seal of Robert Boutiden Parish of St Keverne, Cornwall, dated 1748, ink on vellum, appears to be pertaining to an agreement between two gentlemen in Cornwall, mounted within oak frame, 85 x 67 cm out of frame

Male Convicts Discharged to New South Wales, 1824

Historical Document: A List of 18 Male Convicts (Boys) discharged from the Bellerophon Hulk at Sheerness for New South Wales by the Ship Lady East this 21st October 1824

Circular Head Petitions for Land Conveyance to V.D.L. Company

Petition to Van Diemens L& Co. 1900, Copies of three petitions to the Directors of the V.D.L. Company from the residents of Circular Head, requesting the conveyance of the seven acres of land requested by the Government for the purpose of harbour…

Australiasia's 1862 Narrative: Exhibition, Squatting Life, and Engravings

News Letter of Australiasia, A Narrative to Send to Friends 1862, Mount Alexander, From Near the Railway, Bark Canoes on the Murray River: 'Overland Corner, Sneaking the Emu, The Victorian Exhibition in Melbourne, for the 'World's Fair, Squatting Life,…

Captain Cook's First Voyage Journal

Cook, James. Captain Cook's Journal during his first voyage round the world made in HM bark Endeavour [1968], Australiana facsimile Edtions no. 188 Libraries board of South Australia, Adelaide 1968, foreward by a Grenfell Price, incls maps etc. Cream…

Baudin's Journal: Commander of Geographe and Naturalist

Baudin, Nicolas. The Journal of post Captain Nicolas Baudin, Commander in Chief of the Corvettes Geographe and Naturalist [1974], Libraries board of South Australian, Adelaide, 1974, translated from the French by Christine Cornell, green cloth, some wear

Australian Exploration Facsimile Editions

[Australian Exploration] 5 facsimile Editions including, Davis, J. Tracks of McKinlay and party Across Australia, FOSLOSA, 1996, Ltd edn 600 + MItchell, TL. Journal of an Expedition to the interior of Tropical Australia, FOSLOSA, Ltd edn ed. 83/600 +…

South Australia's Historical Volumes

[South Australia] 8 facsimile volumes including, Horton James, T. Six Months in South Australia, with some account of port Philip and Portland Bay in Australia Felix, FOSLSA 1999 Ltd edn ed. 90/600 +Kinloch, A. The Murray River being a Journal of the…

1833 Land Grant to Nephew in Hobart Town

1833 Land Grant signed by Governor Arthur to his Nephew John Montagu At new Wharf Hobart Town

Views in Australia: Lycett's Hand-Coloured Aquatints

Joseph Lycett, circa 1775-1828, Views in Australia, or New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land. London: J. Souter, 1824, first edition, oblong folio, lithographed pictorial title and 48 finely hand coloured aquatint plates after drawings by Lycett, 2…

Georgian Legal Indenture Document, 1755

A framed Georgian legal indenture document, signed with seals and dated 25 December 1755. Gold frame dimensions 51 cmmm x 28 cm

Geographical Primer with 23 Modern Maps (1754)

An early Geographical Primer with maps, Salmon, Thomas, 'A new Geographical and historical Grammar......' [London: William Johnston, 1754, 3rd ed.] 23 (of 23) maps. In full calf boards, professionally restored with new spine to style, raised bands, gilt…

1838 Letter to Prossers Plains, Tasmania from England

An Early Inwards Letter to A Small Tasmanian Village, 1838 (Aug.7) lengthy cross-written entire social letter from England to 'Thomas Rawling, Bull Inn, Prossers Plains, Van dienab Land' with unframed 'Paid At Bristol' handstamp and rated 1/- with 'Paid…

Eliott Family Scrapbook: Pioneers and Prominent Figures

The Eliott Family Scrapbook, This, and the following four lots are from the collection of the Eliott family, one of the first families to settle in the New England area of Northern New South Wales. The book has been passed down through five generations to…

Deaths and Distress in Second Fleet Arrival

Second Fleet & Deaths En Route: the London Chronicle, July 14-16 and August 4-6, 1791: The earlier edition carries a report on the arrival of the Neptune, the Scarborough and Surprize at Botany Bay [June 1790]. 'The convicts were very sickly, of whom 270…

Starvation and Struggle at Botany Bay

Starving Conditions At Botany Bay: the London Chronicle, July 2-5 and 5-7, 1791: These editions carry two short reports from the colony advising of '..almost...starving condition...' and that attempts to establish relations with the natives and that,…

Statistics of New South Wales, 1791

Some Statistics From New South Wales: the London Chronicle, March 22-24 & 24-26, 1791: Two editions which provide fascinating statistical insight into the fledgling Colony, including, Convicts shipped: 2,029, Convicts intended to be sent in the ships now…

Doubts on Botany Bay Settlement

Serious Doubts About Botany Bay: the London Chronicle, February 8-10 & 19-22, 1791: The first includes a lengthy report on Sir Charles Bunbury's speech and the subsequent debate in the House of Commons, on the subject of the 'settlement of Botany Bay' and…

Botany Bay & Second Fleet News, December 1789

Botany Bay & second Fleet the London Chronicle, December 12-15, 1789: An edition rich with relevant articles including a brief reference to 'The Neptune convict ship...with the Botany Bay Rangers on board...' still waiting for orders, an extract of a…

London Chronicle: Barrington Trial, Wentworth & Slave Revolt

George Barrington & D'Arcy Wentworth: the London Chronicle, December 8-10, 1789: This edition contains a lengthy and detailed report on Barrington's trial at the Old Bailey, also, a further mention of the notorious D'Arcy Wentworth. Also, a report on a…

Notorious Pickpocket George Barrington's Redemption in Botany Bay

George Barrington, D'Arcy Wentworth & Botany Bay: the London Chronicle, November 14-17, 1789: This edition carries a detailed report on an appearance by the notorious pickpocket George Barrington, a further update on the fate of D'Arcy Wentworth and a…

Cook's Voyages and the Second Fleet to Australia

Cook's Voyages, Botany Bay & the second Fleet the London Chronicle, November 5-7, 1789: This edition includes a long (almost full page) commentary on a new book published by Captain Nathaniel Portlock, who had previously accompanied Captain James Cook on…

Botany Bay: Dutch Ship Report and Native Inhabitants' Plight

Botany Bay & the Native Inhabitants: the London Chronicle, September 3-5, 1789: This edition contains two fascinating entries, the first being news carried by a Dutch ship, recently arrived from China, having met a ship from Port Jackson while en route at…

Female convict's letter describes barren Botany Bay

First Fleet & Botany Bay: the London Chronicle, July 21-23, 1789: Features an 'Extract of a Letter from Sydney Cove, Port Jackson, county of Cumberland, New South Wales, to Mrs. Dinah Cable, at Laxfield.....dated November 17, 1788.' A rare letter from a…

First Fleet's Encounter with Thieving Natives in Botany Bay

First Fleet & Botany Bay: the London Chronicle, June 18-20, 1789: This edition contains a short extract of a letter 'from an officer on board the Sirius at Botany Bay, to a gentleman in this city [Edinburgh] by which 'we have a more favourable account of…

First Fleet's Golden Grove: Fastest Return Journey to England

First Fleet & Botany Bay: the London Chronicle, June 2-4, 1789: This edition includes an 'Extract of a Letter from Botany Bay, received by the Golden Grove Transport, Captain Sharp, now at Corke. The Governor's commission....had so little effect on the…

Female Account of Life in Early Sydney Settlement

First Fleet & Botany Bay: the London Chronicle, May 28-30, 1789: This edition of the newspaper contains an account of life in the Colony written by a woman. It is headed 'The following Letter from Port Jackson, dated Nov.14, 1788 is written by a Female…

First Fleet's Health in New South Wales

First Fleet & Botany Bay: the London Chronicle, May 14-16, 1789: This edition includes an 'Extract of a Letter from an Officer of Marines at New South Wales, to a Gentleman in Town. Dated, Port Jackson, New South Wales, Nov. 16, 1788.' and provides some…

London Chronicle's First Fleet & Botany Bay Report

First Fleet & Botany Bay: the London Chronicle. The first printed accounts of the Expedition to and the Settlement at Sydney Cove, in issues of the London Chronicle newspaper issued in early 1789, May 5-7, 1789: Containing a long and detailed 'Authentic…

London Chronicle Reports First Fleet & Botany Bay Expedition

First Fleet & Botany Bay: the London Chronicle. The first printed accounts of the Expedition to and the Settlement at Sydney Cove, in issues of the London Chronicle newspaper issued in early 1789, April 28-30, 1789: Containing a short article, '....The…

London Chronicle's First Fleet & Botany Bay Expedition Coverage

First Fleet & Botany Bay: the London Chronicle. The first printed accounts of the Expedition to and the Settlement at Sydney Cove, in issues of the London Chronicle newspaper issued in early 1789, April 4-7, 1789: Two columns titled 'Further Particulars…

London Chronicle: First Fleet & Botany Bay Expedition

First Fleet & Botany Bay: the London Chronicle. The first printed accounts of the Expedition to and the Settlement at Sydney Cove, in issues of the London Chronicle newspaper issued in early 1789, March 28-31, 1789: A short article reporting on the…

London Chronicle's First Fleet & Botany Bay Account

First Fleet & Botany Bay: the London Chronicle. The first printed accounts of the Expedition to and the Settlement at Sydney Cove, in issues of the London Chronicle newspaper issued in early 1789, March 26-28, 1789: A very lengthy article covering nearly…

London Chronicle's First Fleet & Botany Bay Account

First Fleet & Botany Bay: the London Chronicle. The first printed accounts of the Expedition to and the Settlement at Sydney Cove, in issues of the London Chronicle newspaper issued in early 1789, March 24-26, 1879: A lengthy article, '...Of the convicts…

London Chronicle Reports Safe Arrival at Botany Bay

First Fleet & Botany Bay: the London Chronicle. The first printed accounts of the Expedition to and the Settlement at Sydney Cove, in issues of the London Chronicle newspaper issued in early 1789, February 26-28, 1879: Regarding the safe arrival of…

London Chronicle Reports on First Fleet & Botany Bay Expedition

First Fleet & Botany Bay: the London Chronicle, The first printed accounts of the Expedition to and the Settlement at Sydney Cove, appeared in issues of the London Chronicle newspaper issued in early 1789. This lot, and the following four lots, comprise…

Jones' Sydney Morning and Evening Prayer Broadside Pair

A pair of broadsides, early Sydney printing by William Jones, Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer, Sydney 1835, 42 x 35 cm

Castlemaine Miner's Right and Legal Documents Collection

Miner's Right Castlemaine,1857 together with an interesting collection of legal documents including Victoria letters of naturalisation with two ten shilling revenue stamps (unusual usage), signed by J.B Patterson, inspection will reward

Male Convict Ships List

List of Male Convict Ships - Old Class & Probation Class, Ink script on paper with headings proving the dates of arrival in Hobart, the name of the ship, the number of prisoners and the annual total, framed && glazed, 47.75 x 58.5 (sight). Provenance: Dr…

Australian Federation Celebrations Souvenir Invitations

Australian Federation Celebrations, A collection of five souvenir invitations to various events associated with the Celebrations for the Opening of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia in Melbourne. The invitations are all inscribed to 'Mr Neil…

Deeming: From Rainhill to Melbourne's Horrors

The Rainhill & Melbourne Horrors. Deeming, Sentenced to Death' [Fred Jones Printer, Sheffield, England], 4-page pamphlet published in 1892. Not previously seen by us. Finally captured and hanged in Melbourne Gaol on May 23, 1892, Frederick Bayley…

Honorary Address to John Fawkner for Pioneering Melbourne & Victoria

Fawkner, John Pascoe [1792-1869] - Pioneer of Melbourne & Victoria, Calligarphic manuscript address to Fawkner by 'The undersigned inhabitants of Echuca....who now view with pride....the completion of a trunk line of Railway....again we cannot forget the…

Fawkner Archive Collection

John Pascoe Fawkner Important archive collection of documents, papers and notes relating to and in many cases written by John Pascoe Fawkner, including a fine collection of calling cards of Melbourne dignitaries, invitations addressed to Fawkner, family…

Sketches and Letters from George Whitelaw in Australia

The George Whitelaw archive, A fine illustrated diary with gold embossed title to spine, titled 'Sketches in Australia by George Whitelaw, 1857 - 1864' with parrakeet feathers affixed to pages in places and containing 24 charming and mostly detailed and…

NSW Land Grant, 1890

A framed Land Grant, New South Wales1890, 47 x 43.5 cm

WA Historical Books: 1898-1924

Books 3 Vol.: Western Australian historical Interest i) Western Australian year book for 1898 - 1899 Eleventh edition, by Malcolm A. C. Fraser Published Perth 1900 ii) Western Australian year book for 1902 - 1904 Thirteenth edition, by Malcolm A. C.…

Pardon and Insurance Documents from 1840-1843

Australian convict letter of pardon, dated Whitehall August 1843, granting pardon to John Scutts providing his behaviour is satisfactory to the Governor of New South Walessigned H Manners Sutton and a fire Insurance document dated 1840 (2)

Isle of Wight Land Entitlements, 1716

$18th century Isle of Wight manorial document, circa 1716, relating to land entitlements

North-West Expedition Journal 1914 by Herbert Basedow

Herbert Basedow Journal of the Government North-West Expedition 1914 first edition

Rare WWII Field Map of Cassino Defense, Signed by Needham

A rare New Zealand historical World War II field map of 'The Defence Of Cassino', signed by Buck Needham and presumably used by him in the field, showing signs of wear and some staining including holes from being confidentially pinned when folded. Noted…

15th Century Ecclesiastical Latin Manuscript on Vellum Leaves

A two-sided vellum leaf drawn manuscript, the text written in ecclesiastical Latin, 15th century, 7 cm high, 11 cm diameter

WA Goldfields Miner Rights: 3 Historical Documents

Three Western Australian goldfields miners Rights i) 1906 Kalgoorlie, issued to George J Lambert 10.5 x 19.5 cm ii) 1897 Coolgardie, issued to Fred Harris 11 x 19.5 cm iii) 1895 Coolgardie, issued to Francis Mehrten 11.2 x 18.8 cm

Sydney Cove, August 1788

Geoffrey C Ingleton, (1908-1998), Royal Australian historical Society, Sydney Cove, August 1788, etching ed. Artist's proof 'D, signed lower right, 25.2 x 20 cm

Auction: Van Diemen's Land Carrington & Jerusalem Estates (1837)

Van Diemen's Land plan of Carrington & Jerusalem Estates. To be Sold by Auction on 5th July 1837

1827 Land Grant by Governor George Arthur

1827 Van Dieman's Land Land Grant signed by Governor George Arthur

NSW Military Commission for Robert Nathan, 1877

1877 military Commission NSW. Document commissioning Robert Allwood Nathan as a Lieutenant of the NSW artillery. Signed with official seal by Governor Robinson. In contemporary cedar frame.38 x 41 cm

1850 Convict Form for William Andrews, Forgery Conviction

Convict Document: 1850 form filled out by Govenor of Prison ('York' Hulk) for convict William Andrews, convicted in 1847 for 15 years for Forgery.

1847 Pardon for Luddite Crime in New South Wales

New South Wales, Absolute Pardon, 1847 signed by Governor Fitzroy to Alfred Toogood who was transported for the Luddite crime of machine breaking, 35 x 40 cm

Australian Hardwoods: Economics and Joinery

The Art Journal Illustrated Catalogue Of The Industry Of All Nations, 1851' [London], 'The Carpenter, Joiner & Hand Railer' by Robert Riddell, 'TheHardwoods Of Australia And Their Economics' by R.T.Baker

Grimshaw's Global Adventures

Norma Grimshaw travel Diary comprising various world photos, correspondence, post cards, extensive travel notes & diary entries, newspaper clippings, business cards & various ephemera, circa 1950's & 60's.

Indenture: Hardwick to Stansfield (1782)

An indenture: Richard Hardwick of Idlo to Thomas Stansfield of Idlo,Woolsey weaver dated 13th May 1782, ink on paper, 2 wax seals, largely intact, 34.5 x 55 cm

Colonial Sketchbooks from Australian College, 1841 and 1940

Three early Colonial sketchbooks inscribed 'Peter Macpherson, Australian College, James Street. May 4th, 1841. Sydney', and one 1940.

The Unlawfulness of Subjects Taking Up Arms

Diggs, Dudley 'The Unlawfulnesse of subjects Taking up Armes against their Soveraigne.....' [London, 1644] 1st edition, 170pp bound in vellum with mss title to spine.

Bumbooziana: Erotic Expedition & Illustrations by Donald Friend

Bumbooziana: 'Sundry Notes & Papers, being the recently discovered notes and documents of the Natural & Instinctive Bestiality Research Expedition. collected and collated under the title Bumbooziana wherein is set down the illfated Expedition's numerous…

Frances Schomberg: Convicted of Infant Starvation (1893)

Convict Document: 1893 Department of Prisons document for Frances Schomberg with photograph, description & offence (Causing the death of her infant son by starvation).,

Explorations in Australia by John Forrest

Forrest, John 'Explorations in Australia?' (London, Sampson Low, 1875)., Octavo, eight plates, four folding maps, in original green cloth, gilt vignette on upper board. An important account of Forrest's successful exploring career, during which he most…

Views of Victoria: 1853-4 Lithographs by Edmund Thomas

Views Of Victoria 1853-4' lithographed from original drawings by Edmund Thomas & published by F.Varley, oblong red leather boards with embossed gilt title on the front, some wear to the boards, toning and foxing throughout,

Journal of a Voyage to New South Wales with Plates

White, John: 'Journal of a Voyage to New South Wales with Sixty-five Plates of Non descript Animals, Birds, Lizards, Serpents, curious Cones of Trees and other Natural Productions.' (J. Debrett, London, 1790), Quarto, with an engraved title page and 64…

Sir Charles Hotham's Signature and Letter on Land Purchase Document

Sir Charles Hotham (1806-55, 2nd Governor of Victoria), signature on 1854 'Victoria, Town Lot' document for the purchase of land at Geelong, with seal of Colony of Victoria, plus 1855 letter regarding a correction made to the Grant.,

Lachlan Macquarie's 1821 Land Grant Signature - Rare Document

Lachlan Macquarie (1761-1824, 5th Governor of Australia (NSW)), signature on 1821 Land Grant for 60 Acres in Van Diemen's Land, scarce original document.,

William Buckley: From Convict to Aboriginal Community Leader

William Buckley, the Wild White Man, the Newsletter of Australasia' Number XIV - August 1857 (George Slater, Melbourne) with an engraved portrait of William Buckley by Frederick Grosse and a lengthy manuscript letter dated July 1857 and concerning the…

Conditional Pardon Granted to Irish Convict in Van Diemen's Land

Conditional Pardon For Convict William Sweeney, 1849 (January 13) pardon, headed Van Diemen's Land, granted to William Sweeney of Ireland, on the condition that 'he shall not during the said period for which the said sentence was pronounced return to of…

1847 Conditional Pardon for Thomas Fishlock from Wiltshire Assizes

N.S.W. Conditional Pardon, dated 13th July 1847 (on vellum) for Thomas Fishlock, tried and convicted at Wiltshire Assizes in March 1832 (house breaking) and sentenced to transportation for life. The pardon is signed at Government House, Sydney, by the…

1837 Convict Pass from Van Diemen's Land

7th Nov. 1837 Convict 'Pass' From Van Diemen's Land, Headed 'Roads Establishment Oatlands' the handwritten 'pass' for Convict Alfred Stallard ( H.M.S. 'Bardaster', in 1835, 7 years for larceny), to leave the road-gang at Oatlands to proceed to Ross, where…

Melbourne and Suburbs: 1880 Albumen Prints

C. B. Walker, Melbourne and Suburbs: 60 albumen prints affixed to the pages of a dilapidated album, each titled in manuscript below the image. Subjects include hotels, town halls, schools, street scenes, churches, etc., circa 1880, Mainly 15 x 20 cm.

Centennial Exhibition Presentation Album to Sir Henry Loch

Centennial International Exhibition, 1888 - Presentation Album to Sir Henry Loch, 67 Photos, embossed on front cover: Presented to His Excellency Sir H. B. Loch, G. C. M. G., K. C. B. Governor of Victoria by the Executive Commissioners for the Centennial…