Australian historical Colonial documents

The Will of Paul Randall, Innkeeper of The Black Horse Inn

The Will of Paul Randall, February 25th,1832, probably in Randall's own hand & signed by him, with witnesses' signatures. Randall had been granted the licence of an inn at Richmond in 1819. The inn was called the Black Horse Prince but it was commonly…

Catherine McIntosh's Troubled Journey of Conviction and Pardon

Catherine McINTOSH Had A Drinking Problem: The single page manuscript record of transported convict, Catherine McIntosh, who had arrived in Van Diemen's Land in September 1842 aboard 'Royal Admiral', transported for 10 Years following her conviction at…

Eliza McILVEENE: Prostitute, Murderer, and Transported for Life

A Prostitute & Murderer Transported For Life: The convict record of Eliza McILVEENE, who (apparently) arrived in Van Diemen's Land aboard 'Mexborough' in December 1841; transported for life, having had her death sentence for murdering a fellow prostitute,…

The Troubled Life of Bridget Magahan

Bridget Magahan had a bad temper and liked a drink: Magahan's Convict Record indicates that, following her trial at Middlesex in May 1827, where she was found guilty of larceny, Magahan was sentenced to be transported for 7 years, arriving in Van Diemen's…

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

Journal of Residence in New Zealand

Richard A. Cruise 'Journal of a Ten Months' Residence in New Zealand, pub. Longman, Hurst, Rees and Orme and Brown, London (1823), 1st ed, 3/4 morocco with marbled boards, 8vo (22 cm), iv, 321p, marbled edges, colour frontis of Tetoro, Chief of New…

English Electric Co. Tender for Sydney Harbour Bridge (1924)

'Tender of the The English Electric Company of Australia Limited for Sydney Harbour Bridge 1924' (Sydney, 1924), black boards, with colour frontispiece.

Botany Bay: Founding of Sydney Cove

1789 London Chronicle, including 1788 letter from Botany Bay. An extract 'We Landed At Sydney Cove (So called by the Governor) Where We Have fixed Our Residence and Laid a Foundation for a Colony'

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.…

A Chart of the Three Harbours of Botany Bay, Port Jackson & Broken Bay, Shewing the Ground Cultivated by the Colonists... Neapean &c, handcoloured engraved chart published by Mackenzie & Dent (1818 Newcastle upon Tyne), good condition, mounted & framed,…

Tasmanian Documents: John Taylor & Rabbit Board (35 items)

Early Tasmanian documents relating to John Taylor 'Winton' & Campbell Town rabbit board (35 items)

Albert Edward Prince of Wales Signed Portrait with Cypher

Albert Edward Prince of Wales (Heir Apparent): framed and glazed image (12 x 17 cm) of the future King Edward VII, signature on piece below with mss 'Yours very sincerely/Albert Edward', Royal cypher alongside, overall 32 x 38 cm.

Early 1839 Hobart Gazette: Land Grants, Tickets of Leave

The Hobart town Gazette Friday, July 12, 1839 No.1206. A fascinating early news paper showing land grants of the day, there size and location and whom they were granted, ticket of Leave listings, court listings and the general administration of the Colony…

Federation Celebration Invitation and Thank You Letter

Federation Australian Commonwealth Celebration Government of Victoria illuminated invitation to Mr Arthur Parker and Lady, Tuesday 7th of May, 1901 (21 x 28 cm). Together with an associated thank you letter from the Government of Victoria, 18th Sept. 1899…

NSW Electors' Lists, 1850s

Three Colonial NSW Electors' Lists, c1850s. Manuscript list of Electors Burrough of Penrith NSW 1857-1858. Dated at Penrith 27th June, 1857 by the Chief Constable & Collector; manuscript list of Electors Burrough of Liverpool NSW 1857-1858; & manuscript…

Australian Colonial Documents (or) Early Colonial Papers

Four Australian Colonial documents. Early printed Indenture,1824. Thomas Campbell at Wilberforce. Enclosed in Mylar; sale plan of Windsor, c1820. Enclosed in Mylar; small Grant of 60 acres to John Francis at Kurrajong 22nd April, 1831. Signed by Colonial…

Sir Joseph Cook's Signature on Legal Document Fragment

Sir Joseph Cook (1860-1947, 6th Prime Minister of Australia), fine pen signature on large piece cut from a legal document.

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…

Convict Transportation Document (1823)

Early document relating to convicts & Transportation to the Colonies (1823)

Australian Aboriginal Artifacts: Classification and Exploration

Australian Aborigines: 'Australian Aboriginal stone implements. A Suggested Classification.' by Kenyon & Stirling [1901]; 'Guide to the Australian Ethnographical collection in the National Museum of Victoria' by Baldwin Spencer [1914]; 'Narrative of an…

Islamic Formal Documents in Framed Display

Two Islamic framed formal documents. 80 x 57 cm and 80 x 39 cm (inclusive of frame)

Visit to Australian Colonies, 1843

James Backhouse 'A narrative of a Visit to the Australian Colonies' 1843 first edition (without the Derwent plate)

Historic Australian Colonial Land Grants, 1820-1842

Four important and historical Australian Colonial Land Grants, three for Daniel Cooper and Solomon Levey, c.1820-1842, including a grant for 1130 acres, Parish of Alexandria (including a mention purchase from John Piper, some signed by Bourke, and one…

Tasmanian Documents on John Taylor of Winton

Early Tasmanian documents relating to John Taylor, 'Winton' (66 items)

Victoria's Ballarat Goldfields Miner's Rights (1894-1896)

Miner's Right: Two for the Colony of Victoria, Ballarat goldfields, circa 1894 and 1896

William Cox: Explorer, Roadmaker, Builder, and Grazier

[William Cox, 1764 (Dorset) - 1837 (Windsor, NSW): Explorer, roadmaker, builder & grazier], A lease dated August 1833 between 'William Cox of Clarendon' and John Forrester for 'Five acres of Land at the Cornwallis' which was in the District of Windsor,…

Moore Park Estate Land Sale in Perth, 1889

Moore Park Estate, City of Perth, Western Australia land sale newspaper advert the town and country Journal, Feb 23, 1889 shows subdivisions bounded along ivy Street, Mabel Street, bounded by Barker Road and Bagot Road, 27 x 19.5 cm

Gallipoli Landing: Rare Uncensored Account

Gallipoli Letter: Rare first hand account of the Gallipoli landing by a wounded soldier sent from Helaman Convalescent Hospital (Al Royal or Grand Hotel) 11th June 1915. Seven typed pages (one double sided). Note this account was hand delivered &…

19th Century Wrought Iron Electric Wall Sconces with Shades

A pair of wrought iron wall sconces with parchment shades, fitted for electricity, possibly English, late 19th century. 75 cm high

First Australian Census 1828: Illustrated and Bound

New South Wales: 'Census of New South Wales - November 1828' (the first Australian census), published by library of Australian history (Sydney,1980), 479pp in large quarto including 5 illustrations, 10 facsimile documents and 2 full page maps, clothbound…

Land Grant to James Aitken in Van Diemen's Land

Van Diemans Land, Land Grant signed John Franklin, 640 acres to James Aitken

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

Australia's Discovery: Before Cook's Arrival

Collingridge, George: the Discovery of Australia, a Critical, Documentary and historical Investigation, Concerning the priority of Discovery in Australia by Europeans before the arrival of Lieut. James Cook, in the Endeavour, in the year 1770

Delay in Excavation at New Wharf - 1835 Tasmania

Early Tasmanian colonial hand written document relating to a delay in the excavation at the new wharf signed John Montague, Colonial Secretary (Hobart Town), 16th March 1835)

Maurelle's Route in South-Western Pacific, 1781

La Perouse 'Carte D'Une Partie Du Grand Ocean a l'E. et S.E. de la Nouvelle Guinee pour l'intelligence du Voyage de la Fregate Espagnole la Princesa commandee par D. Franco. Antonio Maurelle. en 1781.', [Paris, 1797], from the 'Atlas du Voyage de la…

1852 Victorian Land Grant for Footscray Town Lot

An 1852 Victorian land Grant by purchase, February 1852 land grant to Robert McEWIN of a town lot in the town of Footscray, signed and sealed by the Lieutenant Governor, Charles Latrobe. (the price of £14/-/- is detailed in manuscript and the exact…

William Cox's Lease for Forty Acres in Mulgrave Place

[William Cox, 1764 (Dorset) - 1837 (Windsor, NSW): Explorer, roadmaker, builder & grazier], A lease dated February 1837 between 'William Cox of Fairfield Windsor' and James Upton 'of Cornwallis Windsor' for 'Forty Acres..lately in the occupation of John…

Convict John Pittman Acquires Land in Kurrajong District

John Matthew Pitman (Pittman), One of 200 Convicts Transported On the Surrey, January 1814, Acquires Land in the Kurrajong District. Sentenced to death for horse stealing, Pitman's sentence was commuted to transportation for life and he arrived in New…

Small Pox Devastates Aboriginal Population in Australia

The Tragic Impact of Small Pox On the Aborigines: the London Chronicle, February 22-24, 1791: An edition carrying good and bad news, the first being a report on the exemplary behavoiur of two convicts, Richard Pugh and Elizabeth Morgan, who '..are…

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…

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…

1842 van Diemen's land Request to Marry, handwritten request addressed to Lt Governor by Mary Hackett (transported for 7 years) and Joseph garland (transported for life), 4pp of manuscript includes references, statements & comments, the pair married…

Paul Randall's Will and Deed of Land

The Will of Paul Randall, February 25th,1832. Probably in Randall's hand & signed Paul Randall. Witnesses' signatures Paul Randall, convict, was transported to New South Wales in 1791. Not much is known Randall in the colony until he was granted the…

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…

1831 Australian Colonial Land Lease Indenture

Australian Colonial indenture, between William Johnston and John Piper, 1831, for lease of land in District of Bringelly

List of Eligible Male Voters in Liverpool, 1857-8

[New South Wales - Electoral History], Lists of Electors for the Electoral District of the Cumberland Boroughs for the town of Liverpool in the Police District of Liverpool for the year 1857-8' being a manuscript listing over five foolscap pages of all…

From Convict to Respected Citizen: Laban White's Story

Laban White, One of 160 Convicts Transported On the Eliza, July 1822, An indenture, dated January 1837 by which Laban White agrees to rent to James Upton, for a period of three years, a piece of land 'by Estimation Twenty Two Acres more or less being a…

Historical Journals of Transactions in Australia's Early Colonies

Hunter, John: 'An Historical Journal of the Transactions at Port Jackson and Norfolk Island with the Discoveries which have been made in New South Wales and in the Southern Ocean, since the publication of Phillip's Voyage, including the Journals of…

Lightning Strikes: Husband and Dog Killed

My Husband and His Faithfull Dog Killed Dead By Lightning: 28 January 1843 well written 4-page mss letter from Elizabeth Deimster, at Sydney to her family. The primary purpose of the letter is to inform them 'from this distant clime' that 'Almighty God…

Governor Young's Land Grant in Westbury, Tasmania (1858)

Young, Sir Henry Edward Fox (1803?1870), Governor of Tasmania autograph and seal on vellum Land Grant by Purchase dated February 1858 in favour of Edward John Dawes for 'five acres, in the Suburbs of the Township of Westbury' being a plot of land bounded…

Sir Henry Young's Land Grant in Tasmania, 1856

Young, Sir Henry Edward Fox (1803?1870), Governor of Tasmania signature and seal on March 1856 vellum Land Grant by Purchase in favour of Frederick Green for 'Two acres, two Roods and eight Perches' being an allotment 'in the Township of York Town' at the…

Earl of Hopetoun's Mining Lease Indenture, 1893

Hopetoun, seventh Earl of (John Hope, 1860?1908), Governor of Victoria, signature and seal on a November 1893 indenture granting a mining lease to Edward Kirwan and Patrick Doolan, both of Omeo. For £8/2/6 per annum they were entitled to mine the piece of…

Governor Barkly sells Inglewood land during gold rush

Barkly, Sir Henry (1815-1898) Governor of Victoria, signature and seal on Special Lands Purchase document dated 13th August 1861. The block of land at Inglewood was sold to Joseph Beregi for £2/6/2 (Two Pounds, six shillings & 2 pence). Joseph Beregi had…

Convict Probation Pass for Hired Service, 1840

A Convict Department Probation Pass circa 1840 A printed, but otherwise blank 2-sided Probation Pass-holder document which would give a convict official permission to proceed to the house of his or her employer, 'there to remain in the hired Service...'…

Ross's 1874 Expedition Journal and Folding Map

Mr J Ross's Explorations, 1874, Journal and folding map of the expedition, conducted at Thomas Elder's expense. South Australian Parliamentary paper No.67 1875

Antique gilt embellished faux leather bound Arabic manuscript

John Slowman: Guilty Burglar Transported for 14 Years

Slowman, John: Found Guilty of burgulary at the Central Criminal Court, London and transported for 14 years aboard the 'Anson' (departed 23rd Sept.1843, arrived at Vdl 4th Feb.1844): printed vellum document filled out in mss in various hands, being a…

North-West Expedition Journal 1914 by Herbert Basedow

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

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.

1857 Grant for Purchase of Land in Dunolly

1857 Grant By Purchase of Land in Dunolly, John Carter of Melbourne purchases a town lot in Dunolly on 5th October 1857. The vellum document bears the seal of the Colony of Victoria and is signed by Sir Henry Barkly, 2nd Governor of Victoria. 34 x 45 cm.…

1831 Australian Colonial Indenture of Release

Australian Colonial indenture of Release between John Piper (of Point Piper) to William Cox, dated 1831, for parcels of land in the Bringelly district, with signatures

1734 Indenture of Richard Woodcock

An indenture in the name of Richard Woodcock of Woughton of County of Buckingham 1734 ink on parchment with intact seal 60 x 84 cm

Darwin's Works: Domestication, Insects, Worms, Beagle Voyage

Charles Darwin: 'The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication' in 2 vols, by Darwin [2nd ed., London, 1875]; 'Insectivorous Plants' by Darwin [1st ed., London, 1875]; 'The formation of Vegetable Mould, through the action of Worms with…

[Van Diemen's Land] Oct.1844 & Jan.1853 vellum documents summarising 2 cases brought to court; the first signed by Thomas Horne [Judge, MP & Solicitor-General]; the latter signed by Valentine Fleming [Judge, chief Justice, MP &…

1870 Victorian Land Grant to Edward Fletcher in Carlton

An 1870 Victorian land Grant by purchase, December 1870 land grant to Edward Fletcher of an allotment in Lygon Street, Carlton, signed and sealed by the Governor, Viscount canterbury (John Henry Thomas Manners-Sutton). (the price of £106 is detailed in…

1856 Tasmanian Land Grant to James Reid

An 1856 Tasmanian land Grant by purchase, March 1856 land grant to James Reid of 500 acres in the vicinity of the river Inglis, County of Wellington, Tasmania, signed and sealed by the Governor, Sir Henry Edward fox young. (the price of £1 per acre is…

1855 Tasmanian Land Grant to Edward John Dawes

An 1855 Tasmanian land Grant by purchase, October 1855 land grant to Edward John Dawes of a Township allotment in York town, van Diemen's land, signed and sealed by the Governor, Sir Henry Edward fox young. (the price of £16/10/- is detailed in manuscript…

1855 Tasmanian Land Grant to Frederick Green in York Town

An 1855 Tasmanian land Grant by purchase, October 1855 land grant to Frederick green of a 4 acre Township allotment in York town, van Diemen's land, signed and sealed by the Governor, Sir Henry Edward fox young. (the price of £16/10/- is detailed in…

Governor Bowen's Signature on Costerfield Mining Lease (1876)

Bowen, Sir George Ferguson (1821?1899) Governor of Victoria, signature and seal on an October 1876 indenture granting Edwin Field permission to mine the specified land in the District of Sandhurst. The yearly 'rent' was set at four shillings. Four years…

Papers on Charges Against Lieut. Gen. Darling

Papers Explanatory of the Charges Brought Against Lieut. Gen. Darling By William Charles Wentworth, Esq Published by The House of Commons, London, July 1830. 60pp. Folio, in recent binding. An extremely fine fresh copy. British Parliamentary Paper HC586.…

Flinders' Private Journal Facsimile Edition

Facsimile edition - Matthew Flinders Private Journal 1803-1814, bound in quarter leather no. 18 of 150 copies

Kempton Land Grant to Joseph Speed

Land Grant, signed Eardley Wilmot, to Joseph Speed in the Town of Kempton

NSW Colonial Town Grants on Vellum, 1838-1862

Two NSW Colonial town Grants town lot on vellum, Wentworth, NSW, 1862: & town Grant on vellum, town of Richmond, 1838, Robert Martin

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…

King's letter on Bathurst ship from Sydney to London

Phillip Parker King & H.M.S Bathurst (hallmarked sterling Bathurst), Ship-letter carried from Sydney to London (Sydney,1823) manuscript leaf, folded to letter-size, housed in a quarter morocco solander case, 26 x 20 cm

Early NSW Settlement: 7 Historical Hardbound Titles

New South Wales - early European Settlement: group of 1970-80s hardbound titles comprising 'History of New South Wales from the Record' Vol.1 'Phillip 1783-1789' and Vol.2 'Phillip & Grose 1789-1794', 'The Wallabadah Manuscript' (early history of NSW…

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…

14th Century Legal Document in Old French

(Medieval Manuscript) Fourteenth century legal document in old French. Single vellum sheet, approx. 31 x 40 cm, dated (in a later hand) 1374 in upper left margin and 1478 on the outer surface; the text written in a neat, consistent hand, with two versal…

Historical Bridge Construction Documents

Documents relating to the construction of bridges. Engineers' drawing for the bridge on Blacktown Rd near Richmond, 1870. Enclosed in Mylar; Engineers' drawing for the chain of Ponds creek bridge, 1868. Enclosed in Mylar; Specification for the bridge at…

Aboriginal Proclamation 1816: Handmade Copy with Signatures

Copy of Gov Davies Proclamation on Aboriginals 1816, hand Produced for Hobart historical Exhibition 1931, signed by Members of the ABC

Land Grant: John Franklin awards 640 acres to James Aitken

Van Diemans Land, Land Grant, John Franklin, 640 acres to James Aitken

Botanical and Historical Reference Collection

A collection of 12 reference books including botanical and historical novels

A Voyage to Botany Bay - Facsimile Edition

Barrington, George, a voyage to Botany bay, a facsimile edition, London, Brummell press, 1969, No.59/350 copies, navy leather, slip-case, 20 x 13.5 cm

1862 International Exhibition Catalogue

Exhibition Catalogue: 'The Art journal illustrated catalogue of the International Exhibition 1862', by James S.Virtue (London), half bound morocco with marbled boards and embossed gilt title on the spine, minor wear and rubbing to the edges. VG condition

Duncan MacKINNON (1859-1932): A Family Archive

Duncan MacKINNON (1859-1932) and Family: An archive of photographs, documents and newspaper cuttings about the politician after whom the Duncan Mackinnon Reserve in Murrumbeena is named.

1858 Victorian Land Grant During Gold Rush

An 1858 Victorian Land Grant During The Gold Rush, October 1858 land grant by purchase to Joseph Ball of an allotment in Castlemaine, signed and sealed by the Governor, Sir Henry Barkly. (The price of £39/5/- is detailed in manuscript. 35 x 45 cm. The…

Bark Endeavour: A Voyage in Australian History

Parkin, Ray H. M. Bark Endeavour: Her Place In Australian History: With and Account of her Construction, Crew and Equipment and a Narrative of her Voyage on the East Coast of New Holland in the Year 1770. With Plans, Charts and Illustrations by the Author…

Australian Historical Documents and Reports

Australian Historical Documents in carton with Victoria Government reports on 1856 Immigration, 1857 Population Tables, 1864 Mining Surveyors, 1810-1910 mining information including Gold Find reports, also Ballarat related magazines and some Insurance…

Victorian Illuminated Address to Charles Moore

Victorian Illuminated Address to Charles Moore Charles Moore (1820-1895) settled in Sydney in 1850, and was elected Mayor of Randwick Municipal Council in 1863. He had close associations with St. Andrews Cathedral and Moore Park, Sydney was named after…

Renewal passes for Richmond District convicts, 1828

Richmond District Convicts Needing Tickets-of-Leave, October 1828 manuscript document signed by Josiah Spode, Principal Superintendent of Convicts at Hobart Town, addressed to F.A.Lascelles, Police Magistrate at Richmond advising that he encloses…

Travels in New Zealand, 1831-1837

Polack, Joel Samuel, New Zealand, being a Narrative of Travels and Adventures during a residence in that country between the years 1831 and 1837. (Richard Bentley, London 1838) - 2 Vols, pp.xii,403, vi,441. Complete with plates and folding map. Old half…

Government Expedition Journal 1914

Herbert Basedow 'Journal of the Government North-West Expedition' 1914

Cecil B. DeMille Signed Cheque, 1956

An autographed document: Cecil B. De mille signed Cheque 1956 Cecil B. De mille (1881 ? 1959) Hollywood Motion picture Producer and Director. 51 x 49 cm. Note: : Cecil B. De mille has two stars on the Hollywood walk of fame and remembered for his biblical…

19th Century Australian Political Letters and Pamphlets

Four 19th century Australian political letters and pamphlets. 11th January, 1858 Clark Irving's address to the Electors of Northumberland & hunter. Printed form sent as an entire letter with manuscript on one page. Postmarks for Windsor & Sydney; 2…

Historical Australian Colonial Legal Documents

Four historical Australian Colonial power of Attorneys, including Mrs Sarah Booth to James R Hill of Vaucluse, 1885, 1886 and Mrs Helen Machie Baillie to the Trustees of New South Wales Institution for the Deaf and dumb and the Blind, and Administration…

Bank of Australasia Passbook for William Howe (1898-1900)

Banking: The Bank of Australasia passbook for William Howe of Port Melbourne, 1898 - 1900. Vellum-covered with brass clasp; pages with marbled edges. Customer's name inscribed to front cover and title page, with dated transactions in ink throughout. 16.2…