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This booklet, produced in the same series as the guide to the Larmer Grounds, Farnham Museum and King John's House, is transcribed below. It is not clear when it was first written and published but it was after Spring 1896 and may have been written after Pitt-Rivers' death. Find out more about the golf course today here. It was taken from the copy in the Pitt Rivers Museum, Manuscript Collections, Pitt-Rivers Pamphlet Collection, item X.:

THE RUSHMORE-LARMER GOLF LINKS

These links were constructed by General Pitt-Rivers in the spring of the year 1896, as an addition to the amusements of the Larmer Grounds. Mr Thomas Dunn, of Bournemouth, the well-known Golf Professional, planned them and superintended their construction. [1]

It is intended that all visitors to the Larmer Grounds shall be free to play Golf on the payment of a fee to the Caretaker, and writing their names in a book provided for the purpose.

The charges are 6d. for Gentlemen and 3d. for Ladies for the day's play. [2] These charges are made as a contribution towards the maintenance of the Links and are liable to alteration.

Golf clubs may be hired and Golf balls bought at the Larmer Lodge. The charge for the hire of clubs is £d. per club and 1s. for a set. Clubs that are damaged or broken must be paid for at cost price.

The players will be required to adhere strictly to the Rules and Regulations laid down for observance on these Links.

All players will purchase a ticket at the Lodge, which will entitle the holder to play on the Links for the day.

It is advisable that players should wear the usual red coat when possible. [3] This is, however, optional.

THE RUSHMORE-LARMER GOLF CLUB

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The Members of this Club have the use of the New Rooms at the Larmer, where they can obtain refreshments at cheap rates. Apart from the advantages of privacy and accommodation thus secured, it will be the duty of the Club Committee to consider any suggestions for improvement made by Members, and accord them any reasonable privileges consistent with the comfort and freedom of casual visitors.

The annual Club subscription for Members is 5s. for Gentlemen and 2s. 6d. for Ladies. There is no entrance fee. [4]

Members of the Club are to purchase tickets at the Lodge for the day's play on the same terms as the public, viz.:- Gentlemen 6d. and Ladies 3d. per diem.

Members, if they prefer it, may pay, Gentlemen £1 and Ladies 10s. [5] This will include Membership, and entitle them to play all the year round without further expense.

Members may invite their friends to the Club Rooms, who will pay the same price for their playing tickets as the rest.

Further Regulations will be made, if found desirable, at a later date, when the requirements of the Club become better known.

Ladies and Gentlemen who desire to join the Club are requested to communicate with EDWARD CASTLEMAN, Esq., Hon. Sec. and Treasurer, Chettle Lodge, Blandford. [6]

All complaints should be made in writing to the Hon. Sec., who, if unable to deal with them himself, will submit them to the Committee.

------

Lawn Tennis Grounds have also been provided, which will be open to the Club and the other visitors. Rackets and Lawn Tennis balls may be hired at the Lodge. There is no charge made for playing Lawn Tennis.

LAWS OF THE GAME OF GOLF

AS PLAYED BY

THE ROYAL AND ANCIENT GOLF CLUB OF ST. ANDREWS, 1888.

I. MODE AND ORDER OF PLAYING THE GAME
1. The game of Golf is generally played by two sides. Each side may consist either of one person or of two, who play alternately. It may also be played by three or more sides, each playing its own ball.
2. The game commences by each side playing off a ball from a place called the "teeing-ground," for the first hole. In a match with two on a side, the partners shall strike off alternately from the tee; and the players opposed to each other shall be named at starting, and shall continue in the same order during the match. The player entitled to play off first shall be named by the parties themselves, and his side shall continue to lead off till they lose a hole; and although the courtesy of starting is generally granted to Captains of the Club and old Members, it may be settled by lot or toss of a coin.
3. The hole is won by the side holing at fewest strokes; and the reckoning of the strokes is made by the terms "odds" and "like," "two more," "three more," "one off two," &c.
4. The side gaining a hole shall lead at the next, except at the commencement of a new match, in which case the winner of the previous match is to lead, and is entitled to claim his privilege and recall his opponent's stroke should he play out of order. The privilege is called the "honour."
5. One round of the Links is reckoned a match, unless otherwise stipulated. The match is won by the side which wins one or more holes, in excess of the number of holes remaining to be played.
6. If, in a double match, a player shall play when his partner should have done so, his side loses the hole.

II. PLACE OF TEEING, AND PLAYING THROUGH THE GREEN.
7. The ball must be teed within the marks laid down by the Conservator of the Links, which shall be considered the "teeing-ground." The balls shall not be teed in advance of such marks, nor more than two club lengths behind them.
8. A ball played in contravention of this Rule may be recalled by the opposite side.
9. After teh balls are struck off, the ball furthest from the hole to which the partners are playing must be played first. No player shall play his teed ball till the party in front have played their second strokes; nor play on to the putting-green till the party in front of him has holed out. (It is requested that when a party is waiting to approach the hole, the party that is "holed out" will not cause delay by trying their putts over again.)

III. CHANGING THE BALLS
10. The balls struck off from the tee must not be changed, touched, or moved, before the hole is played out (except in striking, and the cases provided for by Rules IV, V, VII, VIII, IX, XIII, and XVI); and if the sides are at a loss to know one ball from the other, neither shall be touched without the consent of both.

IV. LIFTING OF BREAK CLUBS
11. All loose impediments within a club length of the ball may be removed, unless the ball lies within a bunker, on sand, on a molehill, on a road, or other hazard, or touching a growing whin (Rules VI, IX, XII)
12. When the ball lies in a bunker, sand, or any other hazard, there shall be no impression made by the club whilst addressing the ball, nor sand nor other obstacle removed "before striking at the ball."
13. A ball lying in sand, sprinkled on grass on the course for the preservation of the Links, shall be treated as if it lay on grass.
14. On no occasion is it allowable to press down any irregularities of surface to improve the lie of the ball.
15. When a ball lies near a washing-tub or implements used in the up-keep of the Links, they may be removed, and when on clothes, the ball may be lifted and dropped behind them without penalty.

V. ENTITLED TO SEE THE BALL
16. When a ball is completely covered with fog, bent whins &c., only so much thereof shall be set aside as that the player shall have a view of his ball before he plays whether in a line with the hole or otherwise.
17. Nothing that is growing may be bent, broken, or removed, except in the act of striking at the ball, or in the special occasion provided for in par. 16.
18. A ball stuck fast in wet ground or sand may be taken out and placed loosely in the hole it has made

VI. CLEARING THE PUTTING-GREEN
19. All loose impediments, except the opponent's ball, may be lifted on the putting-green.
20. The term "putting-green" shall be considered to mean those portions of the Links devoid of hazards within 20 yards of a hole. When ice or snow lies on the putting-green, parties are recommended to make their own arrangements as to its removal or not, before commencing their match.

VII. LIFTING BALLS
21. When the balls lie within six inches of each other, in any situation, the ball nearer the hole to which the parties are playing must be lifted till the other is played, and then placed as nearly as possible in its original position. Should the ball furthest from the hole be accidentally moved in so doing, it must be replaced without a penalty. The six inches to be measured from the nearest surface of the balls.
22. In a three or more ball match, a ball in any degree lying between the player and the hole must be lifted as above, or, if on the putting-green, holed out.

VIII. BALL IN WATER
23. If the ball lie in the water, [sic] the player may take it out, change it if he pleases, drop it, and play from behind the hazard, losing a stroke.

IX. RUBS OF THE GREEN AND PENALTIES
24. Whatever happens to a ball by accident, such as being moved or stopped by any person not engaged in the match, or by the fore caddie, must be reckoned a "Rub on the Green" and submitted to.
25. If, however, the player's ball strike his opponent or his opponent's caddie or club, or is moved by them, the opponent loses the hole.
26. If the ball strike himself or his partner, or either of their caddies or clubs, or is stopped by them, or if, while in the act of playing, he strikes the ball twice, the player loses the hole.
26. If the ball strikes himself or his partner, or either of their caddies or clubs, or is stopped by them, or if, while in the act of playing, he strikes the ball twice, the player loses the hole.
27. If the player or his partner touch their ball with the foot or any part of the body (except as provided for in Rules IV, V, VII and VIII), or with anything except the club, his side loses a stroke.
28. If the player, whilst addressing himself to the ball, on any occasion, except at the tee, touch it so as to cause it to move, or if his hand, foot or club touch a bent, stick, or anything which causes the ball to move, or if the player's caddie moves the ball, he loses a strike.
29. A ball is considered to have been moved if it leaves its original position in the least degree, and stops in another; but if a player touches his ball so as to make it merely oscillate and not leave its original position, it is not considered to have been moved.
30. If a player or his caddie strike the opponent's ball in any manner, that side loses the hole; but if he plays it inadvertently, thinking it is own, and the opponent also plays the wrong ball, it is then too late to claim the penalty, and the hole must be played out with the balls thus changed. If, however, the mistakes occurs from wrong information given by one party to the other, the penalty cannot be claimed, and the mistake, if discovered before the other party has played, must be rectified by replacing the ball as nearly as possible where it lay.
31. If a player’s ball be played away by mistake, or be lifted by any agency outside the match, then the player must drop it, or another ball, as near the spot as possible without any penalty. Should this occur on the putting-green the ball may be replaced by hand.

X. BALL LOST
32. In match playing, a ball lost entails the loss of the hole. Should the ball not be found within ten minutes, the opposite side can claim the hole.

XI. CLUB BREAKING
33. If, in striking, the club breaks, it is nevertheless to be counted a stroke, if the part of the club remaining in the player’s hand either strike the ground or pass the ball.

XII. HOLING OUT THE BALL
34. In holing, no mark shall be placed, or line drawn, to indicate the line to the hole; the ball must be played fairly and honestly for the hole, and not on the opponent’s ball, not being in the way to the hole; nor although lying in the way to the hole is the player entitled to play with any strength upon it that might injure his opponent’s position, or greater than is necessary honestly to send his own ball the distance of the hole.
35. Either player, when it is his turn to play, may remove, but not press down, sand, or worm heaps, lying around the hole, or on the line of his "putt"; but this must be done lightly by the player or his caddie, with the hand only. Except as above mentioned, or when the player is in the act of addressing himself to the ball, the putting line must not be touched by club, hand, nor foot. If the player desires the "line to the hole", it may be pointed out by a club shaft only.
36. If, in holing out, the ball rest upon the flag-stick in the hole, the player shall be entitled to have the stick removed, and if the ball fall in, it shall be considered as holed out; but either party is entitled to have the flag-stick removed when approaching the hole. When the player’s ball rests on the lip of the hole, his opponent, after holing in the "odd" or the "like" shall be entitled to strike way the ball which is at the lip of the hole, claiming the hole if he shall have holed in the "like"; and the "half" if he shall have holed in the "odd". But no player shall be entitled to play until his opponent’s ball shall have ceased rolling.

XIII.   UNPLAYABLE BALLS
37. In Match playing every ball must be played, wherever it lies, or the hole given up, excepting where otherwise provided for (Rules IV and VIII).
38.   If a ball lies in any of the holes made for golfing, or on ground under repair by the conservator of the links, it may be lifted, dropped behind the hazard, and played without losing a stroke.
39.  In all cases where a ball is to be dropped, the party doing so shall front the hole to which he is playing, standing behind the hazard, and dropping the ball behind him from his head.

XIV.   ASKING ADVICE
40. A player must not ask advice about the game, by word, look, or gesture, from any one except his own caddie, his partner’s caddie, or his partner.

XV.   PARTIES PASSING EACH OTHER
41. Any party having lost a ball, and incurring delay by seeking for it, may be passed by any other party coming up.
42. On all occasions a "two-ball" match may pass a party playing three or more balls.
43. Parties turning before going the whole round must let any two-ball match that has done so pass them.

XVI.  BALLS SPLITTING
44. If a ball should split into two or more pieces, a fresh ball shall be put down where the largest portion of the ball lies; and if the ball is cracked the player may change it on intimating his intention of doing so to his opponent.

XVII.  BREACH OF RULES
Where no penalty for the infringement of a rule is specially mentioned, the loss of the hole shall be understood to be the penalty.

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Notes [not included in original text, added by transcriber]

[1] Tom Dunn (1850-1902) was a prolific designer of golf courses in the UK and abroad and a golf club maker. See a list of the golf courses he designed in London here. He was the golf professional at Meyrick Park golf course at Bournemouth from 1894. The photograph of him is taken from here.

[2] The equivalent of roughly £3 for men and £1.50 for women golfers.

[3] According to the British Golf Museum, 'In the 18th century, golfers wanted to stand out, both in society and on the course.  Many clubs required their members to wear formal red jackets.  Based on military jackets, they were essentially a uniform.  Golfers could be fined by their club if not properly dressed.  Today, red jackets are usually only worn for ceremonial occasions as a link to the past.'

[4] The annual fees for men were therefore just over £16 and for women just over £8.

[5] Just over £90 for men, £45 for women golfers

[6] Probably Edward Castleman (1870-1946) who also played cricket for Dorset. He owned Chettle House, and was apparently very keen on hunting. He married a rich heiress Jessie Morris who brought money to the estate.

The image of the golf course is taken from here.

Note that the map shows the race-course that Pitt-Rivers also provided for the public.

AP May 2012

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As one of the public attractions on his estate, Pitt-Rivers established some pleasure grounds, the Larmer Tree Gardens. He published an (undated, but must have been post 1894) guide to them, which was printed in a short booklet with a guide to King John's House and the Museum at Farnham.

Going to the Larmer Gardens or to the Museum or King John's House was a way for the public to meet General Pitt-Rivers. As Bowden relates:

'... as Frank Adams recalled: 'Now if you should happen to pick up a half dozen coins which is quite an easy thing to do after these excavations ... proudly take them to Larmer on a Sunday afternoon; if you see him by himself strolling across the lawn and show him these coins, it would please him immensely that would. He thought you had an interest in archaeology.' [1991: 151-2]

The photographs are from a visit made to Larmer Tree Gardens on 27 May 2012, by Friends of the Pitt Rivers Museum and members of the Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project team and M.St Students from the Pitt Rivers Museum. We are very grateful to some of them for providing copies of their images to the website.

THE LARMER GROUNDS

The Larmer Grounds are the property of General Pitt-Rivers, of Rushmore, who, whilst retaining all rights of ownership and privacy, has laid them out as pleasure grounds, for the recreation of the people in the neighbouring towns and villages. They were commenced in 1880, and have been improved from time to time. The Temple was erected in 1880, the Band-Stand in 1886, the half-timbered cottage for the Caretaker in 1881. The bronze statue of "The hunter of early days" was put up in 1883. This beautiful little work was done by the celebrated sculptor, Mr Boehm, and represents very faithfully an ancient British hunter mounted on his small horse, and watching his prey with his spear in his hand. [1] The dell was originally dug for brick-earth, and has been planted with shrubs and trees. Walks and a lawn have been made in the surrounding oak woods. The bronze storks in the pond are Japanese.

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The Larmer Tree is traditionally the spot where King John used to meet with his huntsmen when stopping at his hunting box, now called King John's House, in Tollard Royal. Tollard derives the name Royal from the fact that King John, in the right of Isabella his wife, held a knight's fee there. The Chase was originally a Royal hunting-ground, and belonged to the King.

The etymology of the word "Larmer" has been much disputed. It was originally spelt Lavermere, which has been corrupted and abbreviated into Larmer in quite recent times. The termination mere is undoubtedly boundary, like the town of Mere. The spot is still the boundary of two counties and three parishes. But the first two syllables, Laver, or Lauer, as it is sometimes spelt in old maps, has been questioned. It was no doubt a boundary mark in the Chase, and was probably named from some shrub or plant that grew in abundance on the spot. Some have supposed it to be derived from the Anglo-Saxon Laur (Latin, Laurus), a laurel or bay tree. But the best derivation for it appears to be that suggested by the Rev. J.H. Ward, Rector of Gussage St. Michael, Anglo-Saxon Laefer, a bulrush. Barnes, in his "Glossary of the Dorset Dialect," says that the term Levers, or Lever, is still used for the great yellow flag or its leaves (iris). It is retained in the word "laefer bottomed chair," a basket or rush-bottomed chair. This plant is still abundant in the woods and hedgerows. In an Anglo-Saxon charter of King Eadwig, 10th century, Mr Ward has found that in defining a boundary in this neighbourhood mention is made of Lafresmere, and immediately afterwards of the Mearc-treowe, or boundary tree, which probably refers to this place, and if so, it is the earliest mention of it on record. Rushmore was originally spelt Rushmere, and was no doubt like Lavermere, a rush boundary. Bridmore, close by, was spelt Bridmere or Britmere, and like Britford near Salisbury, probably referred to the boundary of the Britons.

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It seems likely then, that these meres may have been the boundaries that separated the Saxons from the West Welsh, which, as Green in his "Making of England" has shown, lay somewhere in this neighbourhood for more than 100 years about the time of the 6th century. The old tree was originally a wych elm, a fragment of the rind of which was standing until it was blown down in the winter of 1894. [2] An oak tree had been planted in the centre of the rind after the centre had decayed. This has grown up, and now remains the only representative of the Larmer Tree. Under the wych elm the Chase Courts used to be held for the settlement of all matters relating to the Chase. The members of the Court afterwards dined together at King John's House. A public hunt, like the Epping hunt, used to be held here during the time that the Court was sitting, some time in September, when a stag was turned out and hunted. This was discontinued by Lord Rivers in 1789.

The costume of the Caretaker is a survival of the dress worn by the Chase keepers, a full length portrait of one of whom, by Romney, is preserved in Rushmore House.[3]

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From the Temple on the lawn, Rushmore is seen through a gap in the wood to the north-east, over a wooded valley in the Park. To the south-east, the white cliffs of the Needles, Isle of Wight, thirty miles distant, can be seen on a clear day, through the arched vista in the paling which bounds the garden on the east side. In addition to the general lawn, there are six quarters hedged off by laurels and shrubs, and intended for picnic parties. These may be engaged beforehand, if they happen to be available at the time, by writing to the Caretaker, Larmer Grounds, Tollard Royal, Salisbury. The quarters are named after animals as follows:-- 1. Owl's Quarter; 2 Cat's Quarter; 3. Yak's Quarter; 4. Stag's Quarter; 5. Hog's Quarter; 6. Hound's Quarter. Others are in course of preparation. Each quarter has an arbour, seats and tables. The Caretaker is directed not to reserve any quarter for a party of less than eight. When not engaged, the quarters are open to the public. The grounds are open to the public every day, gratis, Sundays included, from mid-day to dark. The gates are locked by order of General Rivers in the evening until about mid-day on the following day, for the preservation of rights. They are also locked on certain occasions during the whole day, or when General Rivers reserves the grounds for private parties. The old notice respecting trespassers, which was attached to a tree before the grounds were laid out, remains standing. All parties of more than twenty, coming to the Larmer, should write to the Caretaker beforehand to ask permission, or to the Head Gardener, Rushmore, or to General Rivers. Picnic parties wishing to have quarters reserved for them should write to the Caretaker, stating the number, and what they will require. General Rivers provides crockery, knives and forks, and other materials for picknickers gratis. The attendants will expect a slight renumeration for their trouble. Two cooking stoves with cooking utensils, methylated spirits, and other necessaries, are provided by General Rivers, but the parties must bring their own cooks. Chairs, tables and dumb-waiters are also provided. The Caretaker can provide milk, tea, coffeee, bread, butter, salt, pepper, mustard, lemons, potatoes, ginger beer, flour, fresh eggs, and some other commodities, but he should know what will be required, if possible, two days before. Meat vegetables, fruit, sauces and liquor of all kinds must be brought, if required by the visitors. No alcoholic liquor is allowed to be sold on the grounds, except on special occasions, when due provisions will be made. German skittles, bowls and swings are provided in the shrubbery. Chairs, tables, and benches in sufficient number are on the lawn and in the quarters.

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The Band consists of workmen on the Rivers estate. Mr. A. Lawes, of Tollard Royal, Salisbury, is the Band-master, to whom application should be made by parties requiring the Band in the evening. The Band is paid by General Rivers every time it plays at the Larmer, except when privately engaged by parties for their evening amusements. He also provides the uniform, instruments, and instruction. Parties who require to have the Band on any day can do so from 5.30 pm till dark, on applying to the Bandmaster. The charge will be 35s. for the evening for about 16 men. [4]

The Band is also allowed to engage itself for the day in the neighbourhood on special occasions, arrangements being made with the Bandmaster, who acts in all  cases under the orders of General Pitt-Rivers. Accommodation for 20 horses is provided in the stables inside the grounds, and further arrangements for tying up horses are made outside. Drivers should bring their own head collars and feeding bags. The Band plays every Sunday in the grounds, during the Summer months, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Bandmaster is the Organist in the Church and has to attend every Service.

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General Rivers will alter all the arrangements at the Larmer, from time to time, at his own discretion, should it be found necessary.

The Larmer Grounds have been made the headquarters of a Bicycle Club, and is much visited by cyclists from all parts.

There has never been a single instance of drunkenness, disorder, or trouble of any kind during the seven years that the Larmer and other places have been open to the public, nor has any damage whatever been done. Arrangements are, however, made with the police to meet any difficulty, should it occur, and two policemen are present every Sunday and on other days when large numbers are expected.

General Pitt-Rivers has been in the habit of opening the grounds and the field adjoining it for races and sports some time in September, the arrangements for which are conducted by himself, with the assistance of a committee. General Rivers gives the prizes. Notice of these meetings and a programme of the sports are circulated in the neighbourhood and in the local newspapers. These meetings are intended to be a survival of the hunt which used to take place here at the same time of the year, and which was discontinued by Lord Rivers in 1789. These meetings have usually been attended by a large concourse of people.

All persons visiting the Larmer, the Museum, and King John's House, must sign their names in a book. A single name will be sufficient for large parties, stating the total number in the column provided for the purpose. It is the Caretaker's business to see that this is done.

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Distances from the Larmer.

The Larmer Grounds are distant:-

From the Museum at Farnham, 2 miles

From the Museum Hotel at Farnham, 1 3/4 miles

From King John's House at Tollard, by path, 1/2 mile

From the little Menagerie in Rushmore Park, by road, 2 miles

From Blandford, via Tarrant Hinton and Gunville, 9 miles

From Bournemouth, via Wimborne and Poole, 25 miles

From Cranborne, via Handley, 8 1/2 miles

From Fordingbridge, via Cranborne 15 miles

From Gillingham, via Shaftesbury, 15 miles

From Poole, via Wimborne, 20 miles

From Ringwood, via Horton, 16 1/2 miles

From Salisbury, via Woodyates and Handley, 17 miles

From Semley, via Ludwell, 9 1/2 miles

{joomplu:1102 detail align right}From Shaftesbury, 7 1/2 miles

From Tisbury, via Berwick and Rushmore Park, 11 1/4 miles

From Wilton, via Toney Stratford, 16 1/2 miles

From Wimborne, via Horton, 13 miles.

Parties visiting the Larmer from Blandford, Tarrant Gunville, and Iwerne, can go along the new road in Farnham Wood, the gates of which are only locked periodically for the preservation of rights.

Telegraphic communication to all parts is established in Tollard Royal, within ten minutes of the Larmer.

Visitors coming from Tisbury and the north can go through Rushmore Park, on asking permission to do so at the Lodge gates. There is no right of way.

Notes [added by transcriber, not part of original publication]

[1] This statue in now in a private collection, according to here. It was first sculpted by Joseph Edgar Boehm (1834-1890) in 1868, and exhibited at the Royal Academy in the same year. The Victoria and Albert Museum has a plaster cast of the sculpture [1806-1892].

[2] This fragment of tree can still be seen in the small museum in the Larmer Gardens in 2012.

[3] This portrait is listed in Pitt-Rivers' art catalogue on page 48, and shows Elias Bailey, last Chase-Keeper. See the last image on this page.

[4] Roughly £155 in 2012 according to here, based on purchasing power.

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Transcribed by AP May 2012.

This is a listing and transcription of some of  the material donated by Anthony Pitt-Rivers to the Pitt Rivers Museum in 2012. Box 1

Handwritten summary on modern paper:

1 Portfolio on Ancient Monuments correspondence which has not been answered

2 Aberlemno stones Forfarshire

3 Dorset Tenant Hill Circle

Gorwell Circle

Dorchester Ampitheatre

Poxwell Circle

4. Pewsey & Salisbury light railway including a lecture on rifle shooting]

1 Portfolio on Ancient Monuments correspondence which has not been answered

B6856 30 Oct 1896 Public Buildings Estimates 1897-8 Protection of Ancient Monuments, memo asking how much PR thinks should be set aside in estimates for care of ancient monuments, PR replies at bottom:

“Since 1891 the Ancient Monuments Act has been virtually in abeyance, in consequence of the decision of the Board of Works, that I should no longer endeavour to obtain fresh monuments, but that “the Act being permissive the attitude of the Government should be passive.” If this working of the Act is still considered satisfactory, I see no reason why any additional sum should be noted beyond what is necessary to keep the Monuments now under the Act in good repair. I have no opinion to offer on the subject. My letter to Mr Primrose of the 20th Feb 1891 sufficiently explains my views, but I think it desirable to take this opportunity of referring to the subject, in case dissatisfaction should be expressed on the part of archaeologists, and in order to show that it was not by my desire that the Act was discontinued. There has been some private correspondence with the owners of monuments since 1891, and some good done, but nothing contrary to the general tenor of my instructions. I have no knowledge whether the sum of £100 is sufficient or even whether it has been drawn.

Nov 14th 1896 A Pitt Rivers

[There follows a set of Govt correspondence relating to ancient monuments

Folder with ribbon, Amesbury and Military Camp Light Railway

Letter from The National Trust 8 January 1897 drawing attention to the destruction of prehistoric remains on Sherburton Common Dartmoor from Lionel Curtis [2 copies]

2. Cardboard Folder with printed label ‘Ancient Monuments Act / Monument: Aberlemno Stones / County:- Forfarshire, N.B. / Parish:- Aberlemno / Owner:- Mr Patrick Webster

Envelope marked: Anc. Mons. Act. / Aberlemno Stones / (a) Sheriff Thoms’s letters / (b) Genl. Rivers letter to Mr Webster / (c) Webster’s (Mr) Reply

Contains:

1 letter dated 13 September 1889 from George H.M. Thoms to PR

1 letter dated 7 October 1889 from George H.M. Thoms to PR

1 letter dated 10 October 1889 from PR to Patrick Webster

1 letter dated 22 October 1889 from ….ship [illegible, appears to be Webster’s offspring to PR]

1 letter dated 28 October 1889 from PR to unnamed recipient ‘My dear Sir’

Piece of paper headed ‘Aberlemno Plates 78 to 81 vol I [PR’s handwriting]

2 drawings of crosses and iconography on them marked Plate 80 and Plate LXXXI

One set of carbon copies of letters marked ‘Complete’ of correspondence about Aberlemno Stones.

Contains:

1 letter from George H.M. Thoms to PR dated 13 September 1889

1 letter from George H.M. Thoms to PR dated 7 October 1889

1 letter from PR to Patrick Webster dated 10 October 1889 [see above]

1 letter from Patrick Webster [NB the signature did not look like it to me, but see above] to PR dated 22 October 1889

1 letter from PR to George Thoms dated 28 October 1889

Typed transcript of formal memo from PR regarding Ancient Monuments Act 1882 and Aberlemno Stones [2 copies]

2nd copy of above correspondence marked ‘Incomplete’which in addition to the above includes

1 letter from H. Cuffe dated 15 April 1890 regarding stones

1 letter from Patrick Webster dated 12 April 1890 to H. Cuffe

1 memo from PR to ?Cuffe dated 21 April 1890

1 memo from PR to ?Cuffe dated 2 February 1891

3rd copy of above correspondence marked ‘Incomplete’which in addition to the above includes

1 letter from H. Cuffe dated 15 April 1890 regarding stones

1 letter from Patrick Webster dated 12 April 1890 to H. Cuffe

1 memo from PR to ?Cuffe dated 21 April 1890

1 memo from PR to ?Cuffe dated 2 February 1891

3. Dorset

1 Letter marked ‘Crichel Wimborne’ and ‘Friday’

1 set of correspondence fastened together:

Letter from John Evans, June 16 1890
Nash Mills
Hemel Hempstead
June 16 1890
Many thanks for the sight of the enclosed which I return in case you may like to send it to some one else. I do not think that the amphitheatre at Dorchester is one of the monuments under your charge, but I may mention that I have a letter from Mr Onion that is suffering from the turf being worn through and holes being grubbed in the underlying chalkby the boys of the neighbourhood. Is it worth while writing to the Mayor of Dorchester?
Believe me
Yours most truly
John Evans

Copy letter from PR 23 June 1890
>June 23rd 90
Dear Mr Mansell Pleydell
Thanks for sending me the report of your address it is most useful to give a resumé of …. Work of the year in the way you have done.
I enclose a typed copy of a letter from Mr Evans the President of the Society of Antiquaries about the … amphitheatre. I moved in the matter of its protection some time ago the Mayor was in favour of putting it under the act but it belongs to the Duchy of Cornwall & the Duchy refused. I know nothing of the damage reported in the letter but it is a pity … not been looked after. I always now refer such …. to the local archaeological body and some good has been done in that way perhaps you could take it up
Yrs very truly
A Pitt Rivers
June 23rd 1890
Dear Sir
I enclose a type written copy of a letter from Dr [?] Evans President of the Society of Antiquaries relating to some damage done in the Ampitheatre in Dorchester and shall be glad if you should find it in your Power to stop the injury complained of. You will remember there was a previous correspondence on the subject
Yours truly
A Pitt Rivers
… Inspector of Ancient Monuments in Britain
Town Clerk’s Office
Dorchester June 26th 1890
Sir,
The Mayor has handed to me your letter of the 23rd inst. with enclosure relating to certain damage stated to have been committed to the Maumbury Rings or Ampitheatre at this town. A letter has also been received by the Mayorfrom Mr Henry Moule the Curator of the Dorset County Museum on the same subject. As I think was pointed out in the previous correspondence to which you allude the amphitheatre is the property of The Duchy of Cornwall and the Corporation of Dorchester has no jurisdiction over it which would enable them to take steps for its preservation.
The Mayor however is much obliged to you for drawing his attention to the matter which he has directed me to bring under the notice of the Duchy authorities.
I remain Sir Yours obediently
H. Symonds
… Town Clerk
To Genl. A. Pitt Rivers
Inspector of Ancient Monuments
Rushmore Salisbury

Empty envelope marked ‘Ampitheatre at Dorchester A.M. Act Correspondence

1 letter dated 5 October 1887 addressed from 13 Brunswick Terrace Brighton [Bridehead Dorchester] from Mr Robert Williams regarding two monuments

Line drawing of Cromlech near Tenant Hill, near Gorwell, Dorsetshire with plan

Letter from J. Mansell Pleydell dated 22 September 1887 to PR saying he had written to Mayor about placing Ampitheatre at Dorchester under Ancient Monuments Act

Letter from Albert Banks to PR from Wolfeton House, Dorchester dated 27 September 1887 saying he would write to Mayor about placing Ampitheatre at Dorchester under Ancient Monuments Act

Letter from Albert Banks to PR from Wolfeton House, Dorchester dated 29 September 1887 saying he had reply from Mayor saying that Ampitheatre was partly on Borough and partly on Duchy land

Letter of support from Alfred Pope South Walk House Dorchester dated 30 September 1887

Further letter from Alfred Pope South Walk House Dorchester dated 31 September 1887

Letter from J. Mansell Pleydell dated 1 October 1887 to PR

Illegible letter from unknown correspondent dated 1 October 1887 to PR

Letter from PR to ? dated 6 October 1887 asking if Duchy have considered request to place Ampitheatre at Dorchester under Ancient Monuments Act

Letter from Duchy of Cornwall Office dated 7 October 1887 sayig request to place Ampitheatre at Dorchester under Ancient Monuments Act will be referred to Council

Letter from Duchy of Cornwall Office dated 13 December 1887 turning down request to place Ampitheatre at Dorchester under Ancient Monuments Act.

Copy letter from PR to Mayor of Dorchester 6 October 1887 on preservation of amphitheatre

Copy letter from PR to Duchy of Cornwall 6 October 1887 on preservation of amphitheatre

Letter 10 June 1893 from Richard C. Tuckett, The Bristol and District Footpath Preservation Society to PR regarding ‘certain wrongful encroachments’ on Hambledon Hall near Blandford

Letter dated May 6 1895 regarding Tenant Hill Circle from Edward Cunnington to PR with copy reply sent 18 May 1895 from PR.

Large sealed Legal sized envelope marked ‘Dorchester Ampitheatre’

Letter from J. Mansell Pleydell dated November 2?

Letter to paper about Dorset Field Club on the Monument in county by PR 7 February 1888:
Rushmore
Feb 7th 1888
Sir
From the remarks that were made at the meeting of the Dorset Natural History field club the report of which appeared in your last number. It would appear as if I had advocated some lesser scheme for collecting scientific information than that which this club are able and willing to undertake. this however requires explanation. there can be no doubt that the field club is well engaged in collecting and tabulating information upon all the various subjects that fall within its province and this is sure to be well done under the able guidance of Mr Mansel Pleydell the President. Any recommendations that I have made upon the subject have need had reference to the Ancient Monuments Act only the carrying out of which in Great Britain has been placed in my hands by the Government. the Act is purely permissive and at present relates to prehistoric monuments only nor does the Government propose to include in the Act all the [insert] purchasable [end insert] monuments that can be obtained but only the most important ones. It would not be right to saddle the country with the expense of maintaining minor monuments which must be left to local societies to look after. It is possible the scope of the act may be excluded hereafter meanwhile neither British nor Romanroads have as yet been included to protect a road would require the voluntary cooperation of all the owners over whose property the road passes, Dorsetshire is not very rich in monuments of the better class of prehistoric monuments Mr Williams has offered the nine stones at Winterbourne Abbas. Mr Sheridan the grey mall & colts and king stone Russell stone circle has been offered by the Duke of Bedford which I trust will be accepted & others no doubt maybe added to the list.

Handwritten transcription of an extract from The Gentleman’s Magazine1768 regarding stones a quarter of a mile east of Poxwell

Drawings of Poxwell stone circle with covering paper

Letter from J. Mansel Pleydell dated March 7 1887

Letter from PR to Mansel Pleydell re Pokeswell [sic] 2 November 1887

Letter from Jocelyn Cambridge 6 November 1887 regarding Poxwell to PR

Ancient Monuments Act memoranda dated 1 November 1887 regarding Tenant Hill circle B 6936 / 87

Ancient Monuments Act memoranda dated 6 October 1887 regarding Gorwell circle B 6278 / 87

4. Pewsey & Salisbury light railway including a lecture on rifle shooting]

Envelope marked Amesbury Light Railway postmarked 23 April 1896 from Light Railway Commission, to authorise proposed railway

Supplement to London Gazette March 2 1858[Promotions to Army Ranks, presumably Lane Fox is listed]

2 copies of Draft lecture, presumably this might be draft from 1850s, the handwriting is much more legible than later drafts but the paper is apparently very similar to the large blue paper used later for draft papers. One is in rougher hand than other

Covering letter from Ambrose Poynter Secretary of National Trust 13 February 1899 enclosing

Draft Bill for the Preservation of Interesting Places 7 February 1899

Draft Bill to amend the Ancient Monuments Protection Act 8th February 1899

And saying meeting on 22nd February to discuss

Copy of printed The Light Railways Act 1896 Great Western Railways Pewsey and Salisbury Light Railway with correspondence

AP May 2012

These are the notes written by W.S. Tomkin during a photographic course at the "Polytechnic" during 1889 where he was taught to photograph both landscapes and objects, useful in his role as Pitt-Rivers' assistant. See here for more information.

Note that it will be clear from the following entries that the notebook has, for some reason, been numbered originally and by the National Archives in reverse order, a reversed set of notes are available here.

Page 27 [marked 34 on top]
Chemicals required
1/4 lb Acetate of Soda
1 ounce precipitated chalk
Van der Weyde 182 Regent right hand side going up 870
July 22nd 1d 1d to "Polytechnic"
2d to W. & M. from there to Phototype Company 2d from there to Victoria

Page 28 [marked 35 on top]
July 20th
Exposed an Ilford plate ordinary for oil painting indoors with stop No. 2 for about 40 45 seconds (Light failing)
Inserted 3 other plates in dark slides
July 21st
Plate
Plate I in dark slide is unexposed
Plate II Selbys House
Plate III Selby's House
Plate IV Ightham Church

Page 29 [marked 36 on top]
[illegible, possibly Toning] solution will keep with care for 6 months replenish gold about 2 hrs before use and allow to stand occasionally add abt. a drum of acetate of soda Precipitated chalk to be in the bottom of the bottle
Avoid top lights
Interior painted French grey
Floor covered with carpet
Light to face north or north east
Door with lock
Perfectly firm on foundations
Narrow floor boards
Water tight windows

Page 30 [marked 37 on top]
If [insert] warm [end insert] tones [insert] are required [end insert] keep in bath much shorter time
Rinse in water and change and then they the prints are ready for fixing bath
Fixing Bath
1 part (oz) of Hypo
10 ozs of water and 10 minims of strong Ammonia [illegible]
Keep constantly moving in this bath for abt 15 mn take out and give 1/2 doz changes of water (keeping prints moving) and finally wash in running water for about 10 hours
To dry
Lay out on pink blotting paper or better still a clean towel

Page 31 [marked 38 on top]
Proceed as follows -
8 drums of acetate of soda (1/4 lb) dissolved in 80 ozs of water (distilled) then add an (8 grs) ounce of gold ch. solution shake the bottle and add 1 drum of precipitated chalk [insert] 40 grs [end insert] (I ounce to get of this) After 24 hours (after mixing) this is ready for use
Carefully avoid contamination
Solution to be 70 [degrees]
If cold it wont tone
In winter warm
Keep prints constantly moving whilst toning
Return superfluous toning solution to bottle
put away toning dish after use
Tone till a slight amount of red in the shadows only remains

Page 32 [marked 39 on top]
3 plates of my own (Ilford) used for the Genl's work
Focussing cloth 1s 6d
Operation after printing
Keep two distinct dishes for Hypo. one for fixing negatives and one for printing
Tone prints after printing
Toning to take place as soon after printing as possible
Washing in 3 changes of 5 min allowing 1 gallon of water per change
Keep constantly moving and turning
Toning bath
Should be prepared 24 hours before being used

Page 33 [marked 40 on top]
Plate III Bronze figure of Dante 
P. Good No 2 stop used exposure about 15 seconds
Plate IV Bronze figure
P. Good No 2 stop used exposure about 15 seconds
The dullness of the plates exposed for Kit's Coty House and the Maidstone Museum is caused by light getting to them whilst changing in the dark room
This is a fact to be noted. Great care must be taken that no light can get to the plates whatever until they are exposed
4 to 5 on Friday
Fares 2d
To Elliots and Phototype Co. from there to Poly 2d

Page 34 [marked 41 on top]
July 15th

Plate I Ivory Carving  Stop No 4 exposure about 15 seconds No sunlight D90 90 60 [insert] not so well [illegible] as the first exposure [end insert]

Plate II Bronze figure of Grenadier Stop no 4 exposure about 15 seconds no sunlight D 90 90 60 [insert] Details better in this than in first attempt [end insert]

Plate I Carved head of Cleopatra in granite No 2 stop used exposure about 15 seconds Developer 90 90 60 [insert] P. Good [end insert]

Plate II Flint implement no 2 stop used Exposure about 15 seconds Developer 90 90 60 [insert] [2 words illegible] not right otherwise about right

Page 35 [marked 42 on top]

July 13th

W.&M. [illegible]

Pl/1 Kits Coty House

Pl 2 Kits Coty House front view 2 seconds full aperture

Pl 3 Distant view full aperture

Ilford Plates

Pl 4 Distant view full aperture

Pl 5 Maidstone Museum stop 3 15 seconds

Pl 6 Maidstone Museum stop 3 15 seconds

July 14th Ilford Plates

Plate 1 Beech tree with figure stop 3 15 seconds no sunlight

Plate II Beech tree 20 seconds

Plate III Trees with figure stop 3 15 seconds [insert] very good P. [end insert]

Page 36 [marked 43 on top]

Plate 5 Carved ivory figure on fish. Stop 4 used exposure about 10 seconds no sunlight [insert] exposure and development might have been slightly increased 50%

Plate 6 Two [illegible] figures stop 4 used exposure about     seconds no sunlight

5 same exposure same stop Ammonia to be used starting with full amount

July 12th

3 W & W Instantaneous Nos 1-2 and 3

3 Ilford Plates ordinary [Note along side] This plate (negative) complimented by Polytechnic authorities also by Messrs Waterlow & Sons representative

Page 37 [marked 44 on top]

July 11th

Plate 1 Bronze figure of dancing faun Stop 5 used exposure 5 seconds Good strong light [insert] underexposed [end insert]

Plate 2 Bronze fig. of Gundsuma Stop 5 used exposure 5 seconds Good strong light [insert] underexposed 3 times more [end insert]

Plate 3 Terra Cotta Tanagra fig against dark background Stop 5 used exposure 5 seconds Light not so strong

Plate 4 Two Tanagra figures against a white background Stop 5 used exposure 8 seconds Light not so strong

Page 38 [marked 45 on top]

Development continued

For objects not more than 30 ft from camera such as carvings and details in very strong relief and with strong contrasts

Pyro 60

Bromide 30

Ammonia 30 to be made up to 3 ozs with water

For every object not more than 10 ft from the camera Pyro 10 minims

Page 39 [marked 46 on top]

Development

For open subjects such as landscapes, architecture &c

7 1/2 x 5 plates require 3 ozs of developer

Pyro 20 to 40 minims per oz

Bromide equal quantity

Ammonia 1/2 to 2/3 (begin with the smaller quantity)

Pyro 90

Bromide 90

Ammonia 45 to be made up to 3 ozs with water

For distant landscapes and subjects showing very slight contrasts

Pyro 180

Bromide 90

Ammonia 90  at first to be made up to 3 ozs with water

Page 40 [marked 47 on top]

July 10th G.G.

Pl 1 Bronze figure of Faun (Satyr) no 4 stop used good light exposure about 5 seconds

Tanagra figure very much under-developed which causes background to be toned instead of white

Skull also underdeveloped giving same results.

Page 41 [marked 48 on top]

The evening light of the above was too weak except for detailed subject use no 3 stop

Wednesday morning 10.30 to 11.30

At Grosvenor Gardens A 60 B 30 C 30  Stop Exposure Bronze figure and Egyptian painted tablet taken with small lens no stop used. Light good exposed about 4 seconds Ditto for Tanagra figure and monkeys head

Bronze figure holding vase exposed right time and the development about right. Might have been a little longer

Page 42 [marked 49 on top]

July 4th
Bus fares 2d 2d 2d 2d

6th 1d 1d 1d 1d

Saturday July 6th
Instantaneous plates
Pl 1 Mochtons Lodge
Pl 2 view up valley
Pl 3 Foliage Hedgerow
Pl 4 2nd view up valley Evening light
Good exposure in each case
Pl 5 Haystack and waggons Evening light
Pl 6 (1) Upper pond Basted
Pl 7 (2) Rushes ditto
Pl 8 (3)

Page 43 [marked 50 on top]

from Camera stop no 2 used 3 seconds exposure
Plate 6 Statue of Caesar Augustus at Rushmore (second new) similar in every respect as no. 5 [Added] right exposure

Wednesday July 3rd
Packed for London in black relic box unbound nos of journals undevelopeed and unexposed plates

July 3rd Instantaneous
Plate 1 (7) Rushmore House Exterior sun not shining stop no 2 exposure about 1 1/2 seconds [Added]undeveloped
Plate 2 (8) View of Gates Rushmore (with storks) same as regards light &c as No 1 undeveloped underexposed
Plate 3 (9) View of statue &c ditto as regards light &c

Page 44 [marked 51 on top]

Instantaneous
Plate 1 view from back of Gros Gardens no stop used
Plate 2 Mr James taken in the dining room G.G. 3 seconds

"Instantaneous plate
July 1st Monday
Plate 1 King John's House new from Garde above similar to sketch Good light abt 5 oclock stop no 4 exposure 1 second
Plate II  K.J.'s Hs  new from near Entrance gate Light &c same as above

July 2nd "Instantaneous plates"
Plate 3 K.J.'s Hs Staircase Interior exposure 5 seconds
Plate 4 Ditto exposure 10 Good light small lens
Plate 5 Statue of Caesar Augustus at Rushmore about 25ft

Page 45 [marked 52 on top]

4 to 5 Friday
June 28th Ordinary Plates
Views of Battersea Park
[Added on side] Plates successful
Plate 1 exposed about 15 seconds no 4 stop
Plate 2 ditto 20 seconds same stop Good light in both cases Bridge in B. Park Strong sunlight 4 stop about 15 seconds
Plate 4 View on lake with foreground of water plants &c Exposed abt 20 seconds stop no 4 strong light
Plate 5 Interior exposure terra cotta objects exposed 2 minutes
Plate 6 Interior exposure terra cotta vase exposed 2 minutes Light very good

Page 46 [marked 53 on top]

Measures glass
10 oz 4 oz 2 drams

Lamp
Houghton 89 Holbourn
10 x 8 front opal glass with yellow fabric for oil (make allowance for more air)

Printing fumes
3 whole plate with glass beds and felt pads

7 1/2 x 5 cutting glass plate glass abt. 1 ft sq for cutting point.

1/4 [illegible] Sensitised paper
finely ground focussing screen glass

4 to 5 Friday

Page 47 [marked 54 on top]

avoiding lumps and put under pressure

Requisites
Bromide of Potassium 1/4 lb
Ammonia (strong) 1 lb 880
Hypo sulphite of soda 7 lbs (stone jar)
Pulverised Alum 2 lbs
Pulverised Borax 1/4 lb
Tube of Chloride of Gold 15 gram

For developing
For Hypo specialty 1
2 Porcelain dishes 11 x 9 deep
Deep papier-mache for developing 7 1/2 x 5
For toning &c for Fixing alone porcelain
1 12 x 10 deep dish
2 13 x 11 deep dish

Page 48 [marked 55 on top]

When finished place prints in water bath (still sensitive) Remember dull [insert] white [end insert] light to be used

4 Fixing
4 oz Hypo to pint of water fresh every time

Keep one dish entirely for Hypo
Avoid Hypo until toning is done
Wash prints in this fixing bath 1/4 hours turning over and over Do not let hand which is touching Hypo solution get near other prints
5 Wash prints for 3 hours in running water

Mounting
Glenfield patent starch mix with boiling water till like jelly when cold rub well in to back of print
avoiding lumps and put

Page 49 [marked 56 on top]

separately till no milkiness
10 minutes
Remove soluble salts

No 2 wash 2 or 3 minutes in water which has 1 tablespoon common soda
Wash once in clean water

3 Take 15 gum Chloride of gold bottle put into large bottle with 15 drams of water shake up till bottle breaks We leave [?] now at a 10% p chloride of gold solution
Take 1 dram of this to about [insert] 10-12 [end insert] 12-14  half plate prints and put into tray with enough water to cover the points add 30 grs of Borax to 1 dram of chloride of gold solution
put prints in one by one separately carefully and keep moving turning over and over

1/4 hour to 20 mn Soon till all redness disappears and purple results

Page 50 [marked 57 on top]

Use Hypo over and over again

20 [illegible]

[insert] It [end insert] washes off all un-decomposed silver salts
Wash negative 1 hour [insert] and over [end insert] in running water
(Not all night) to
to remove every trace of Hypo
Alum bath to be used if found necessary (frilling)
Thoroughly dry
This is absolutely necessary

Printing
Print till up in different light in the open air till just spoiled

Toning
No 1 Thoroughly wash prints changing water often turning each print over separately till no

Page 51 [marked 58 on top]

mixing
A 40 minims (drops)
B 30 ditto
C 60 30 ditto
Fill up to 2 oz [insert] 3 ozs [end insert]
Ammonia to be varied according to rapidity of development begin with say 30 minims Develope [sic] until the [illegible, possibly darkest] parts (which are light) are almost jet black
If overexposed diminish 3 [insert] C [end insert] and increase 2 A
Begin with too little ammonia 1/2 quantity say

1 Developer
2 Check Development
3 Assists development
[insert] Be careful to wash [end insert]

Fixing
Saturated solution of Hypo Immerse plate till all whiteness disappears 1 to 5 minutes

Page 52 [marked 59 on top]

No 5 plate as No 4 in every respect but with exposure of 20 seconds (Light the same)
No 6 plate Bronze statuette against white or light background. 5 ft from object to lens. Light failing so exposed for 4 minutes.
un[inser]der[end insert]exposed [Added] 3 or 4 times as long

Developement [sic] % [Added] 10 per cent solution
Bottle A Pyro
Pyro 1 oz
Citric acid 60 grams = 1/8 oz
Water up to [insert] 9 1/8 [end insert[] 10 ozs [fluid ozs]

Bottle B Bromide
Bromide of Ammonia 1 oz
Add water up to 10 oz.

Bottle C
Liquid Ammonia 1 oz
Water up to 10 ozs

Page 53 [marked 60 on top]

For 7 1/2 x 5 plate you require 3 oz of developer
Alum bath to be used after developing
2 oz of alum to 1 pint of water

Fixing bath
4 ozs of Hypo sulphite of soda to 1 pint (20 ozs) of water

10 to 11 Thursday

Exterior views
No 1 plate view of Lodge on Putney Heath about 200 ft distant (weak light) exposure about 6 seconds No 2 stop used [Added] Successful
No 2 plate same view but nearer by about 50 ft exposure about 5 seconds
No 3 plate same as no 2
No 4 plate specimen of object interior work terra cotta 5 ft 4 in from object to lens exposure 10 seconds full

Page 54 [marked 61 on top]

at 15 to 20 ft 15 minims
20 to 30 ft 20 minims
In cases of very strong contrast always use small quantities of [illegible]

B Formula for open subjects 30 ft to 100 yds such as landscapes architecture &c copying plans and drawings subjects which display only slight contrasts
Pyro 20 to 40 minims per oz
Bromide equal
Ammonia 1/2 to 2/3
to be made up to [illegible] oz with water
As the distance increases increase the strength of the developer
Subjects under weak lighting require stronger developer than if strongly lighted

C Formula for distant landscapes all subjects shewing very slight contrasts
Pyro 40 to 80 minims
Bromide and Ammonia 1/2 to 2/3
Made up to 1 oz with water

Page 55 [marked 62 on top]

10 per cent solution

No 2 1 oz of Bromide of Potassium
10 oz of water

No 3 Ammonia
1 oz of strong ammonia 88 and 9 oz of water

Formula for Mixed Developers
A Formula for near objects up to 30 ft from the camera such as carvings statuary details objects in showing relief &c All subjects of whatever nature which display strong contrasts Pyro 10 to 20 minims
Whatever quantity of Pyro is [illegible] take 1/2 quantity of Bromide and 1/2 to 2/3 of ammonia The greater quantity in cold weather
These amounts to be made up to 1 fluid oz with water
For near objects 10 ft away 10 minims of pyro would be sufficient
3 ozs for 7 1/2 x 5

[Added to side of page] 10 / 5/ 5 or 6 2/3 and 60 / 30 / 30

Page 56 [marked 63 on top]

Interior Work
Moderate sized objects such as vases &c about 3 ft from wall Light to fall on it generally at 45 [degrees]
Avoid top lights
Background of course to suit object
Brown paper suitable for light objects
Reflected lights
Shut out other lights opposed to the principal source of light.
Keep lens shaded
It is advisable to have a changing box containing as many as 18 plates

Developement [sic]
1 Solution Pyrogalic Acid
2 Solution Bromide of Potassium
3 Solution Ammonia
No 1 used is Sulpho Pyro which is supplied by the Platinotype Co 29 Southampton Row 10 oz bottles 2/2 per bottle

Page 57 [marked 64 on top]

The nearest [illegible] portion of the sun is not shining,
In bright sunlight the exposures are much shorter
1/2 second for an object 10 ft away
1/2 second for an object 10 to 30 ft
1/8 second for an object 30 to 100 ft
1/10 second for an object beyond this
With each smaller sized stop the exposure is doubled
When sunlight falls from 25 [degrees] to 16 [degrees] the exposure is doubled
16 [degrees] to 8 [degrees quadrupled
Always let your lighting and exposure suit the principal object
Always be guided in the exposures by the [illegible] portions of the subject
During the winter months double this table of exposures
In places where the light is shut out the exposure can be lengthened

[Added along side] 4 / 8 / 16   32 /64 / 128

Page 58 [marked 65 on top]

Exposures
The following table of exposures will hold good
Good summer light no sky or white clouds, sun 28 [degrees] above horizon whether shining on the whole of the subject or not using the so called instantaneous plates
Whatten and Wainwright 38 Gt Queen St. for best plates
Full aperture of portable symmetrical line
10 ft   4 seconds
10 ft to 30 ft     2 seconds
30 ft to 100 ft    1 second
100 ft to 100 yds    1/2 second
100 yds to 1/4 mile    1/4 second
Beyond this    1/8 second
The distance is always measured for exposure from the nearest prominent portion of the subject which is not in sunlight or from

Page 59 [marked 66 on top]

It is advisable to shade top of lens to cut away light from above
In dull weather or even in sun good work can be done with near subjects

Moderate distances
Objects should always be taken with diffused sunlight such as is given when the sun is behind a thin white cloud.
Time most suitable before 11 and after 3
Avoid strong light upon foliage when view to camera
The sun may be behind the camera or to one side not too high in the sky
Air quite clear and free from mist

Distant subjects beyond 100 yds
Always taken in full sunlight with the sun shining on the view Time of day not so much an object as in the last [Linked by line to above 'Air quite clear and free from mist' Ditto more particularly in this [illegible]

Page 60 [marked 67 on top]

In taking off the cap be careful that the movement is done quickly (avoiding jerking) and moved upwards
In doing this stand clear of the camera and stand
It is as well to release the cap before exposing the opening

tomorrow at 3 oclock

(Lens required 8 in. Ross portable symmetrical)

Lighting Near subjects 30 ft
For out door work best suited to a subject depends on the distance from the camera
Near subjects best taken minus sunlight
If sun is shining move objects to shade where possible

In bright weather the best time is early in the morning or late in the evening
If possible have a background abut 12 ft from the object
If possible shut out top light also on one side
[It is advisable to shade top of lens ]

Page 61 [marked 68 on top]

[Calculations headed 'Back' 'Ground''Rise''Fall'

Transcribed by AP September 2011

{joomplu:912 detail align right}

This is a transcription of an entry in Pitt-Rivers workbook drawn up whilst he was acting as Inspector of Ancient Monuments. It was an account of pottery-making from Barvas in the Isle of Lewis.

Pitt-Rivers acquired some of this pottery, see Add.9455vol2_p320 /7-11, possibly made by this potter. The account was written in 1885 when Pitt-Rivers is known to have toured the Orkney Islands. His unnamed assistant also gives an account which dates the encounter between potter and Pitt-Rivers:

Wednesday Aug'st 12th

Drove with Genl. and Mrs R. and Mr and Mrs Tylor to Barvas. Visited large standing stone from there also some cottages, and in evening went to see Flora MacDonald (an old woman) make some pottery with blue clay (craggons) Stayed at Barvas all night [National Archives Pitt-Rivers workbook 39/16 page 222]

It is interesting that the Tylors were also present. Pitt-Rivers' account is as follows:

Barvas pottery Aug 12 this potter[y] is made by Flora McDonald who lives in a crofters house with a fire in the middle with no chimney.

She gets her clay close outside her house from soil consisting of the decomposed [illegible] She beats it with a stick or a stone then forms it with her hands with no mixture of same [sic?] or [illegible] lets it dry gradually & then put it in the peat fire & covers it over with the turf after. She burns it 2 hours & then puts it in a bowl of milk & pours some milk into it. We went and saw the spot from which she obtained the clay which was in her own holding it was a brown clay underlying about 2 feet of peat in the flat bottom of the vall[ey] the rock of the neighbourhood is gneis & granite of various qualities. She pays [£] 2 15 [shillings] for her holding several acres & a sheep run thus [insert] does not [end insert] including the tax with his 6 s [shillings] in the £ beside

{joomplu:913 detail align right}

This potter and pottery (called 'craggans') is described here. The process was described by Arthur Mitchell in his book 'Past and Present [1880]:

... this was usually done by women and in their own homes. This is Mitchell's description of what he saw: "The clay she used underwent no careful or special preparation. She chose the best she could get, and picked out of it the larger stones, leaving the sand and the finer gravel which it contained. With her hands alone she gave to the clay its desired shape. She had no aid from anything of the nature of a potter's wheel. In making the smaller craggans, with narrow necks, she used a stick with a curve on it to give form to the inside. All that her fingers could reach was done with them. Having shaped the craggan, she let it stand for a day to dry, then took it to the fire in the centre of the floor of her hut, filled it with burning peats, and built burning peats all round it. When sufficiently baked, she withdrew it from the fire, emptied the ashes out, and then poured slowly into it and over it about a pint of milk, in order to make it less porous. [copied from here]

The above site concludes of the pottery:

So, the craggans were these simple clay pots; more or less spherical, sometimes decorated with marks made with a small stick, fingernail or finger-tip, hand-thrown without the use of a potter's wheel, fired on the domestic hearth, and bathed in warm milk. The potter first made her circular base and then built up the body in coils of about 1" thick; the craggan could take up to two hours to make.

You can find out much more about this type of pottery and its uses on the website here.

The website also gives more information about the pottery Pitt-Rivers saw, Flora Macdonald:

At least one craggan exists which was made by Fionnghal Bheag (Flora Macdonald) of Barvas in 1877. Mr D. I. Nicolson of Bragar had this made and sent it to a Professor Duns, who lodged it with the National Museums of Scotland. A note goes with it: "By whom made? Widow Flora McDonald. Name place and parish: Barvas in the parish of Barvas. When made? August 1877. How hardened? When dried in the sun put in the fire till red hot, then dipped in milk." (Fionnghal Bheag was a well-known local seer; she is most renowned for having 'seen' when two Nessmen had died in isolation on North Rona, and she walked to Ness to warn their relatives, who ignored her claim).

{joomplu:914 detail align right}

An account by Kate Wilson about Flora Macdonald states:

John MacDonald, a relative of Flora MacDonald and Mary Murray, recounted that when Flora had made the wares 'she would walk the dozen or so miles to Stornaway, and exchange the half sets for groceries. The tea sets were bought by tourists'. ... Mary MacDonald, Flora’s great grand daughter said of her: 'The way I heard of it in my youth from the people around me and from my father, it was my own great grandmother Flora who was the original potter. She was originally from Dell in Ness but came to live in Park Barvas when she married my great grandfather. Her maiden name was Gillies. She and her daughter Mary started making pottery.They got clay from our own croft just across the stream that runs through it. The clay was very smooth and soft and easy to work with. I heard about them making cups mainly with it. No doubt they made other vessels but I only recall hearing of cups.' She also talks about the ‘baptising of the cups’ which was a big night in the house, 'A big peat fire was prepared in the middle of the floor until the embers were red hot. The cups were placed in the fire until they became red hot. They were then lifted out and placed in a big basin of fresh milk. Seemingly this gave them a bit of a glaze and made them brown in colour. Lots of folk would come in to the house to watch that night.'

There is a description of Flora Macdonald's house on pages 83-86 of the workbook.

Sources

http://culturehebrides.com/archaeology/craggan/

'Barvas Ware: A study of the life and work of the women potters of Barvas, Isle of Lewis, the Outer Hebrides.' Kate Wilson Interpreting Ceramics, issue 10. [available on the web]

AP September 2011

Miscellaneous S&SWM letters transcribed

B490

Memorandum

Jan 13th 1883
From: Morris Walton & Co | Publishers | 392 Strand London W.C.
To: Gen Pitt Rivers | Rushmore Salisbury

Sir, We shall be willing to produce a new drawing of your portrait from the photograph left with us on Friday and will suppress the old one, if you will give us an order for £21 worth of the new portraits when completed. We could not cancel the present ac/- we have against you as we find we have a number of the old portraits already printed & ready for issue, and these of course we should have to sacrifice

Waiting your reply We are Sir
Yrs obedly
Morris Walton & Co

----

Memorandum

Jan 17th 1883
From: Morris Walton & Co | Publishers | 392 Strand London W.C.
To: Gen Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Sir, We shall esteem it a favour if you will kindly let us know your decision about the proposed new portrait as soon as possible. We are sorry to trouble you with this request, but are anxious to make the necessary arrangements for the suppression of the original portrait in accordance with your wish, and the sooner we know of your decision the easier can this be done

We are Sir
Your most obedt Servts
Morris Walton & Co

[in pencil] Make the new portrait

----

Memorandum

March 15th 1883
From: Morris Walton & Co | Publishers | 392 Strand London W.C.
To: Gen Pitt Rivers | Rushmore Salisbury

Sir, We beg respectfully to inform you that we are redrawing your portrait in the exact position etc as shown in the photograph and which we trust will this time meet with your approval. We hope to have it completed shortly and will then write and ask you kindly to call and see it on the stone

We are Sir
Yours obediently
Morris Walton & Co

P.S. It will be a 3/4 length portrait as you were good enough to suggest so as to show more of the figure

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Bought Charles Jamrach | Naturalist | Dealer in Foreign Birds, Waterfowls, Animals, Birdskins, Shells &c | Museum 179 and 180 St Georges Street East | Menagerie, Brittens Court, St Georges East | Warehouse 39 1/2 Old Gravel Lane | Private Residence Beaufort Cottage, Wellington Rd, Bow.

List

3 Barbed Arrows 1/6 each [Add.9455vol2_p346 /2-4]

1 Ceylon Idol 10/- [Add.9455vol2_p346 /5]

1 Amber Necklace £2 [Add.9455vol2_p346 /6]

2 Japanese spears @ 15/- each [Add.9455vol2_p347 /1-2]

5 Zulu Assegais @ 1/6 each [Add.9455vol2_p347 /3-7]

4 Mozambique [ditto] @ 1/6 each [Add.9455vol2_p347 /8-11]

1 Caucasian dagger [Add.9455vol2_p348 /1]

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Transcribed by AP for the Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project August 2011

Bought Charles Jamrach | Naturalist | Dealer in Foreign Birds, Waterfowls, Animals, Birdskins, Shells &c | Museum 179 and 180 St Georges Street East | Menagerie, Brittens Court, St Georges East | Warehouse 39 1/2 Old Gravel Lane | Private Residence Beaufort Cottage, Wellington Rd, Bow.

List

3 Barbed Arrows 1/6 each [Add.9455vol2_p346 /2-4]

1 Ceylon Idol 10/- [Add.9455vol2_p346 /5]

1 Amber Necklace £2 [Add.9455vol2_p346 /6]

2 Japanese spears @ 15/- each [Add.9455vol2_p347 /1-2]

5 Zulu Assegais @ 1/6 each [Add.9455vol2_p347 /3-7]

4 Mozambique [ditto] @ 1/6 each [Add.9455vol2_p347 /8-11]

1 Caucasian dagger [Add.9455vol2_p348 /1]

The matching entries are given in italics above.

Transcribed by AP for Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project August 2011

B498

{joomplu:873 detail align right}

Dec'r 16th 1897

From J. & M.L. Tregaskis | Antiquarian Booksellers | "The Caxton Head" 232 High Holborn, London W.C.

General Pitt-Rivers,

Sir,

We have one of the Benin bronzes on which a considerable amount of public interest has lately been lavished, and most probably it is the only that that will ever be offered for sale, the others are all believed to be in the British Museum. It is a plaque 16 in high x 6 3/4 in. with two figures in very high relief; one a warrior holding a leaf shaped blade in one hand and an animal in the other, dressed in high helmet, a sort of collar of coiled rope with a row of upturned spikes, a band across breast, a skirt of feathers (?) and a peculiar sort of buskin. The smaller figure, holding a ram's head in his hands, is nude but the body appears to be tattooed.

These bronzes are supposed to have been made in the 16th century when the natives of W. Africa learned the art of bronze making from the Portuguese

This one was brought over by Commander E.R. Pears R.N. from whom we bought it. The price is 25 guineas.

Yours faithfully

J & MH Tregaskis per MLT

----

Dec'r 18th 1897

From J. & M.L. Tregaskis | Antiquarian Booksellers | "The Caxton Head" 232 High Holborn, London W.C.

General Pitt-Rivers,

Sir,

We are obliged for your letter & having given it due consideration have decided that we should prefer you seeing the piece before you arriving at any definite decision respecting it. We should like to send it to you on inspection so will you please say if you like your railway parcels addressed to Tisbury station to be called for, as it is too heavy to send you by parcel post. We will reduce our price to £35 and think you will consider this fair when you see what a beautiful piece it is. There is really a very small margin of profit on the price we had to pay.

Yours faithfully
J & MH Tregaskis per MLT

This is Add.9455vol5_p1594 which PR purchased in January 1898.

Transcribed by AP for the Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project August 2011

B456 Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum Pitt-Rivers papers

William Downing Webster (1863-1913) was one of the foremost ethnographic dealers of the last part of the nineteenth-century in England. He was based in Bicester, Oxfordshire and London. Later in life he married Eva Cutter, another London-based ethnographic dealer. See Waterfield/King, Provenance. Barbier-Mueller Museum, 2006 for more information about him. Pitt-Rivers first known dealings with him were in August 1895, around the date of the first surviving letter. In June 1895 he had issued his first illustrated catalogue of ethnographic items for sale and this might have stimulated Pitt-Rivers to contact him.

-----

This letter is undated so it is not clear where it should go, Pitt Rivers got a New Guinea bowl from Webster in April 1896 so it might date from then

W.D. Webster | Collector of Ethnological Specimens, European and Eastern Arms and Armour | Oxford House, Bicester, Oxon.

Dear Sir

I beg to acknowledge your letter and to say that I have forwarded you all three pieces of reddeer horn, the piece from the Stand I am not making any charge for, you can certainly keep the pamphlet on same

This morning I had an order from Hamburg for every Dancing Mask & New Guinea shield, the only specimen that I sent you that was not ordered was the New Guinea bowl you got

I remain
Yours faithfully
W.D. Webster

Genl Pitt Rivers

P.S. Sent per Tisbury Ry Pass train

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{joomplu:869 detail align right}

W.D. Webster | Collector of Ethnological Specimens, European and Eastern Arms and Armour | Oxford House, Bicester, Oxon. | Edinburgh Friday Aug 16/95

Dear Sir

I beg to acknowledge your letter, I am surprised the New Ireland dancing Club has not arrived as it was sent off the morning you wrote for it.

I bought the Lapland skull & I presented to Mr Napier together which was written on in ink but the once you got was written in pencil. I showed it to a medical gentleman & he said it was correct.

The harp you mention is Burmese but I sold it some time ago to a gentleman for 37/6 but have not received the money for that & some other specimens, I am writing to him tonight asking if he will part with it, he is not a collector but an artist.

I expect to have a fine lot of fresh specimens in next week as I am now going round the Country buying, have just had a large order from Berlin Museum they want all the New Guinea dancing masks & that Dancing shield you got & a lot other things.

I give  you sketches of two musical instruments. Either Burmese or Malay [Drawing] Yellow polished wood full length 36 in 9 1/4 wide. the instrument is not hollow but consists of one piece about 1 1/2" thick & all ivory mounted with grotesque or convention head at end £1.10.0

[Drawing] Two stringed instrument wooden bowl & dark haw [?] wood stem 7/6 full length 24 inch

Both instruments have lost their strings

No 110 in June catalogue is a very interesting specimen there is none like it in your Collection at Oxford.

I enclose a/c as requested - Shall return home in a few days, all letters are forwarded on to me.

I remain
Yours faithfully
W.D. Webster

Genl Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

{joomplu:870 detail align right}

The New Guinea dancing shield is probably Add.9455vol3_p1176 /2 so it obviously did turn up eventually. The Lapland skull appears to be Add.9455vol3_p1177 /3, the instruments do not appear in the catalogue of the second collection.

-----

Ansd Sept 18/95

W.D. Webster | Collector of Ethnological Specimens, European and Eastern Arms and Armour | Oxford House, Bicester, Oxon. | Sept 13/95

Dear Sir

I beg to acknowledge your letter enclosing cheque & enclose receipt herewith.

The two New Guinea specimens have been sent off this day per passenger train

A Burmese Pedestal

I enclose another proof which kindly return as I have no marks on it I have marked in red what glasses missing which is silvered white glass with the exception of one piece of amber in the centre left panel, this can easily [illegible] in as the glass is embedded in cement there are two or three other pieces that are cracked but not noticeable.

{joomplu:871 detail align right}

The ends are not glass but as shewn over, there is about 2 makes of woodwork (which is teak) above top glass shewn in drawing which would be right for fixing moulding if it was going to be made into anything, it can be well packed & sent you on approval if you wish but if you do not keep it kindly return it at once as I have written a gentleman at Durham about it who goes in for Indian work

I remain
Yours faithfully
W.D. Webster

Genl Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

P.S. Have sent two N.G. specimens by goods instead of passenger to Tisbury station

The two New Guinea objects were Add.9455vol3_p1204 /1-2, the Burmese pedestal is Add.9455vol3_p1215 /2

------

W.D. Webster | Collector of Ethnological Specimens, European and Eastern Arms and Armour | Oxford House, Bicester, Oxon. | Oct 3/95

{joomplu:872 detail align right}

Dear Sir

I herewith send you sketches of four Samoan Clubs I bought at same time as the one I sent you on appro The three longest 20/- each the smallest 10/-

Kindly let me have the sketches of same back & oblige

I remain
Yours faithfully
W.D. Webster

Genl Pitt Rivers

P.S. The Dyak dress I mentioned arrived today & is New Guinea, the breast ornament of same is very fine composed of 18 split boar tusks shells & coix seeds, but have not bought it yet

The Samoan club he had already sent was Add.9455vol3_p1217 /1, Pitt-Rivers does not appear to have purchased the others, or at least they are not listed in the catalogue of the second collection.

-----

W.D. Webster | Collector of Ethnological Specimens, European and Eastern Arms and Armour | Oxford House, Bicester, Oxon. | April 22/96

Dear Sir

I beg to acknowledge your order with best thanks, the only reduction I can make is 5% five per cent for cash. Everything in your order I could have sold without troubling to catalogue to either Vienna. Berlin. Dresden Hamburg & Stockholm Museums all of which are wanting those things I shall have [illegible] by telegram for them in morning, if I was to let one Museum have them the others would say I had given them preference so I now sell to first person whose order comes in, I have visited all the Ethnographical Museums on the Continent this year & without exception they asked me ask more for my specimens they all give me far larger orders than people & museums in England

The two boomerangs 97 & 98 went to Edinburgh Museum this morning. With reference to the North American tent, it was too large to make a sketch of & is far better than I thought when I catalogued it, there are painted figures all round with tomahawks, &c it is a specimen I am certain of selling to Christchurch Museum New Zealand, I have sent it you on approval & will accept seven guineas cash for it I gave six guineas. I know two gentlemen in Borneo who promised to get me some heads the one I have got I could not take less than £2.5.0 for

I remain
Yours faithfully
W.D. Webster

Genl Pitt Rivers

P.S. The New Zealand paddle [insert] 63 [end insert] took 63 me three months to get I bought from Capt Chegwyn con [?] who wanted £150 for it there is not another like it in Europe, It is a long figure but very little more more than it cost me I would not take any less for it

The paddle could possibly be Add.9455vol8_p2248 /2

----

W.D. Webster | Collector of Ethnological Specimens, European and Eastern Arms and Armour | Oxford House, Bicester, Oxon. | Feby 17, 1897

Dear Sir

I beg to acknowledge your letter & telegram, and have this day forwarded you per passenger train the two specimens telegraphed for & also a pair of carved wood stirrups which came out of a collection of Armour I sold at Lambourne Place Bucks some years ago

Did you notice no 27 has a man & a turtle carved on it. I hope to finish four more pages of my Catalogue tonight & will ask the printers to send you proofs, and if you will send me a post card with numbers of any of the specimens you would like I will reserve them for you, address [insert] W.D.W. [end insert] c/o Dr Hylman Stolpe | National Museum | Stockholm Where I shall be next Wednesday or Thursday. I shall be having proofs of the four pages sent to me at Amsterdam & shall most probably sell most of the things catalogued so for while I am away I leave here tomorrow for London

I remain
Yours faithfully
W.D. Webster

Genl Pitt Rivers

NB I am not sure the date of this letter has been read right, it might be later

----

W.D. Webster | Collector of Ethnological Specimens, European and Eastern Arms and Armour | Oxford House, Bicester, Oxon. | Feby.15.1897

Dear Sir

I have this day forwarded to my printers first eight pages of my next catalogue and have told them to send proofs of some on to you direct to save time. I think several of the specimens will suit so kindly let me know as soon as you receive proofs as I am going to Holland & Sweden at the end of the week & if you write at once I can get the things off before I go.

I shall be much obliged if you would kindly let me have a cheque for the specimens you bought when I was at Rushmore, as I expect to buy a quantity of specimens on my way back at Hamburg,

I remain
Yours faithfully
W.D. Webster

Genl Pitt Rivers

----

W.D. Webster | Collector of Ethnological Specimens, European and Eastern Arms and Armour | Oxford House, Bicester, Oxon. | July 17, 1897

Dear Sir

I beg to acknowledge your letter and to say that the Burmese saddle must be for a horse as the bridle that is with it could not possibly be for an Elephant.

You can have the stone Idol for £4.4 less 5& for cash, it cost me £3.10 without my travelling expenses & the carriage of it here.

Kindly send me a cheque to

3 Kendal Villas
Thurlow Park Road
West Dulwich
London

Where I shall be on Saturday & stay till the Monday when I go to Amsterdam

I do not know if my printers have sent you proofs so enclose some beneath if you wish for the things before I go away you had better wire me the numbers if you have not written when you receive this, I expect to get some Lapland specimens from Prof Retzius in Stockholm when I am there if there should be any engraved ones will give you first offer of them

I remain
Yours faithfully
W.D. Webster

Gustav Retzius (1842-1919) Swedish physician and anatomist. It is not clear which the stone idol is, there are a number of Mexican figures catalogued and dated September 1897 and it might be one of those, these were sold as a job lot, there is also a marble figure from India but that only cost £2.2.0. It may be that Pitt-Rivers did not buy. No Burmese saddle is listed in the catalogue of the second collection.

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W.D. Webster | Collector of Ethnological Specimens, European and Eastern Arms and Armour | Oxford House, Bicester, Oxon. | August 12th 98

Dear Sir

I beg to acknowledge your letter but must say I do not like the tone of it. You get the first offer of all my things that I think likely to suit you - at 5 per cent less than I ask anyone else - then you doubt my having buyers abroad for the same prices. I may tell you that for the large heads for tusk support I have never got less than £35 each & the smallest £25. the bronze plaques I have sold on the continent from £10 to £30 each, I am perfectly wiling to support my statement by sending you letters from continental museums up till the present time I have sold £821 worth of Benin specimens to 3 continental museums and £217 to English museums and to yourself at the time of writing £175.5.7. I quite admit I get good profits on some things else I could not live, as many of my things do not pay me. Except by having the name of getting all the best things that come into the market which I intend to keep up. Buyers like Mr Read & Partington I would not take the trouble to write to, as I would give four times what they would give myself.Many a time I have bought a quantity of specimens just to secure one good one. All the others are left on my hands. As a matter of fact I  do not feel a bit better off than when I started except that my collection has increased, and if I could afford it I certainly would not part with anything. Being just as much collector at heart as you are, & asa matter of fact I fell out with all my relations in taking my hobby up as a business & giving up my proper work as an Eccliastical designer.

I am sending the Benin & other things tomorrow the two Eskimo bows I will let you have at £10 nett all though they are the only two I have ever been able to get. I hope the Skeleton arrived safely

I remain
Yours faithfully
W.D. Webster

Genl Pitt Rivers

No Inuit bows are listed in the catalogue of the second collection, nor is a skeleton listed of either human or animal, Webster ended up selling 221 Benin objects to Pitt-Rivers.

-----

Ansd Apr. 27/ 99

Lake View Villas | Bowness on Windermere | April 25th 1899

Dear Sir

Your letter has just been forwarded on to me and I beg to say that I cannot allow any more than five per cent discount for cash. you only want my best specimens which I can easily sell and get the full price for. I give you the first offer of my best things, if you think my prices too high I will refrain from contacting you in future

I remain
Yours faithfully
W.D. Webster

Genl Pitt Rivers

Transcribed by AP for the Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project August 2011

B448 S&SWM PR papers

[Stamp] Rollin & Feuardent | Dealers of Coins, Medals, Gems, Antiquities &c | Gt Russell Street, Bloomsbury | 4 Rue de Louvois Paris |

Dec 7 1886

Dear Sir

The reference given in Lord Selborne's paper, to which you refer, are to the first edition of "Coheu", the second edition now in course of publication will of course include all the published types, and will apper [sic] in the 6th vol which will be out about the end of this month, I send you this day vol. 5 and hope to send you vol 4 in a few days when I expect a fresh supply

Yours very obediently
Francis E. Whelan [illegible squiggle]

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury | Wilts

P.S.

I send by this post the catalogue containing an account of the find together with descriptions of the objects, of the "Tresor de Montcornet" this is one of the most remarkable treasures of silver objects ever found in Gaul and I venture to think worthy of a place in your Museum

You will see the sale by auction takes place in Paris on the 20th FEW [illegible squiggle]

Pitt-Rivers did not purchase any of the Montcornet finds, or at least they are not listed in the catalogue of the second collection.

-----

61 Gt Russell Street, Bloomsbury | 4 Rue de Louvois Paris | Rollin & Feuardent | Dealers of Coins, Medals, Gems, Antiquities and Numismatic Books

London April 6 1888

Dear Sir

I have to acknowledge receipt of your esteemed favour and have written to Paris for specimens of Roman coins with the [crossed out P drawing]

Yours very obediently
Francis E. Whelan [illegible squiggle]

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury | Wilts

------

Ansd Sept 22

London 19 Bloomsbury Street W.C. | Paris 4 Rue de Louvois | Rollin & Feuardent | Dealers of Coins, Medals, Gems, Antiquities and Numismatic Books

London Sept 21st 1891

Dear Sir

I am in receipt of your esteemed favour I can supply two cabinets of the very best workmanship of the following dimensions Height 15 inches Width 11 3/8 in Depth 11 3/8 in containing 28 trays (each) the trays pierced with 1 1/4 holes 49 holes in each tray 7 x 7 thus each cabinet will hold 1372 coins, if the two are beyond your requirements I can offer one, if on the other hand should you prefer two cabinets of smaller size I could have them made for you to any pattern as I think it very unlikely that you will find two cabinets exactly to your wants, if you will kindly let me know exactly the size you wish the holes, (which you do not mention in your note) and the number of trays in each cabinet I will forward you an estimate

Yours very obediently
Francis E. Whelan [illegible squiggle]

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury | Wilts

----

London 19 Bloomsbury Street W.C. | Paris 4 Rue de Louvois | Rollin & Feuardent | Dealers of Coins, Medals, Gems, Antiquities and Numismatic Books

London Sept 24th 1891

Dear Sir

The cabinets I sent you particulars of are £8/8/- each.

I can supply you the cabinet according to the measurements & details you send at £5/5- each

Yours very obediently
Francis E. Whelan [illegible squiggle]

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

-----

Ansd Sept 29/91

London 19 Bloomsbury Street W.C. | Paris 4 Rue de Louvois | Rollin & Feuardent | Dealers of Coins, Medals, Gems, Antiquities and Numismatic Books

London Sept 28th 1891

Dear Sir

I am in receipt of your instructions for the two coin cabinets but before putting them in hand think it better to advice you that the estimate forwarded you £5/5/- each was for mahogany cabinets, the wood most usually employed and the cost of making them in rosewood according to drawing and with flush handles will be £5.17.6 each. I should also be glad to know if the doors of the cabinet you have are with flush or sunken panels, if you could spare the case and one tray of the cabinet you have and would forward me same it would ensure absolute uniformity.

I have a small cabinet the counterpart of yours with ebony fillet and edging but it is in dark mahogany

Yours very obediently
Francis E. Whelan [illegible squiggle]

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

-----

Ansd Oct 1/91

London 19 Bloomsbury Street W.C. | Paris 4 Rue de Louvois | Rollin & Feuardent | Dealers of Coins, Medals, Gems, Antiquities and Numismatic Books

London Sept 30th 1891

Dear Sir

I am in receipt of your note and on the other side you will please find particulars of a small mahogany coin cabinet the price is £5/3/-.

I am
Yours very obediently
Francis E. Whelan [illegible squiggle]

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Height 10 1/2 inches

Width (across doors) 10 3/8 inches

Depth 10 3/8 inches

5 pierced with holes 1 5/8 diameter 5 x 5

10 pierced with holes 1 1/2 diameter 5 x 5

5 pierced with holes 1 1/4 bare 6 x 6

----

20

This cabinet will contain 555 coins

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{joomplu:867 detail align right}

Ansd Jan 11th Sabatier returned same day

[Stamp] Rollin & Feuardent | Coins, Medals, Antiquities &c | 19 Bloomsbury Street London W.C. |4 Rue de Louvois Paris

Jany 8th 1892

Dear Sir

On the other side I beg to hand you the outline of a vase of red ware from Egypt which I think will interest you, I have also acquired from the same source a number of fragments of Egyptian pottery of various epochs notably one piece with a name and shall be very glad to forward these together with the vase for your inspection May I ask if you have quite finished with my copy of Sabatier Monnaie Byzantine loaned you some time since as I am at this moment cataloguing some coins and should be glad to refer to it.

Yours very obediently
Francis E. Whelan [illegible squiggle]

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury | Wilts

This must be Add.9455vol3_p789 /1, the fragments are shown below in the second image here.

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[Stamp] Rollin & Feuardent | Coins, Medals, Antiquities &c | 19 Bloomsbury Street London W.C. |4 Rue de Louvois Paris

Nov 13 1891

Dear Sir

I forwarded you some few days since addressed Tisbury Station, the small coin cabinet and trust it has reached you safely

Yours very obediently
Francis E. Whelan [illegible squiggle]

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury | Wilts

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{joomplu:868 detail align right}

Ansd Dec 12/92

[Stamp] Rollin & Feuardent | Coins, Medals, Antiquities &c | 19 Bloomsbury Street London W.C. |4 Rue de Louvois Paris

London Dec 8 1892

Dear Sir

I am forwarding you by this post a copy of the catalogue of the Collection of Coins of the late Mr H Durden you will note that lots 3, 6, 7, 8 10 & 12 are all from local finds and such will be of interest and importance to you lot 33 also contains some local mints.

Should you not be in town at the date of the sale (the 20th inst) I shall have much pleasure in asking for you if you will kindly let me know the lots you most desire

With compliments
I remain
Yours very obediently
Francis E. Whelan [illegible squiggle]

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury | Wilts

No coins from Rollin & Feuardent are listed in the catalogue of the second collection, but Pitt-Rivers did purchase from this sale see Add.9455vol3_p890 /3 and on, it is not clear from the catalogue whether Pitt-Rivers attended the sale himself or got a proxy like Whelan to attend on his behalf.

------

19 Bloomsbury Street | London W.C. | Dec 16 1892

Dear Sir

I am in receipt of your esteemed favour this morn the various types which differ but slightly are represented in each lot under the Nos 6.7.8.

Sir John Evans is very desirous of acquiring No 12 it will probably sell for about £12 to £15. I am enclosing herewith the portion of gold wreath

Yours very obediently
Francis E. Whelan [illegible squiggle]

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury | Wilts

Transcribed by AP for the Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project August 2011.

B series S&SWM PR papers

Here are a selection of the letters from various dealers who Pitt-Rivers dealt with when amassing his second collection. They are all held by Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum Pitt-Rivers papers, in the business section of the archive and copyright remains with them:

Index of dealers with letters below:

Rathbone

Ready

Richards

Sotheby

Unterberger

Wells

Willson

B442 Rathbone

20 Alfred Place West, | South Kensington, London, S.W. | Old Wedgwood Porcelain, Pottery, Bric-a-Brac, &c | F. Rathbone | 14th September 1891

General Pitt-Rivers

Sir,

I venture to address you who is well known as an Art Collector.

I don't know if you like Old Wedgwood but need not say I shall be glad at any time to show my collection without afecting [sic] a purchase  at the same time & always glad of any business.

For twenty years I have studied the subject thoroughly and have the reputation of knowing it well. My collection, with recent purchases is larger than can be seen in all the Museums in London. I guarentee everything I sell.

I look upon Old Wedgwood as the one English [insert] ceramic [end insert] art in which we excel the foreigner produced at the best time of Louis XVI period. The [illegible] and other factories paying Wedgwood the compliment by copying his work.

My principal business is done by sending or taking wanted specimens to my customers because with a connection I do not keep many good pieces any long time.

Sometime this or early next I am taking a few pieces to Somersetshire and should be very pleased to be allowed to submit some to you if convenient amounting to some repected [sic] pieces

I have some good Salt glaze but not much Slip. Sold a very fine Ralph Simpson dish early this year

I was compelled to oppose you at Sothebys over the Toft dish could have gone further without offending my customer. I told him it was not possible to keep it

You may be sure I shall not send or bring what is difficult to sell if allowed

I am Sir
Yours very obediently
Fred Rathbone

Pitt-Rivers bought a salt glaze tea-pot and other things off him on 26 November 1891, so Rathbone must have seen him with his wares.

----

20 Alfred Place West, | South Kensington, London, S.W. | Old Wedgwood Porcelain, Pottery, Bric-a-Brac, &c | F. Rathbone | 28th November 1892

General Pitt-Rivers

Sir,

You will probably remember when you kindly called here the other day a frame of Tassie antique Genus oval hanging in the window beside the 2 pieces of Glass you purchased.

Tassie was a great man in glasswork his copies of the antique genus are found in many collections as originals. I think he is worth collecting a few examples of. His catalogued - alternate pages in French and English is a marvel of patience Wedgwood and his work until Flaxman appeared

I have a very pretty Chippendale miniature cabinet of 3 drawers containing 63 superb examples all [illegible]cut and polished no finer specimen exists. I speak from Knowledge having made the catalogue of the family collection sold at Christies 1880. Each drawer has little ivory wells to hold each gem price of all £45. Enclosed a rough outline of the cabinet, (but with 4 drawers) this I made for Mr Baddesley to hold some seals he had also a sketch of Tapies life. Dec 8 I am sending this to Marlborough House (if unsold) for HRH Princess If you would like to see it before then it shall be sent you for kind inspection. I shall never again see anything like it.

If you have no desire for this It would oblige me if you would kindly return the life & sketch in enclosed envelope for I have no other at present

Believe me Sir
Yours very obediently
Fred Rathbone

It is very easily packed

Pitt-Rivers did purchase 2 glass paintings from Rathbone, they are Add.9455vol3_p867 /3-4

------

B443 Ready

55 Rathbone Place | London W. | Memorandum from W. Talbot Ready Antiquary and Numismatist | Oct 16th 1888 | To: General A.H. Pitt-Rivers F.S.A. &c

Dear Sir,

A friend of mine has a few antiquities or rather curiosities which he wishes to dispose of. They are from New Guinea and were obtained by him on the spot, during the time he was sketching for a publishing firm.

The whole could be bought for £12 and are well worth it - If you would care to see them would you kindly let me know or apply direct to him

Hume Nisbet, Unity Villas, Wealdstone, Middlesex

I am Sir
Yours obediently
Wm Talbot Ready

----

55 Rathbone Place | London W. | Oct 27th 1891

General A.H. Pitt-Rivers C.B., D.C.L. F.S.A &c &c

Dear Sir,

Enclosed I send you the account for your last purchase from me. I have taken the opportunity to enclose two pennies of Aethelred II, both of Dorsetshire mints, and which from their rarity I rather think may be absent from your collection. Neither of these coins were in the "Warne Collection" though examples of them are quoted in his "Dorset Mints".

Should you not wish to keep them will you please return them to

Sir
Yours obediently
Wm Talbot Ready

C218 | 55 Rathbone Place | London W. | W. Talbot Ready | Dealer in Antiquities, Coins, Medals, Gems, etc

Oct 27th 1891 General A.H. Pitt-Rivers CB FSA &c &c

20 penny of Aethelred II struck at Dorchester [Copy of inscription] price 38/-

28 penny of Aethelred II struck at Wareham [Copy of inscription] price 32/-

------

Ansd Apr. 16/96

April 14th 1896 | To: Genl A.H. Lane Fox Pitt-Rivers C.B., F.S.A., F.R.S. &c &c &c | From W. Talbot Ready | 55 Rathbone Place | London W

Dear Sir,

I have had sent me a few fine Hungarian bronzes, (6 bronze axe (hammers?) 1 spear head, and a copper axe-adze). I thought that they might probably interest you & so have ventured to send you herewith some rough tracings, which show the actual sizes, and to add beneath a few remarks concerning them. If you would care to see them, may I ask you to be so good as to favour me with a note after receiving which I would send them on to you for inspection.

I am Sir
Yours obediently
Wm Talbot Ready

1. A fine bronze spear head, ornamented with engraved lines

2,3 Two bronze axes, elaborately ornamented with engraved lines

4 One bronze axe elaborately ornamented with engraved lines, smaller

5. A remarkable bronze axe ornamented with engraved lines. The sides of the axe raised to form a sort of strengthening flange and a raised rib running down the centre

6. A double axe of copper, the cutting edges arranged horizontally & perpendicularly

7 8 } Two bronze axes, similar in form to 2, 3 & 4 but without ornaments

Price of the 8 pieces £100

-----

£85 offered on Apr 30/96

April 17th 1896 | To: Genl A.H. Lane Fox Pitt-Rivers C.B., F.S.A., F.R.S. &c &c &c | From W. Talbot Ready | 55 Rathbone Place | London W

Dear Sir,

I regret very much to have to say that I cannot break up the little lot of Hungarian bronzes. They have been sent to me in fact, as they are, and as just now I cannot manage to take them owing to my having very much overstocked myself at the recent Montagu sale of Greek coins, I thought you might like to know of them; especially as they are a select lot, and cheap.

I am Sir
Yours obediently
Wm Talbot Ready

-----

May 4th 1896 | To: Genl A.H. Lane Fox Pitt-Rivers C.B., F.S.A., F.R.S. &c &c &c | From W. Talbot Ready | 55 Rathbone Place | London W

Dear Sir,

I regret very much to have to say that I cannot accept your offer for the bronzes. They cost me £90 plus carriage &c and I offered them at a really low price as I was wishful of turning over the money. I was a very heavy purchaser at the Montagu coin sale & had need of it. I have just returned from Paris, otherwise your letter would have been answered sooner.

I am Sir
Yours obediently
Wm Talbot Ready

Pitt-Rivers did buy these Hungarian weapons, see Add.9455vol3_p1273 /2, he paid the full price of £100. Sketches of them exist in the S&SWM PR papers but are not shown here.

------

May 22 1896 | To: Genl A.H. Lane Fox Pitt-Rivers C.B., F.S.A., F.R.S. &c &c &c | From W. Talbot Ready | 55 Rathbone Place | London W

Dear Sir,

I am greatly obliged by your kindness in acceding to my request. Herewith I beg to hand you your discharged invoice.

If you would like to have the larger terra cotta from Myrina - woman veiled and holding a child -  I shall be pleased to send it to you at the reduced price of £5

Again returning you my earnest thanks

I am Sir
Yours obediently
Wm Talbot Ready

Pitt-Rivers does not appear to have purchased the terra cotta figure, or at least it is not recorded in the catalogue of the second collection

-------

B446 Richards

Ansd Dec 31/94

S. Richards, | Friar Lane | Nottingham | Telegraphic Address: Ricardo, Nottingham | Dec 20/94

Harold Gray Esq | Rushmore

Dear Sir

I beg to acknowledge your favour of the 9th & have sent 3 Mosaics to Tisbury Stan by goods train, the larger ones on approval & Brass Incense ref. by parcels post, also the catalogue

Yours most truly
S. Richards

The panels are presumably Add.9455vol3_p1029 /1 and on, the incense holder is Add.9455vol3_p1030 /1

-----

S. Richards, | Friar Lane | Nottingham | Telegraphic Address: Ricardo, Nottingham | May 29/97

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

Dear Sir

I have pleasure in sending the object desired on approval, and hope they will be liked. In the event of all being taken I will make the price for the lot £10-10-0 The Knife is a very curious, and uncommon object.

With reference to the two elaborate carvings I notice from a note in todays "Athenaeum" that there appears to have been work of this kind done in Nottingham during the 15th century - cutting enclosed. I had never heard of this before though I have occasionally met with such carvings in the locality, and this pair I bought in this town itself. Must get from Mr Hope on the first opportunity some information about this

Yours most obediently
S. Richards

It is not clear which carvings are being referred to, one of them might be Add.9455vol4_p1432 /2 or Add.9455vol9_p2352 /5, the knife might be Add.9455vol8_p2165 /1

-----

Ansd June 16/97

S. Richards, | Friar Lane | Nottingham | Telegraphic Address: Ricardo, Nottingham | June 14/97

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

Dear Sir

I beg to enclose photograph of the engraved pewter dish mentioned to Mr Gray on Friday last. It has round the border four subjects [illegible] hunting, fox hunting, coursing and Hare Hunting. The men are in costumes of the time of James II. At the back is the mark of a pewterer who worked in London in 1685 according to Mr John Hope.

It measures 27 in in diameter, and is by far the finest English piece I have ever seen If you would like it sending I will put it in a case for your inspection. Price is £12.10.0. I sold this dish to Dr Lawson Tait many years ago for £14 or £15 and repurchased it with a number of other things by private contract when his collection was dispersed. Previously the dish was in the collection of Mr Peacock the Lincolnshire antiquary.

Yours most respectfully
S. Richards

No pewter dish from Richards is listed in the catalogue of the second collection, no photograph of the dish is in the S&SWM PR collections.

-------

B450 Sotheby ...

Answered 11 April 83

13 Wellington Street, Strand | London W.C. | Mar 28th 1883

Dear Sir

Sale of China &c March 19 1883

We find you had the wrong ware medallion delivered to you at the above sale. If you will be good enough to look at the one you have you will find it is "Maria Regina de Inglaterra" and the one you purchased is "Isabella Cosimo" which we have here.

Yours faithfully
Sotheby Wilkinson & Hodge

per [initials]

To Gen Pitt Rivers

Isabella Cosima medallion is Add.9455vol1_p185 /2

------

B452 Unterberger

Ansd 26 Nov 82

Franz Unterberger Innsbruck | 10 Burggraben 10 - 1 Mufeumstrasse 1

General Pitt Rivers 4 Grosvenor Gardens London

13 Nov 1882

Sir

I beg to ask you if you have receipt the box sent off on 18th Sept by packet-post containing wood-figures et al I remain

Sir
yours most respectfully
Fr Unterbergen

See Add.9455vol1_p99 /1 and on for these objects

-----

B457 Wells

W.H. Wells | Silversmith and Jewellers | Valuations for probate &c | 55 Piccadilly | London W | Augt 24th 1888

General Pitt Rivers | Grosvenor Gardens

Dear Sir

I have consulted Mr Wells with regard to your offer for the Fairfax Black Jack & in consequence of our season having been such a disappointment he is willing to accept £16.10.0 for it. It is an extremely fine & rare piece & is honestly worth more

I am
Sir
Your obedient Servt
per W.H. Wills pp

----

W.H. Wells | Silversmith and Jewellers | Valuations for probate &c | 55 Piccadilly | London W | Augt 29th 1888

to General Pitt Rivers

Sir

I have consulted Mr Wells about the two William & Mary flat candlesticks & the Byron Black Jack, the lowest price we could accept for them is £70 viz the two candlesticks £50 & the Black Jack £20

I am
Sir
Your obedient Servt
per W.H. Wills pp

-----

B458 Willson

393 Strand W.C. | Dec'r 22nd 1882

To Genl Pitt-Rivers

Sir,

I beg to say I have just purchased a very curious Oriental shield, made of the semi transparent leather, of which I spoke when you called a few days since - It is very reasonable in price, & in first rate condition. I should be happy to shew it if favoured with a call

I am Sir,
Your obedt Servant
S. Willson J.E.6

Pitt-Rivers is not listed in the catalogue of the second collection as having bought a shield from Willson

Transcribed by AP for the Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project August 2011

B series S&SWM PR papers

B403 Bryce Wright

Bryce-Wright | Mineralogist & Expert in Gems & Precious Stones | The Museum 26, Savile Row, W.

March 7th 89

Sir,

I have a good armlet & a gold hair ornament you might like to see - The armlet is as follows [Drawing] & the ornament of spiral this [drawing] but [illegible] extend Gold with twisted Ends also a series of Maori [illegible]

I remain, Sir,
Yours obediently
Bryce Wright

Lieut Genl Pitt Rivers FRS

-----

B404 Carter & Co.

Ansd Sept 19/95

Telegraphic Address: Carters Pottery, Poole Telephone No 19 | Carter & Co. Encaustic Tile Works Poole Dorset | Decorative Art Potters | Manufacturers of every description of tiles for floors, wall, hearths, Cheeks, Grates, &c &c Decorative Faience, Mosaic, Lustres &c | O.C. Aug 31st 1895

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore, near Salisbury

Sir,

We have much pleasure in sending today packed in one box and carriage paid, a few sample vases addressed to you at Tisbury Station till called for. We regret that we have not been able to send some better and more elaborate articles. We have however only commenced this department a few months. Had the notice been longer we should have been able to have done something specially. We trust however on a future occasion if we might be allowed to send something that the assortment may be more varied and of a higher art merit. One of the vases is a ruby lustre; the production of this class of ware we have given a great deal of time and attention to. We enclose in the box 2 or 3 cards if you wish to place anything against the articles to identify these with us.

We are, Sir,
Yours faithfully
Charles [illegible]

Telegraphic Address: Carters Pottery, Poole Telephone No 19 | Carter & Co. Encaustic Tile Works Poole Dorset | Decorative Art Potters | Manufacturers of every description of tiles for floors, wall, hearths, Cheeks, Grates, &c &c Decorative Faience, Mosaic, Lustres &c | 1022 O.C. Sept 20th. 1895

Mr Harold Gray | Rushmore, Salisbury

Dear Sir,

Your favour duly to hand for which we thank you. We are pleased to hear that General Pitt Rivers purposes permanently exhibiting the specimens we sent. As they were of so simple a character we should be very glad if the General would allow us to make no charge. The exhibiting will doubtless be of some extent an advertisement for us. We are making some more elaborate articles of the same description and we hope on a future occasion if we are asked to send anything that our specimens may be of a higher merit.

We are, Sir,
Yours faithfully
[illegible]

---

B407 Cross of Liverpool

Ansd Dec 6/98

December 2nd 1898

Cross, Liverpool | Telephone No. 6491

To General A. Pitt-Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Mr Cross begs most respectfully to inform Gen. A. Pitt-Rivers that he is sending the Benin objects and others this day by passenger train to Tisbury station. Upon the other side is a complete list. Among the Benin bronzes, there is out of especial interest, it is the figure probably of a priest in solid bronze and upon which are curiously worked figures of a Cross, Beads, Girdle, etc. Mr Cross has had probably more Benin specimens through his hands than anyone living, yet he has not had anything to compare with this figure, to which he places an especial value, because it indicates with some sort of definiteness the origin and date of these specimens, however General A Pitt-Rivers will perhaps communicate directly they are inspected & state the value of any specimens detected [?] A connosseiur who called here to see these specimens wished Mr Cross to reserve four of them for him but having previously written to General A. Pitt-Rivers Mr Cross declined to reserve them.

List of specimens sent

* 1 [insert] solid [end insert] Benin bronze figure, with Cross, Beads, Girdle

1 [Benin bronze figure] with crest on head from Kings juju home

1 [Benin bronze figure] form Queens compound

1 Gold Coast bronze weight from Prempets palace

1 River Niger (Asaba) state court spear

[Added?] (not sent) 1 Wood stool Gold Coast

1 four bladed paddle River Benin

2 two bladded paddles River Benin

1 ivory war horn, Rings house, Benin city

1 Ancient head of an extinct race of Indians from Peru. A curious type with low forehead, large cheekbones and coarse black hair much resembling the Malay head.

PS Mr Cross has not sent the stool he thinks it is not required

Mr Cross has not at present either laughing jackasses or wallabys but he will inform Gen. A. Pitt-Rivers the first he receives. At this season of the year he has not much in stock, about 28 lions 6 tigers 23 panthers, 2 black panthers 27 polar bears 23 cassowaries 200 baboons apes & monkeys 200 pythons, a Rhinoceros, 2 Gigantic pythons 24 feet, perhaps however some of the lesser things would be taken. A small herd of 10 golden agouti £12 10/- pretty [illegible] breed & live on the lawn. Coati mundi. Crown Cranes. Norfolk Prairie Marmot. Macaws. Tame crested screamer fallows one, Canada geese. Mile geese. Bran [?] geese. Arctic snow geese. A miniature Shetland pony 34 inches Rare Amazons & [illegible] Lories Large purple Gali... Nicobar pigeons, Abyssinian francolins 12 large ...., a fine Argentine game bird size of a pheasant which bid fair to become naturalized in England.

Also following Museum specimens

Giant hippopotamus head

Giant elephant head

Giant Elephant skin, head & all perfect to stuff (Barnums largest) Giant Red Kangaroo perfect to stuff, Lions, Lionesses, Tigers, Panthers, perfect to stuff 3 Enormous Snakes 23 feet long skeleton and skin perfect to stuff Python reticulata 4 Elephant feet to mount as snuff-holders, tobacco jars etc 1 Orang Outang to mount 1 Giant Himalayan Bear 3 Egyptian mummies

------

B408 W.D. Cutter

W.D. Cutter 36 Gt Russell Street Bloomsbury W.C. | London Oct 13th 1882

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Sir,

I sent off the ebonised plate stands today packed in a box, for this size the lowest price I could get them for was 3/0 each & I hope they will meet your approval.

I beg to remain,
Your obedient Servt
W.D. Cutter

---------

B409 E. Cutter

From Miss E. Cutter 36 Great Russell Street Bloomsbury London W.C. Antiquities, Curiosities, Natural History Specimens | Oct 21st 1896 To Genl Pitt Rivers Rushmore Salisbury

Dear Sir

I regret to say I have no Dyak shields just now, I sold two last week. I will write to you should I get any.

I remain
Yours truly
E. Cutter

-------

B412 S. Egger

Budapest Lloydgebaude |Saison Carlsbad Malteserkreuz | S. Egger & Comp. Münz- und Antiquitäten-handlung Wien, Kohlmarkt 8, Wallnerstrasse 1 | Vienna 12th December 1881

Dear Sir

After much troubles it succeeded us to acquire a very nice Celtic sword which we allow us to offer you.

The last price of it is £20.-.- and it is of an especially form and size. We request for a very soon answer, as we cannot reserve a piece like that for a long time.

We remain Dear Sir from very truly

S. Egger Co

Drawing [drawing attached]

Honble | General Pitt Rivers | London

-----

 B413

"The Old Curiosity Shop" | 11, New Oxford Street, | London, W.C. ... | Fenton & Sons | 11th Oct '88

Genl Pitt Rivers

Dear Sir

I managed to buy the iron casket for you yesterday & left information for it to be forwarded to you with the bedstead. The key of the box could not be found when it was put up for sale, but the porter promised to have a good search & send it if he could find it.

The Oak Table I did not buy, as it realized £3-5-0

I omitted to mention to you yesterday a collection of 19 Hindoo Gods, carved in soapstone, which we have recently purchased. They are an interesting lot & you may perhaps like to see them when you are coming this way.

I am, Dear Sir,
Yours truly
WK Fenton

----

"The Old Curiosity Shop" | 11, New Oxford Street, | London, W.C. ... | Fenton & Sons | 5th Nov. '88

Genl Pitt Rivers

Dear Sir

The shield as per enclosed sketch sent by you we have sold. It was about 20 inches in length.

We enclose sketch of a smaller specimen, without the brass centre, which may possibly interest you. [insert] Price 8/- [end insert]

This appears to be complete as it is.

Yours faithfully
Fenton & Sons

----

"The Old Curiosity Shop" | Memorandum | Fenton & Sons Dealers in Antiques and Articles of Vertu | 11, New Oxford Street, | London, W.C. ... | May 14th 1895 | General Pitt Rivers 4 Grosvenor Gardens

Dear Sir

We send you wherewith a sketch of the Lead water Cistern mentioned to you last week. We have three offered to us, all of the same date 1738. On one of the others there is more ornamental border work. The price of them [insert] is [end insert] £18 each.

We are, Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully
Fenton & Sons

----

"The Old Curiosity Shop" | 11, New Oxford Street, | London, W.C. ... | Fenton & Sons | Nov. 24th 1896

General Pitt Rivers

Dear Sir

In reply to your telegram we have today forwarded to Tisbury Station on approval the goods selected by Mr Gray and we have also added three other pieces of China with similar ornamentation on.

We must apologize for not answering before this your letter of the 5th inst, but we had been waiting to write and at the same time send you some sketches but our man who does this work has been too busy to attend to us. However anything good we do not think you have missed, for a number of the specimens in Webster's catalogue are our property & we allow him to illustrate them.

In future when we get anything special likely to suit you, we will communicate with you.

We beg to remain, Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully
Fenton & Sons

------

"The Old Curiosity Shop" | 11, New Oxford Street, | London, W.C. ... | Fenton & Sons | May 17th 1898

Genl Pitt Rivers

Dear Sir

We have a set of three masks from Tyrol which we think might interest you. Enclosed is a full description of them. The price of the set is £75.0.0. and if you would like them sent to you on approval we shall be pleased to do so on hearing from you.

We are, Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully
Fenton & Sons

-----

[in pencil at top] (Part of 17.5.1898)

"The Old Curiosity Shop" | 11, New Oxford Street, | London, W.C. ... | Fenton & Sons

Genl Pitt Rivers

Dear Sir

A set of three wooden masks belonging to the Brotherhood of Berehtelsläufer in the village of Lans near Innsbruck in Tyrol 17th century:-

The first one represents the Devil, head of a monster with large buck-horns

The second a spectre (bearded head of a man carved in Gothic lines)

The third a witch (head of a woman with very long nose)

The brotherhood runs with these masks during the holy nights of the Yule-time (Berchtelnacht) through the whole village, through every house, jumping and crying and dancing to expel the Devil and the evil spirits out of the houses.

These old wooden masks are extremely scarce, there exists a few in the Museum of the Prince of Hohenzollern in Sigmaringen, in the Germanic Museum in Nuremberg [insert] and [end insert] in the Ethnological Museum in the Museum for Volkstradt in Berlin.

-----

B416 Halstaff & Hannaford

Ansd Aug 3/95

Halstaff & Hannaford | 228 Regent Street | Dealers and Importers of fine Japanese & other foreign goods, porcelain, lacquer, ivory carving, enamels, metals etc. | Established 1825 | July 31 1895

Sir

We have just received some very fine quality Old metal sword guards Iron and bronze two of which are beautifully inlaid with enamel, two or three are Shibuitchi and Shakudo all of them are 17th or 18th Century pieces, and by well known masters, I would esteem it a great favour if you would kindly allow me to send them down to you to see, there is 16 of them, & could be sent by Parcel Post, but I feel sure you would be interested as I have never had any as good before Awaiting the favour of a reply

Yours obediently
for Halstaff & Hannaford
JH Housman

------

B417 Hann

Ansd Sept 4/96

107 Praed St | Paddington | Aug 29.96

W. Hann presents his compliments to Major Pitt Rivers and has taken the liberty to enclose a list of Paintings (on Bark) of Gods which are for disposal Knowing that Major Pitt Rivers is an authority in such matters.

The paintings can be seen in London at any time or could be sent for inspection

[Printed list attached with card which says Imperial Cycle Bazaar, not transcribed]

----

B420 Henriques

The first part of this is an undated tabulated ?invoice

56.2.6

Lots 58-59  1.0.0
Lots 96-97
Lots 98-99 1.4.0
Lots 181-182 11.0
Lots 215 5.0
Lots 243 9.0
Lots 144 1.0.0
Lots 364 Fashion Hammer greenstone  2.0.0
Lots 39 Sacrificial knife Funen 5.10.0
Lots 298 Wedge 2.5.0
Lots 299 2.16.0
Total  73.2.6
Lots 166 8.0
Lots 49 5.0
Lots 120 10.0

--------

74.5.6

----------

S. Henriques | Antikviteshandel | Amagertorv No 18 | Kjobenhavn K | 10 Aug 1881

Honorable [sic] General Pitt Rivers | London

Dear Sir

Thanking you for your favour of 7 inst, I regrette [sic] very much that I did not send you the Invoice separately but I could not think that you would not open the boxes of that reason. The lot consists of 434 specimens and if you open the boxes you will at once find the invoice laid on a smaler [sic] box whereupon as written with great letters "Invoice" and shall have next the cover - But in order to [insert] that [end insert] you not shall have the [illegible] to open the boxe invain I give you an extract of the invoice and hope that you as soon as possible will send my an answer I remain dear Sir

most [illegible]
yours very truely
S. Henriques

Extract of invoice

Arrow heads No 1 - 36 incl from 2 1/2 to 11 centimetres 6 sh to 1£ 10s
Arrowheads of hand & chipping No 37 20 @ 2£.10
Sacrificial Knives
from N38-50 long: 13 à 22 cntms from 2s.6d - £5.10sh
Knives with square handles
for 51-63 long 13  à 22 cntm [illegible] 4 sh.6 to 1£ 5 sh
Laudoes [?]
dentelled spear heads &c
for 64-129 long 7 cnm 32 cnm price from 2 sh to £6-11 sh
Shaving & craquel [illegible]
for 130-142 long 10 cnm 20 cnm Price from 2 sh6 to 12 sh
Narrow gouges
for 143-145 ong 55 centimetres 20 cntm Price from 10 sh to £3
Narrow chisel
146.166 L 7-26 cntm Price from 3 sh to £1-1-0
Gouges
167-187 L 9 ct - 17 ctm Price from 1 sh 8 d - 11sh
Wedges many different types
188-333 L 6 1/2 ctm - 36 1/2 ctm Price from 1 sh to £2-16
334 - 367 L 9 ct - 25 ct Price from 4 sh 9 d to £2.8.0
368-417 2 1/2 - 36 cent Price from 2 sh to £4
418 A cencer [?] of Bronze work with iron chaines £3.6
419-434 Finding [?] the whole £1.10
If the lot is taken I give a deduction of 25 per cent

I hope Dear Sir that you will be kind enough to open the cases and look at the implements and invoice. There had too much trouble and too much loose of time as you should not do so - and I am sure you will oblige me in doing so Most respectfully S.H

-----

[Separate sheet dated 10 August 1881 and addressed to Pitt Rivers, which is very faded but seems to be a list of lot numbers and costs totalling £63 3s ending with note in different hand 'Receipt this sheet' and]

£63.6sh paid with a cheque on Messr Ransom & Bouverie S. Henriques Copenhagen 1 April 1882

-----

S. Henriques | Antikviteshandel | Amagertorv No 18 | Kjobenhavn K | 26 Sept 1881

Honorable [sic] General Pitt Rivers | London

Dear Sir

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of 22nd wherein you did not inform me the receipt of my letter 19th Aug - with a shorter list of the implements, but perhaps you did not find it sufficient, and I send you hereby a duplicate as you demand it - Yours very truly

S. Henriques

Honorable Sir

Refering you to my respects of Dec last year, I have now herewith the pleasure to forward you this magnificent and rich collection of stone implements &c, which you would oblige me kindly to examine as I only have made a few remarks by same specimens in order to share largness [?], though you will remark that the prices are very moderate, I still am willing as you [illegible] to give you the considerable deduction of £25 p cent in order to encourage you to take the lot, which must be together, but should you not withstanding the great deduction not be willing to take the lot, I could also be willing to see you a certain part of it and in this case you would oblige to tell me the number of the specimens you would keep, as I am not able to sell under a certain amount, previously I have placed Lot 133 9 sh to your [illegible] and wishing you a good receipt ... [there follows 3 pages of tables set out like the one above]

----

B421 Hirsch (on behalf of Ludwig Lindenschmit, Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum)

George Hirsch, Speditions-Geschäft | Reichsbank Giro-Conto. | Mainz den 25th Sept 1882

To General Pitt Rivers 4 Grosvenor Gdns London W.

Sir,

Dr Lindenschmidt, the director of the "Romisch-Germanisches-Central-Museum" of this town has instructed me to forward two cases, containing metal goods, to your address at the same time asking me to reimburse myself on delivery for £95.13/- as well as for my own charges thereof. I beg to inform you that there will be an additional fee of at least 50/- to be paid in that case, which however would be avoided by your sending me a cheque for the amount aforesaid.

Please let me know by return of post whether you wish me to pay on receipt of the goods or whether you will send a cheque.

Your obedt servant
George Hirsch

----

George Hirsch, Speditions-Geschäft | Reichsbank Giro-Conto. | Mainz den 7th Oct 1882

To General Pitt Rivers 4 Grosvenor Gdns London W.

Sir,

I beg to confirm my letter of 25th Sept and having had no reply from you whatever I have shipped the two cases viz ROM 1/2 to London  via Rotterdam [illegible] Messrs Langstaff, Ehrenberg & Pollack of 60 King William Street E.C. will deliver same to you against payment of £97.2/-

You will also please to pay their charges on these goods & oblige

Your obedt servant
George Hirsch

-------

B422 Hyams

Frank Hyams | 167 New Bond Street | London W. January 3rd 1899 | Also at Dunedin New Zealand | By special appointment Their Excellencies Sir Wm Jervois The Earl of Onslow The Earl of Glasgow

Dear Sir

I am this day in receipt of your dated 2nd Am sorry I havse not a catalogue.

The many curios I have at above address are from my museum in New Zealand

I should be glad if when next in London you could find time to visit my rooms as I am sure there are many things you would be interested in.

The working of the New Zealand greenstone into artistic articles has been [illegible] for many years I am now able to show some specimens of same

I am, dear Sir
Your obediently
[illegible but presumably Frank] Hyams

General Pitt-Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

------

B423 Indian Art Gallery (Procter and Co.)

Indian Art Gallery | 428 Oxford Street ... | London Nov 13th 1888

Private

General Pitt Rivers

Sir,

I beg to take the liberty of writing to ask if you would care to see two very exquisitely carved pieces of ivory of a certain character. I should not thus presume only that I had the pleasure of selling you two stone models which you may recollect. If you care to see them I should be glad of an appointment to show them as, should you call here I might not be able to produce them, as they are quite private although at times I could.

I remain Sir
Your Obediently
R Alexander

----

Indian Art Gallery | 428 Oxford Street ... | Procter & Co. | London Dec 11 1895

General Fox-Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Sir,

With regard to the two Windows in the carpet room at the Earl's Court Exhibition, we can get these reproduced at a cost of £115.

Should the size of these be not exactly what you require, we could make them either a little larger or smaller to fit any special space in which you might wish to place them.

Should you favour us with the order we will put the work in hand without delay.

Your obedient Servant
Procter Co.

------

Indian Art Gallery | 428 Oxford Street ... | Procter & Co. | London Jan 6th 1896

General Fox-Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Sir,

We should be pleased to wait upon you, should you be in town, in order to explain any further particulars you may require respecting the facade which you saw at the Earl's Court Exhibition, and for which we sent you an estimate to reproduce.

Should you not be coming to town, the writer will be pleased to call upon you at Rushmore with the sketch, to receive your instructions, if agreeable.

We have the honour to remain, Sir
Your obdt Servants
pp Procter & Co
R. Alexander

------

Indian Art Gallery | 428 Oxford Street ... | Procter & Co. | London Nov 13th 1896

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Sir,

Should the object mentioned in enclosed cutting interest you, we should be pleased to submit it, as we have it here for sale Price £2.500

Yours Obediently
pp Procter & Co
R. Alexander

we have also some new Arms and other interesting pieces

Cutting:

[Hand dated Dec 6th 1888] 'Among the more interesting objects forming part of the collection of Burrmese, Indian and Japanese curios, advertised for sale by auction by Messrs Phillips ... on Wednesday is an Indian idol of some value and celebrity. It is the representative of a deity to whom Hindoo women pay peculiar worship and is known as the original "Lingam God" ... [it] consists of an extraordinary chrysoberyl cat's eye ... set in a large yellow topaz, the whole supported on a native Indian gold base, incrusted with diamonds and set around with nine gems ...'

------

Indian Art Gallery | 428 Oxford Street ... | Procter & Co. | London Mch 31st 1897

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Sir,

We have just received six different patterns in Persian Tiles of the small sizes 6 inches square.

We can offer these at the unusually low price of 3/6 per tile if a case of not less than 50 is ordered & we should be pleased to send the samples on approval.

They would be suitable for panelling, chimnies, flower boxes, dados &c

We have the honour to remain, Sir

Your Obedient Servants
pp Procter & Co
R. Alexander

-----

Ansd June 17/97

Indian Art Gallery | 428 Oxford Street ... | Procter & Co. | London 10 June 1897

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Sir,

We have the pleasure to advise dispatch of a box to Tisbury station containing 7 sample tiles as per enclosed memo showing the quantity of each we are able to supply. As you may require a considerable number we have quoted them at a very low price and trust they will meet with your approval

We are, Sir
Your obdt Servants
pp Procter & Co

[list enclosed but not transcribed]

-----

Ansd Sept 15/97

Indian Art Gallery | 428 Oxford Street ... | Procter & Co. | London Sept 14th 1897

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Sir,

We should be glad to know your decision respecting the Tiles we sent on approval in the month of June last. Trusting you are sufficiently recovered to allow us know

We remain, Sir
Your obdt Servants
pp Procter & Co R. Alexander

-----

Indian Art Gallery | 428 Oxford Street ... | Procter & Co. | London Oct 19th 1897

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Sir,

We are sending you a small case of sample Tiles, carriage paid, as being the only ones we can supply at the present moment, and we should feel obliged if you would kindly return to us those you have, and retain these in their place to order from.

We have a very handsome Persian enamel Samovar, or charcoal Coffee Pot, and a Camphor Wood chest on handsome carved stand, both worthy of inspection.

We have the honour to remain, Sir
Your obdt Servants
pp Procter & Co R. Alexander

The photograph enclosed of Persian Tile, in various blues and white, is a sample of half a dozen, similar ones we should be glad to submit. If of no interest, kindly return.

-----

Ansd Nov 8/97

Indian Art Gallery | 428 Oxford Street ... | Procter & Co. | London Oct 26th 1897

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Sir,

In reply to your favour we beg to state that the letter which contained the photograph of the Persian Tile, also advised our sending a small case of tiles, with list of contents, and asking you to kindly return all that were sent in June and retaining these to order from, as all the former are sold, except these very samples. If you will do so, it will simplify matters & we shall feel obliged.

As regards the large Tile, as per photo, we shall be pleased to send it for inspection when you are ready to see it, as we could not leave it in abeyance for any length of time. There are 6 altogether of this size

We remain, Sir
Yours obediently
pp Procter & Co R. Alexander

-----

Indian Art Gallery | 428 Oxford Street ... | Procter & Co. | London Aug 30th 1898

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Sir,

We have the pleasure to advise despatch of goods as per enclosed invoice, and trust they will reach you in safety.

Photographs are enclosed with Tiles, prices as per verbal agreement

Panels £15/./. or £25 the two
Screen £70 [Added note in red 'Bought by Gen. Rivers at £40 Mar. 1899']
Doorway £50
Elephant Chair £15
2 Plates showing 131 samples Teak wood carvings 20/- each to clear = £13 [Added note in red 'Bt by Gen. Rivers'] otherwise 15/- to 50/- each

We have the honour to remain, Sir
Your obedient Servants
pp Procter & Co R. Alexander

-----

Indian Art Gallery | 428 Oxford Street ... | Procter & Co. | London

The Mooltan Fireplace was designed about 1891 or 92 for the Fine Art Museum at Lahore. In 1894 it was used to decorate the Viceroys large Reception Hall on the occasion of the Durbar held at Lahore in that year

It is believed to be the only one of its Kind existing

The Persian characters are (freely translated) as follows:-

Oh Saheb may thy threshold
Like the Stars be full of light
The Scales of Justice in thy hand
For ever balanced be.

The fire place is considered to be one of the best specimens of Mooltan Tile work, both as regards the purity of colors and completeness of the design

------

B425 Inman

[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W. | 9 June 1888

Sir

I called at Grosvenor Gardens yesterday after the Marquis of Exeter's Sale to report to you the result of your [illegible - c...pion] to me. But having been informed that you left for Rushmore I write to inform you as follows:-

The Pair of Parrots fetched 48 Guineas
The Pair of White Jugs (Lizard Handles) 17 gns!
The Cup with Red Band 7 gns!

Therefore they fetched about three times as much as the limit to my bidding put them.

There was a full room of company and fair competition. No doubt the value of the objects was enhanced by reason of their coming from such a distinguished collection.

I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant
Alfred Inman

PS I enclose Catalogue marked with a few of the prices obtained

Genl A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

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[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W. | June 15 95

Sir

I beg to send you enclosed copy of J. Fergusson upon the subject of the Italian origin of the inlaid coloured stones upon white marble, which I had known of long, but have only just met with their authority. The copy is in pencil because made of a Library from which pen and ink are excluded.

I am now ...ing [illegible] diligent search for a small specimen of this inlay made in Italy, and will report again when successful.

I have communicated a written list of the objects derived from the Exhibition Court, and now await a reply. From Elkington's however I have ascertained that the prices of their replicas of the Repoussé Bowls - silver plated - is Eight and Ten Guineas according to size

Yours obediently
Alfred Inman

General A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

P.S. The written invoice was kept back until I wrote

Pencil-written notes attached headed 'From History of Indian and Eastern Architecture by James Fergusson DCL &c &c 3rd volume John Murray 1891 Page 588 Book VII Chap X ... [not transcribed]

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[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W. | June 18 95

Sir

I have the pleasure to forward herewith enclosed Two small specimens of Old English Lacquer work such as I understood you wished me to procure. The prices are 2/- for that upon metal, and 10/- for that upon Wood.

Since I wrote last I have visited the South Kensington Museum (Indian section) and viewed the two pieces of Inlay looted by Sir John Jones and now enclose herewith two rough sketches of them. As Dr J. Fergusson remarks, the Slabs with Birds, Fruits, & Foliage resemble most forcibly the recent Florentine work. I am still seeking a specimen of the latter.

I further beg to enclose some remarks of Dr Sir Geo Birdwood further upon the same subject.

With regard to the three objects entrusted to me by the Hon Mrs Pitt Rivers I have to report that they have all been placed in the hands (repaired) of the Housemaid left behind at No. 4 Grosvenor Gardens.

Yours obediently
Alfred Inman

General A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Pencil-written notes attached headed 'From Dr Sir George Birdwood's Industrial Arts of India Part II (South Kensington Museum Hand Book page 214 ... [not transcribed]

------

Ansd by Gray June 25/95

[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W. | June 22 95

Dear Sir

Please to receive herewith enclosed Two Small Specimens of Italian Inlay of coloured stones upon marble. These are forwarded subject to your approbation. If not approved of it is necessary that they should be returned to me promptly in order that I may recover the purchase money which I had to pay the Italian who furnished them before I could obtain possession of them. Their price is twelve shillings each.

I cannot hear of any massive pieces like the Agra Lota from the Indian Exhibition Only flat objects - plaques &c

I have also met with two pairs of pieces of Pietro-Duso as follows:-

Two rectangular plagues [sic] of Black marble 20 inches by 16 inches containing a Vase of flowers - formed of inlaid coloured stones in alto relievo Price £10 the pair plus 5%

Two Oval Plaques ditto ditto but smaller & with the addition of fruit, cherries &c of inlaid coloured stones in alto relievoPrice £7.10/- the pair plus 5%.

The Italian from whom I procured these small specimens has two more of the cherry [illegible] similar to that sent herewith at the same price. Also he had a plaque of convolli with some lapis lazuli in the inlay price fifteen shillings. Also two ill defined pictures of coloured inlay at one guinea each. Subject of one is a classical temple, rocks &c and of the other of a [illegible] and rocks. The sizes of these are in proportion to their price, as compared with those now sent.

The whole of this inlay work is from Italy. I cannot hear of any of this work being made at the present time or imported.

Of these two enclosed plaques the Bird & Tulip subject is considered the older.

I am, 
Yours obediently
Alfred Inman

General A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

----

Ansd July 12/95

[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W. |11 July 1895

Dear Sir

Since my conversation with you yesterday respecting Italian inlaid marble Chess plaque I have attended a [illegible] Christie [illegible] & Woods sale by Public Auction to day and I have there purchased a beautifully inlaid Italian marble Chess Table the price of which if you take it over from now will be to you Four Guineas - and I hope that you will do so, as I have no need for it myself, and acted upon the opportunity to the best of my judgement.

It is not the comparatively simple plaque which I described to you (that had already changed ownership) but it is already and perfectly mounted as a Table. complete upon a splendid Sienna marble pillar or pediment.

It is altogether a very handsome piece of Italian inlay work and worth double the price I have mentioned [illegible]

I shall be very pleased to receive your orders to forward it to you - it shall be carefully packed.

I am, Sir,
Your obdt Servant
Alfred Inman

[Enclosed drawing shown here]

Genl A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

-----

Ansd Sept 18/95

[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W. | July 27 1895

Dear Sir

With reference to the exhibits in the Glass Cases of the Earls Court Indian Exhibition, and especially to those particular objects which you pointed out to me, I have to report that although I made application immediately respecting them I have been unable to obtain from those in charge more than negative information about the greater part of them i.e. - that they cannot find out from the owners that the [insert] objects [end insert] are for sale  - and as those owners are mostly private individuals the chances are against my being able to procure them. One piece that you wished for has een applied for by other parties, namely;- A fine Silver repoussé Bowl with medallions of figures & having open work near rim, about eight inches diameter. But this is not for sale.

I have already reported that the collection of metal bowls of Burmese Repoussé work, of which you wished a pair, are Replicas manufactured & exhibited by [illegible] Elkington & Co. whose price, they [illegible] me, was from £8 to £10 each. But of course I do nothing further with these until I have further instruction from you.

Yesterday however I have ascertained that one fine piece of Kooftkarri work from the Panjab, which you selected, is for sale! I enclose a pencil sketch of it herewith to assist in identifying it. The metal is steel, and it is silverplated in part & chiefly kooft with silver upon the blue steel field. It also has gold kooft work over it. The kooft ornament is very fine, and altogether it is an important piece. The price is seven guineas and a half. The height is about Fifteen inches. It is in Glass Case XXIII Number 1313.

In connection with the above I wish to add that I have in my own collection in Ebury Street a small "[illegible]" or scentholder, from the same place, of the same material, Kooft all over with ornament & arabesque in Gold only height four inches price ten shillings only!

Yours obediently
Alfred Inman

General A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

[Sketch not enclosed]

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Memorandum | To: Genl Pitt Rivers 4 Grosvenor Gardens

[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W. | 12 Oct 1895

Please receive herewith

Catalogue of Indian Exhibition

Pencil sketch of Figure 3 feet high for sale (one of a pair)

Pencil sketches of figures 2 feet high for sale Single

and of Pair 4 feet 6 ins high not for sale

NB the Pair of Demons supporting a Bell belong to Lord Roberts At page 230 of Catalogue is matter expressing Indian marble inlay AI

----

[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W.

Dear Sir

I beg to inform you that I have received a reply from Mrs Bercus the owner of the larger pair of Burmese carved wooden figures stating that she does not wish to part with them. So I have applied to the Superintendent at the Indian Exhibition Earls Court upon your behalf for the Pair nos 230 & 232 price £4.10/- and I am to have possession of them immediately upon the closing of the Exhibition tomorrow, when I propose if I do not hear to the contrary to pack them carefully in a large case and despach [sic] them to your address. They are the large pair, three feet high, of which I furnished you a sketch of one of the figures, and the other figure is similar.

I have also written to the owners direct of other objects which you wished for - but so far the answers received have ben against disposing of them.

I now beg to enclose a bill of this last transaction - together with a statement of outstandings - and as I shall have to pay the Exhibition balance upon clearing there & the Kooftkarri Chardan (which I will forward at the same time) I shall be greatly obliged by a Cheque.

I remain, 
Your obed. servant
Alfred Inman

25 Oct 95

General A. Pitt Rivers

Oct. 25 1895

General A. Pitt Rivers

Bought of ...

Oct 8

From Indian Exhibition Earls Court One pair Carved Gong holders & pole Nos 230 & 232 £4.10.0

My commission 4/6

Oct 14

From Ditto Ditto catalogue 1/-

[Total] 4.15.6

----

[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W.

Sir

I beg to advise the despatch this day to your address of the Kooftkarri Chardan procured from the Indian Exhibition at Earls Court this day. They were unable yet to deliver up the Burmese Carved Wood Gong Holding Figures.

But I cleared upon my own a/c Four Burmese Figures of small size carved in wood - and as you expressed a wish to see them I have enclosed them in the package sent off to you today. Their price is Thirty shillings net for the whole four.

The favor of an answer to my request of the 25th inst. will greatly oblige

I am, Sir, 
Yours obediently
Alfred Inman

30 Oct 95

General A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

----

Memo

Attendance had to be given at the Indian Exhibition Offices on four separate days vix Oct 23, 38 & 30, & Nov 1 before delivery could be effected.

Because the larger figures had been sold at the Exhibition also to Messrs Emmanuel of Portsmouth, who were unwilling to give them up I had to insist upon our right to them.

AI

2 Nov 95.

17 Ebury St SW

----

Ansd Feb. 27/ 96

[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W.

Sir

Amongst the objects exhibited at the Earls Court Indian Exhibition were some ancient bronzes each with two long prongs which proved to be hair combs - and which you desired to add to your collection. After much delay the owner has informed me that he is willing to part with them. They come from Southern India & belong to Colonel Shelley Leigh-Hunt who was quartered there for thirty years. At present he resides at "Dol-Peris" Bournemouth West.

I beg at the same time to inform you that Col. Leigh-Hunt is also the owner of an important Shrine and Stand of which I hand you by this post, under separate cover, two photographs and a printed description, which he is desirous of selling. He has them all at "Dol-Peris" Bournemouth West, where they can be inspected any day by appointment.

With reference to your enquiry last month, and in continuation of my letter in reply, I have interviewed the parties from whom I procured the Hispano-Mauro Lustre Ware in question. They deal indirectly with the two brothers in Spain who have revived that art manufacture. I am unable to procure further particulars. But if you give me an order for more of that ware I will with pleasure put it in the right channel for execution.

I am, Sir,
Your obed. Servant
Alfred Inman

26 Feb 96

General A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

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Ansd May 15/ 97

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.

Sir

Regilding Buddha

With reference to the audience granted me by the Hon. Mrs Pitt Rivers, and in continuation of my letter of the 4 May *, I now beg to state as a Revised Estimate that for the sum of Nine pounds, more or less, the large and important Figure of Buddha can be cleaned and repaired in its present situation, have its Stand ReLacquered, and the feet, hands, breast, neck, and face regilt with the best English Gold, and in the first style of workmanship.

If the missing Nimbus was to be regilt, or the Figure taken away by your order, both would involve extra expense.

I cannot recommend its being done with inferior gold as it would soon assume a bad appearance like some parts that have been so treated already, probably because the great value of proper gold could not be afforded at the time.

Yours obediently
Alfred Inman

6 May 97

* Note that the letter of 4 May 1897 is not included in S&SWM PR papers.

----

Inman | Ansd May 19/97

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W. | 17 May 1897

Dear Sir,

Upon receipt of your letter of the 15th I called today at no. 4 Grosvenor Gardens and made search for the Nimbus in the small Room where the Buddha is stored, but found it not. But I was informed that the other Store rooms were locked. So I applied (by direction) to Mr Mann, House Agent, and he informed me that the Keys of those rooms are with The Hon. Mrs Pitt Rivers. I will immediately [illegible] search further upon obtaining the keys

I judged that there was originally a Nimbus by the presence in the Stand, at the back of the two feet, of an opening cut to receive something.

That might have been a long upright bar about five feet high with a golden circle, which sets along the back of the head - Or there might have been instead a broad flat canopy (?Lotus Leaf) rising from the heels up to the crown of the head over which it terminated in a conical point. May I ask if it is known what was really there.

Yours faithfully
Alfred Inman

To: Harold Gray | Rushmore | Salisbury

----

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W. | 20 August 1897

Please receive herewith upon approbation

One length of Delhic printed Cotton Dado (with half yard wide bands of various colors @ sixpence per panel Eleven = 5/6 (1 yard in depth)

One Square of Delhic printed Cotton Cloth (42 inches) for 2/6

One Portion of Delhic Cotton Cloth printed in colors - 4 yards long by two yards wide - centre design of the "Tree of Life" for 10/6

General A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

"Jeypur" Palampres Printed in Colors on fine Cotton with

One larger, 4 yards long by 2 yards wide, Dark yellow ground Richly covered with Rafaellesque designs of Squirrels [illegible] Peacocks, Large Sunflowers [illegible] &c for 10/6

One Ditto with White Border & Dark Yellow Filling in Centre & Tigers & Antelopes in Dado for 7/6

One Ditto upon rich Yellow ground all over - Design of small [illegible] pattern of Bouquets and small arcade in [illegible] with sprigs of flowers facing the centre for 7/6

NB Other patterns can be supplied & further quantities

----

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W. | 20 August 1897

Sir,

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your note this morning, and I will make Enquiries of those who lately constituted themselves a Burmese Company & imported the Carved Teak Door Posts and then write to you again whether they can be obtained now

And I have to impress you that I have just despatched to your address by Parcel Post a Parcel of 5 Indian Cotton Cloths printed with subjects in Colors - all upon approbation. A list of them accompanies the parcel.

With regard to the decoration of the White Panels of Concert of the Indian House from Benares I shall be obliged if you will allow me a few days before replying more definitely - I have in my memory only an unpleasant recollection of crude designs of gods and animals painted in glaring body color - which I always considered degenerate art. But I will make it my object to look up this subject, and write again.

Yours obediently
Alfred Inman

Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

It seems clear that these door posts and panels which will from now dominate Inman and Pitt-Rivers surviving correspondence relates to objects being obtained for display at the Larmer Tree Gardens.

----

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.

Sir,

Jours [?] of 20 August

With regard to the Burmese Carved Teak Door Posts I beg to inform you that the Company which imported those you had has wound up its affairs, and ceased to exist. After a good many enquiries amongst other Indian Importers I cannot meet, or hear of, any other Door Posts. And I consider that if you require several of them the best way will be to order them direct from Burma, which I can do at once.

I am in constant communication with Burma, and feel that there Posts can be readily procured from there. [sic]

I have been turning my attention to the subject of the decoration of the Old house from Benares. Such a structure as a Goldsmith shop would not require elaborate decoration. The Wood work should be coated with body colors in a harmonious way, yet in simple style - which I could scheme out easily if I saw the building or had some drawings of it, or measurements of the parts requiring special embellishment. I have seen authorities for subjects to paint on the Panels, and I wold furnish designs for several groups, figures, animals, Hunting subjects, Gods &c when I know more about the structure. These designs cannot be furnished by me well at this stage - they would require scheming out from my recollections of Indian styles of ornamentation, aided by scattered authorities.

If it is inconvenient to render measured sketches of the house at Larmer, I would offer myself to come and after viewing there and then to submit places to you

Yours obediently
Alfred Inman

25 Augt 97

Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

PS And I would beg to offer to bring down proper colors, & other materials, with implements, for carrying out upkeep the beginnings of such work as you wish as far as can be done off hand, leaving the rest to be added afterwards AI

----

Ansd Sept 3/97

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.

Sir,

Indian House Decoration

In continuation of my last one the above subject it has occurred to me that one method towards the work could be by painting figures, animals, arabesques of conventional ornament, or hunting groups &c upon loose squares of lincrusta or similar material. These I could execute and then forward these to be fitted in the panel spaces. But if it is considered desirable to paint these subjects direct on to the plaster of the panels, which appears to me to be the proper thing, then I could prepare designs for the series - or better still submit to you before hand data, and sketches, and explanations in person

Yours obediently
Alfred Inman

5 Sep 97

Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

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Ansd Sept 13/97

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.

Sir,

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 3rd Sep'r and to report that I have traced the Burmese Carvings your enquiries about the possession of the Indo-China Curio Trading Company whose address is on the Third Floor of No. 58 New Bond Street. The various parts they have scattered now - some are in use, and others lying in store - but they state that they are prepared to dispose of the whole of the party as they were fitted and displayed last year at the Earls Court Exhibition for £65. Or if only the two central pieces are required then price could be £30.

The "whole Lot" would include the supporting Pillars, six or eight in number. The whole Lot enclosed a Front of 45 feet, and its two returns of 13 feet each marking a total of 71 linear feet [illegible] - The colouring of those I saw in use, differed from those lying in store.

The Company have lent me a Photograph mounted in a glazed frame, which I have unfixed for the purpose of sending herewith for your information. From this photo you will observe how the whole structure has been developedd out of the two centre pieces which alone are Burmese Carvings of Teak, and [insert] which [end insert] were planned in Burma for the two stern plates of a large Rowing Boat! which I may be able to speak more about hereafter.

And the whole of the remaining arches [insert] &c [end insert] as seen in the Photo, were carved out of deal wood in this country to carry on the design. And the Company state that they were [illegible] to [illegible] expenses about it, but can utilize the whole again for the same purpose. Although not authorized by them to say so, I should think that if only a portion of the 71 feet run is required that they would sell.

On the other hand if you wish to have all genuine Teak Wood Carvings I can undertake to procure them from Burma to your own designs - or to your general wishes & dimensions leaving the Burmese Carvers to carry the same out in their own good style. I see my way clear to getting this done.

Regarding the subject to be painted in the upper space of the thirty or more posts of the woodwork of the Benares House I am making some pencil sketches of designs for these - to be more elaborated and coloured either here or by the painter who executes the work on the spot. These will be forwarded in a few days. In the meantime I enclose with this (as per List) some native drawings &c - for ideas of the decoration.

Yours faithfully
Alfred Inman

Sep 8 97

Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

------

Memorandum | 11 Sep 1897

To: General A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Please receive herewith

A sketch shewing where Teak Carvings are placed in the stern of a Rangoon Boat

11 Designs for use in painting top spaces in posts of Benares House. More designs can be made for the whole of the posts, and tints given as to colouring if required.

3 objects collected from the Shans upon the Burmo-Chinese frontier. These have just come into my possession from an Officer from Bhamo in the NE of Burma. One is a Powder Flask - the other two are their primitive contrivances for producing Fire. This is done by wrapping round the ramrod a prepared tinder - then driving some home securely when the Rammer is withdrawn with the Tinder ignited Price for the three pieces + one sovereign

AI

PS I have many Oriental Drawings colored which are not Indian

----

Ansd Sept 3/97

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.

Sir,

I duly received back in good condition the photograph of the Exhibition Carved arcade work, and upon receipt of your letter of Sep 20, I applied to Capt. Pritchard for a detailed drawing or a Photograph of the Moulmein Three Fold Screen, and I am happy to say that he hopes to send a photograph of it in a few days.

To day, however, I have met with a Carved Teak Doorway of which I enclose a sketch. The carving itself is due to arrive here on the 4th October. It is described as finely carved. Price Thirty guineas. Extreme height 10 feet 6 inches Extreme width 5 feet.

I take this opportunity to submit herewith enclosed ten more colored designs for the embellishment of the Benares House as promised.

Yours faithfully
Alfred Inman

24 Sep 97

Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

------

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.

Sir,

I beg to inform you with reference to the carved Indian Porch advised in my letter to you of the 24th ultimo that the owners will be prepared on Friday [illegible] [insert] 8th [end insert] next to have parts of it unpacked and ready for your inspection at the West End if arranged for beforehand - and I shall be glad to know your wishes respecting it.

Yours obediently
Alfred Inman

5 Oct 97

Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

------

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.

Sir,

In continuation of my letter of 5 Oct. I beg to report that I went this day at the time appointed by the Owner of the Carved Teak Porch and found the whole set out for show and erected. The drawing sent you gives a fair representation of the Porch, excepting that it does not do the original full justice - in that the doorway does not shew the back, and that I found to be the same as the front - with projecting embelling [?] at the back & all else repeated - so that back & front are similarly carved in the remarkably fine style. I have full confidence in recommending it for purchase.

Now that it has been erected, and displayed its beauty, the owner has raised it in is estimation. He will still keep the offer open a short time, but asks for payment before it is removed, which must be at our risk & expense.

Any instructions you may favor me with in respect to it shall receive my careful attention. And if you decide to have it, please forward me a cheque for it as below

Yours faithfully
Alfred Inman

8 Oct 97

31.10.0

2.2.0

------

£38.12.0

Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

PS. The owner considers it worth very much more, & I think he is right. And there is none other now to be had.

------

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.

Sir,

With reference to the pair  of East Indian Lacquered Wooden "Dandahs" in my possession, they are used in Native Schools, Oude, India when the Pupils repeat Poetry. Mine were sent home by Government to the Indian section of the International Exhibition South Kensington held in the year 1871, and I have kept them ever since.

They are interesting as shewing an aid to the memory and to the utterance of poetry and no doubt are a survival of something very ancient. Probably Castignettes and the Conductor's Baton are similar survivals.

The late R. Jefferies in his pleasing work "Wild Life in a Southern [insert] English [end insert] County" page 131 writes as follows of his experience of something similar

"Another ancient used to come round to the Fann Houses once or twice in a year with a couple of long ashen staves and the ceremony performed by him consisted in dancing these two sticks together in a fantastic way to some old rhyme or story."

AI

April 98

Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

------

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.

Dear Sir,

The Silver Pot with some gold on its Cover is shaped as the Lotus Flower and enamelled in chaste colors. It is used as a Toilet pot in Siam and came to me from Mr Cardew's Collection from Bangkok. Several objects are shewn in the Indian Museum [insert] S.K. [end insert] from Siam by him.

The cigar shaped pendant ornament came to me from the Collector who resided in Nepaul but in the parcel I [illegible] were [illegible] small pieces which he said he brought from Thibetan House and the Dealers who come into Nepaul in large number during the summer time. I believe it to be worn suspended from the neck. And in Nepaul they also wear acrescent shaped gorget about the throat, and I remember seeing in the French Army, during Louis Philippe's reign Officers wearing crescent shaped gorgets about the throat.

This cigar shaped ornament came to me in fact at the same time as the Nepaulese "Panas" of large size now standing in the place of the Inner Hall at Rushmore.

AI

April 98

------

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.

23.4.1898 [in pencil]

Genl A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

Sir,

I took the opportunity last week of inspecting the two Indian Houses in the Larmer Grounds, and have had under consideration the decoration of their blank panels.

With regard to those on the interior walling, after various methods have occurred to me, I consider that the Gold Indian coloured designs on cloth, which you proposed, are very suitable under all the circumstances and I have nto yet met with anything better than one dozen of Purdahs of this material, a pattern of which I now send by post, shewing that they all differ but are of the same general design, and the "Tree of Life" in each is characteristic.

Some of the Panels at Larmer are eight feet in height, others six feet but most of them are nearer three feet.

I would propose that the Tree should be cut out of these Purdahs with sufficient bordering to fill up the larger panels. And for the numerous smaller panels that the Dado Cloth of similar make and coloring (of which I will also now send a small pattern) should be used, likewise cut up at the junction of each arcaded division varying in colours viz: Rich White, Blue, & Yellow Grounds.

They would field [sic] a filling surface of eighteen inches wide and three feet high, or less, according as wanted. And if greater heighs [sic] than three feet is wanted that might be obtained by borrowing the lower branches and base off another arcade of same color and joining them neatly beneath the upper branches of the first, so as to finish off the first with a taller tree.

The raw edges of the cloth could be covered and fixed in position in each panel by some thin narrow wooden beading, and the whole decoration carried out readily in an effective and inexpensive way - at the same time [insert] being [end insert] thoroughly harmonious Indian decoration.

The price of the Purdah is Five shillings, & of the Dado Cloth eight pence each arcade of half yard wide. And some of the handsome bordering that remains after cutting out, might be utilized in the side or bye panels.

Yours faithfully
Alfred Inman

23 April 98

PS. Enclosed I beg to return, with my best thanks, the last bill duly receipted

-----

B426 series of letters

B426.1

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Aug 29 1989

General A.H. Pitt-Rivers

Sir,

I beg to enclose the anglicized copy of Mr Ichikawa's translation. I would also desire to say that I saw yesterday a remarkably handsome gold embroidered Turkish silk Portiére 10 feet by 6 in, and remembering that last year you seemed desirous of securing one I thought you might like to hear of this one and if in town shortly might possibly like to see it. It is on view at the Ladies Sale & Exchange rooms in Brook St, Hanover Square.

They ask £20 for it but I daresay it could be bought for £15.

I am Sir
Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.2

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Sept 21 1889

Sir,

I was extremely sorry to hear on my return from the Bank that you had called and I had not been in to receive you especially as I had a little bowl to shew you which is both old [insert] Chinee [end insert] and decorated with one of the patterns you wished me to try and find viz [Drawing] Also I wished to ask you whether you would like the other volumes of the Chinese book translated

Would you like me to wait on you respecting same.

I have also a fine old short sword I should like to have shewn you

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.3

Sparks | Rushmore | Salisbury | Dec 9 90

Sir

The following in the inscription on the inside of the back [insert] or front, I don't know which [end insert] of the iron helmet if you can give me the translation of it I should be much obliged

[Copy of inscription besides each character in another hand [presumably Sparks] is Tosa-no ju (a province of Tosa) Miochin Ki-no Munéshigé saka]

Please write it on the side of the inscription if you can let me know the date of the Helmet it is built up in pieces & rivetted, a shield is made in the same manner which is, which accompanies it

A. Pitt Rivers

B426.4

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Dec 12 1890

Sir,

I enclose translation of signature, Miochin Muneshige was one of the family of the great Miochins Iron workers and your helmet therefore is a specimen of his work and is of the 14th century.

I am Sir
Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.5

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Sept 25 1891

Sir,

I have had offered to me today a really very fine collection of Bizen pottery, there are Twenty four pieces and all are fine specimens, it includes every description, the white, the blue, the purple and the brown. It is quite unique and is the property of a Japanese gentleman, the price namely £200 is not cheap but on the other hand it is not dear as no other such collection in its perfect completeness exists.  I have not shewn or mentioned it to anyone yet in case you might entertain the idea of purchasing it and if you were coming to Town very shortly I would hold it but if not may I ask you to be so kind as to send me a line to that effect so that I may know I am free to try the Museums and others. If you would like me to bring a few pieces as samples to Rushmore I will do so.

I am Sir
Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.6

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 2 1891

Sir,

I thank you for your kind note and will send tomorrow a few pieces of the collection that I have been enabled to pick out They are all genuine and a fair sample and at the same time those I thought the cheapest. If you would like to see me personally I could run down next Thursday by the 9.5 am train which would enable me to return to town same day. There is one piece I should like you to have but dared not send it as it is large and would require much more care in handling than the Railway Co. are likely to give. It is a Kylin in a recumbent position, fully Three feet long and about 18 inches in heigth [sic] price £25. if you thought it at all likely you would purchase it & wished me to bring it I would do so I enclose list.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

The list is not enclosed

B426.7

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 3rd 1891

Sir,

When packing the Bizen this morning I discovered that the Blue Bizen bottle had not been brought from the Dock warehouse but in its place an old Brown Bizen clove infuser price £4 so I have packed it in lieu of the bottle.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

I have addressed the box to you at Rushmore via Tisbury Station

B426.8

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 12 1891

Sir,

I shall be in Tisbury on Wednesday, having an appointment with Mr Alfred Morrison, but as I shall be leaving Fonthill about 2 pm I should yet have time to drive to Rushmore and be back to catch the last train if you wished to see me, if not and you would like to return any or all of the Bizen specimens I sent for your approval, would it be asking too much if you could send me the box to Tisbury station on that day so that I might take it back to London with me.

As I leave Town by the 9 am train and consequently may miss the morning post would you be so kind just this time as to favour me with a wire tomorrow (Tuesday) if you wish me to call.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.9

John Sparks Proprietor | Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square

1 Pair Old Bizen hanging vases in shape of Moths 4 - -
1 Old Bizen Group "Hotei on stand with boys 7 - -
1 Old Blue Bizen bottle 2 10 -
1 Old Blue Bizen Peony with silver top a very rare fine piece 12 - -
1 Old Bizen Hotei 5 - -

Returned Oct 22/91
L&SW Raily

B426.10

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 26 1891

Sir,

I beg to acknowledge the safe receipt of the pieces of Bizen sent for your approval.

If you are coming to town, I have received a small consignment of valuable old porcelain Lacquer etc. worthy of inspection

Yours respectfully
John Sparks
LE

B426.11

Ansd Sept 7/92 by H.G.

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Sept'r 6 1892

Sir,

Having returned yesterday from my holiday at the Sea, I at once forwarded your design with full particulars to my Agent, in Japan asking him to give it his immediate attention.

I beg to enclose for your inspection a small drawing of a very fine old Bronze Vase inlaid with Cloisonné Enamels, that I have just imported and which I consider one of the most interesting specimens I have acquired for a very long time. It is evidently a finely preserved base of the Ming dynasty probably about 1450 AD. the portions I have marked with a pencil, darkly, are plain bronze, the rest is enamelled. Part of the designs are almost Egyptian in character and the colours neutral Reds, Yellows and Greens on a Turquoise blue ground.

I have as yet shown it or spoken of it to no one and will wait your reply as to whether you would like me to bring it or send it for your inspection.

It stands 2 ft 6 in and I have drawn it to scale, the price is £50.

I am Sir
Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.12

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. June 15 1894

Sir,

In answer to your query I am sorry to say I have never heard it described or had it invoiced other than as Kiota Enamel work on Silver; but can quite see, as you point out that there should be some distinguishing appellation in contra distinction to the cloisonné Enamel, and as I am writing to Japan tomorrow I will ask my agent to make enquiries amongst those best qualified to give a correct reply, and on hearing from him will at once let you know.

The blinding of the colours in the Enamels in the best pieces is all done by one man, whose work is entirely kept in the hands of one native merchant from whom my agent can alone procure them. Mr MusaShiya a wealthy fine art dealer in Yokohama and Kioto.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.13

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 29 1894

Sir,

If you are coming to Town shortly, would you kindly honour me with a visit as I have a remarkable and unique Old Chinese Screen which is well worth inspection, besides one or two fine things lately received from Japan

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.14

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. June 13 1895

Sir,

I should both much like you to have the pair of very fine small Gold Lac vases, with the pearl Dragons, and to sell them, so will you not kindly help me by meeting me in price, say £32-10.0 which really leaves me scarcely any profit.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.15

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. June 14 1895

Sir,

In reply to your letter I can only express my sincere regret that you should have been so troubled and ask you kindly to send me the vase and piece of inlay that I may get it properly repaired. I can only surmise that the maker of the vase has been the victim of the modern evil of cheapening everything and had some of the wretched cheap glue or cement that is now being imported in immense quantities to Japan from Europe.

I am constantly writing out to my agents urging them to impress upon the makers of these beautiful things the imperative necessity of using only the best materials if they are to keep up the sale of their labours and wen [sic] offered to buy and send out anything they might require but unfortunately it seems as if they too readily believed the words of the various local agents who are out their [sic] to sell these inferior goods.

With regard to the pieces of embroidery you speak of I will look through my stock this evening adn see if there are any at all suitable and then write you particulars.

I sent the silver plate to Grosvenor Gardens on Monday thinking you were still in Town shall I fetch it away & sned it on to Rushmore.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

The enclosed translation is from the interior of the little old nashji wound lac box you bought the other day.

B426.16

Ansd Dec 6/95

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Dec 4 1895

Sir,

I have just got from Japan Two life size bronze stags of the early eighteenth century They are simply wonderful; most beautiful, elegant and life like with an exquisite patina so if you are coming to Town they would will [sic] repay a visit. The price is £120 & ridiculously cheap

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.17

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Dec 7 1895

Sir,

In response to your query the height of the Buck from ground to top of shoulder 2 ft 8 in and from group to tip of antlers 5 ft The Doe is grazing with head close to ground and her height from ground to top of back is 2 ft 8 in Length of Buck from nose to tail 4 ft

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

[In different hand] Genl. Rivers' Test Jap: Buck is 2 ft 6 in from bottom of feeet to shoulder Doe 2 ft 5 in.

L1450

15 Duke Street | Manchester Square W. `\ 10/12/95

Sir

I had a photograph taken on Saturday and now enclose first copy, it is not a good one but will probably give you some idea of how fine they really are

Yours respectfully

John Sparks

[There is also a printed cardboard rectangle saying Valuable with care From The Japanese

B426.18

Ansd Sept 8/96

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Sept 7 1896

Sir,

Having received from Japan an unique and splendid old Bronze in the form of a life sized horse which was secured from a Temple in the Soma province, may I request the favour of a visit of inspection at an early date

Yours faithfully
John Sparks

[Added in pencil, by different hand?] information lowest price

B426.19

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Sept 9 1896

Sir,

In accordance with your wishes I beg to say that the very lowest price I would take from you for the Bronze is £150 but in the event of your not caring to buy it yourself I would respectfully ask you to be kind enough to not mention the price I name to anyone, as I am asking £200 for it especially as one connoisseur who has seen it values it at fully £500 I gave over a Hundred for it but my agent got it very cheap under exceptional circumstances

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.20

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 22 1896

Sir,

In reply to your letter I beg to say I still have the fine bronze Horse although the South Kensington Museum authorities are I am told very much inclined to buy it and intend discussing it at the next board meeting

I have also today received from Japan a pair of fine old bronze stags somewhat similar to the ones I had a year ago. no one has seen or even heard of them yet so would you care for me to hold them until you have seen them if you are coming to Town shortly

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

[Added in pencil, by different hand?] information lowest price

B426.21

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 22 1896

Sir,

In reply to your letter I beg to say I still have the fine bronze Horse although the South Kensington Museum authorities are I am told very much inclined to buy it and intend discussing it at the next board meeting

I have also today received from Japan a pair of fine old bronze stags somewhat similar to the ones I had a year ago. no one has seen or even heard of them yet so would you care for me to hold them until you have seen them if you are coming to Town shortly

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.22

Ansd

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 26 1896

Sir,

I thank you for your letter received and will accept your offer although I know if I chose to wait a week or so I can get £150, but I am not unmindful of your kindness in the past and am pleased to think you should have secured, what even Mr Gowland declares to be the finest Japanese bronze he has ever seen and which I am positive will when next sold fetch at least double what you are paying for it. I enclose Photo of the Stags which if you like to take also I will accept now £70 for altho' I pledge you my word of honour they cost me £66. as that would make the amount £200 altogether I need scarcely say under any other circumstances I should not accept such a sum and must ask you to be kind enough not to mention it to any one as my price for the pair is One Hundred Guineas nett.

With regard to the Iron Tangs I am willing to bear the expense of making them etc but before fixing them on I feel sure it will be wiser for you to see the Horse first and try it in its place on the pedestal or block first, as I am afraid you might think the iron plates spoilt its appearance, if I might suggest, I should think bolts sunk in the block first with long heads protruding that would fit into holes bored in the feet of the horse would be quite safe and look so much better.

May I not send the horse down first and then when you have judged what is best, my man here could run down if you wished and bore the holes there, or screw the plates if you preferred.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.23

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 28 1896

Sir,

I thank you for your letter duly received this morning and will at once make arrangements for the delivery of the Bronze. I want if possible to get a cart such as is used for lame horses and cattle by the Railway Co; put the Bronze carefully in it and then send cart and all direct to Tisbury from whence perhaps you would kindly give orders to have ithorsed and brought on to Rushmore.

If you wish I would of course come down myself and see it on its arrival and then if you thought fit I could have any plates etc made in London that we found necessary for its security.

The Bronze is certainly patinated but I should imagine that if occasionally wiped over the wet would not injure it in any way, smoke of course would be detrimental.

The Stags are not exactly like the ones I sold to the Marquis of Bute as this pair is 6 inches shorter than his but in appearance they are similar because both are modelled from a celebrated drawing by the Artist "So sen, [insert] (1760) [end insert] as to Lord Bute returning his I can assure you he told me himself last June that he was more than pleased with them and thought them both beautiful and very moderate in price; he gave me £125 for the pair and would not be likely ever to part with them. They are in the Hall at Rothesay Castle and look splendid there.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.24

Ansd Oct 31/96

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 30 1896

Sir,

Upon turning the Horse over on its side this morning to prepare it for the bolts, we found to our surprise that the hoops were not solid consequently we cannot have the "bolts" but must have the Tangs you first proposed consequently [insert] so therefore [end insert] I had the plates cut at once and by this Evening they will be screwed on. I have had the plates cut the exact size of the hoof with a tang coming 8 inches out behind, [Drawing] drilled for three large Two inch metal screws, the plates on the hoofs I have had screwed where the screws would grip and where not, rivetted, so as to be sure and have the fastening secure as per your request, while at the same time they could easily be taken off if you did not like them on, and wished it fixed any other way.

I may tell you that today, I received a communication from the South Kensington Museum asking for lowest nett price of the Horse, as they were inclined to purchase it; but I wrote them of course that [insert] it [end insert] is was [sic] sold.

I had thought of trying to get it on the Railway tomorrow if possible on account of there being always less traffic (Goods) Saturday nights but as you say wait I will do so until I hear from you either by letter or wire.

My man who has made the plates and fitted them on, can come down any day you like if you will kindly say, when. He could leave by the early morning train reaching Tisbury about 10.30 am, altho' perhaps you will think your own people could manage the screws equally well The rocky base will most certainly be a more fitting adjunct than a plain pedestal

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.25

Ansd Nov 3/96

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 2 1896

Sir,

I think there need be no fear but what the plates as now fixed are quite sufficient for the purpose, the thickness of the metal varies from a quarter of an inch to a eighth but where it was too thin for a screw to hold my man put a small rivet. He says he is quite certain no wind could possibly blow it over or even move it when once it is screwed down So would it not be better to have it down and try it, as it would not be difficult afterwards to turn the horse over if necessary & fill the hoop with lead

Yrs respectfully
John Sparks

B426.26

Ansd by telegram Nov 5/96

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 4 1896

Sir,

I have made all the arrangements and the Horse will be packed carefully in a low horse cart and leave about midday [insert] tomorrow [end insert] so should arrive at Tisbury either late Thursday night or early Friday morning. Will you therefore kindly give orders for a horse to be at the station at whatever time on Friday suits you best to bring it on to Rushmore as I feel sure it would save expense, the railway company always charging so heavily for delivery far from the station. The cart being so low there will be very little difficulty in getting it out, as eight men can lift it comfortably four on either side.

Only please give orders to see that they lift it carefully so that the Tangs do not catch as they move forwards or backwards.

It may interest you to know that Miss Alma Tadema & Onslow Ford came here expressly to see it yesterday and were both much surprised and spoke in the highest terms of its excellent qualities both of conception and technique.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

You will of course send for me if you deem my presence would be of any real service

B426.27

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 5 1896

Sir,

In confirmation of my Telegram, the horse left in a cart securely and safely packed at noon today. One horse drew it easily to Vauxhall, a distance of some four miles, cart and horse (bronze) weigh I believe about a Ton, or a Ton and a quarter. The shafts will take a large strong horse in them.

I should be very grateful if you would let your secretary drop me a lie when it has reached you

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.28

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 6 1896

Sir,

I regret very sincerely the delay caused in delivering up the Bronze but I have not yet been able to find the cause as some three or four days ago one of the London agents of the Railway came here and I fully explained all to him saying that you would send horses to fetch it from Tisbury and therefore why they should have thought it right to stop delivery until wiring me is inexplicable to me but needless to say I have written sharply to the Agent here and await his explanation. Hoping however that ere this it has reached you safely and has given you satisfaction

I am Sir
Yrs respectfully
John Sparks

B426.29

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 9 1896

Sir,

I thank you very much for kindly writing and am so glad you are pleased, though I felt sure you would be, it so fine. [sic] I really think that if you saw the pair of stags you would buy them at once also as they are in their own way almost equally as fine and though a trifle smaller than life size not much so as all the deer I saw in the Temple grounds in Japan were very small.

With regard to the plates on the Horse's hoofs I do not know of course if the "site" is unusually exposed but both the man who did the work & myself feel confident that it would have to be an extremely heavy gale that could move it when once it was screwed down. Why here in London they are not fastened on the stone pedestals at all, but merely stand on slightly sunken beds for the hoofs, the rounded surfaces affording such slight resistance to the wind.

As to the screws holding, I should recommend boring holes in the stones three or four inches deep under the plates, then fill them with lead and fix [insert] bore [end insert] the screws into the lead as then the movement if any would not wear away the lead as it would stone.

On the other hand if you decide to take off the plates you will not find it at all difficult nor will you injure the hoofs in the slightest if ordinary care is used as there are only one or two "rivets" and the other screws will come out quite easily when once started.

I will look very carefully through my own and other collections for any trace of the different kinds of chevrons and write you very shortly the result, returning your drawings

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.30

Ansd Nov 13/96 H.G.

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 12 1896

Sir,

If it is of the greatest convenience to you to keep the horse in the cart I am willing to let it remain. only please return as soon as were it is out and kindly advise me so that I may send to Nine Elms station to fetch it away as I have to pay 5/- each day for its hire until it is returned.

Yrs respectfully
John Sparks

B426.31

Ansd Nov 23/96 H.G.

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 19 1896

Sir,

I am very sorry to hear you were disappointed with the Horse when seeing it out of the cart, but altho' undoubtedly the depth of the shoulder is exaggerated still the Japanese Horses, (or Chinese Ponies as they are called) are verysimilar to the Bronze one as they are very thick built and strong and splendid mountain climbers.

The date of the casting is undoubtedly about the middle of the last century or possibly earlier but for full particulars as to its history it is impossible to get at because like all these fine Temple specimens they are sold "sub rosa" and under condition that the name of the vendor and his locality is never divulged.

It was sent to me as having been purchased from a Temple at Soma, but from what my agent writes I have very little doubt it was stolen from the "Temple of the Bronze Horse" at Nagasaki as I know a very similar specimen to thiswas mysteriously lost about Three years ago and was replaced by a new one which is nothing like so fine as yours as anyone will tell you who has seen the one now at Nagasaki.

I am sending for you to look at Two Guards, one Iron damascened with gold & silver Soten school early 17th century and one floral of the 18th century also an old carved nut (probably 18th century) as all these have diapers somewhat after the style you seek for. other specimens I am still on the look out for and will forward you if possible as I come across them. I have taken copies of your drawings for my personal reference and therefore return your originals

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.32

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 24 1896

Sir,

I am in receipt both of the parcel and your letter and beg to say the prices of the Tsuba and the old carved nut are thirty shillings each.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.33

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 25 1896

Sir,

I thank you for your letter and you may be sure I will do my best to find further traces of the diaper patterns chevrons etc.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.34

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Dec 1 1896

Sir,

I thank you very much indeed for your kindness in sending me a cheque so promptly.

I am glad to say I have found you another specimen of the diaper pattern and am sending it to you for your inspection but of course it is quite optional with your whether you keep it or return it. It is on the hilt of an old dagger which by the crest on the sheath must have originally belonged to a nobleman of the Honda clan  The blade is signed by Kanékado a well known sword maker (1450) and the Guard and mountings are by Teruhidé early 16th century signed

This therefore should be of real use in giving authentic data to the use of the patterns

The price of the dagger is £3-0-0

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.35

Ansd Dec 31/ 96

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Dec 30 1896

Sir,

Among the many things I purchased at Dr Hart's sale was the fine old wooden carving No 536 (as per enclosed). I gave Twenty Guineas but value it at nearer Forty. Would you care to have it for £25.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.36

Ansd Jan 2/ 97 £20 offered

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Jan 1 1897

Sir, 

In response to your queries I beg to inform you that the height of the figure itself is 3 ft the Glass Shade over it a few inches taller and the whole length from floor to top of stand 6 ft.

Kin-kan-kuji is the name of a Temple on the outskirts of Kioto.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

The lacquer on the figure is almost hidden by a thick coating of blackish sediment caused by the smoke from the incense burnt in front of it for centuries

Enclosure

B426.37

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Jan 14 1897

Sir,

In answer to your letter and in confirmation of my telegram I write to say that the Buddha etc is exactly as it was received from Dr Hart's house; a slight fracture of the glass shade at one corner, and no real prayer papers that I could see in it, altho' the latter are mere sinecures inasmuch as the so-called prayer papers are merely leaves of printed matter sold by the priests for a few halfpence and very often are not the real Buddhist teachings at all.

Trusting that General Pitt Rivers if not quite himself again, is still very much better.

Yours faithfully
John Sparks

B426.38

General A H Pitt Rivers London Jan 14 1897

John Sparks Proprietor | Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square

One fine old Japanese Buddha from the Hart collection Lot 536a £20 - -

To cost of packing etc £1 - -

£21 -  -

Yours faithfully
John Sparks

B426.39

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Jan 15 1897

Dear Sir,

I am in receipt of your letter and though very sorry have of course nothing else to say but that I will take the Buddha back.

As I said before, the price left no profit and I bought it at public auction so that it could not be solely my valuation, and of course the circumstances of purchase must at all times be taken into consideration when naming a price, as it is often possible to buy a work of art at a tenth of its value, and then again to have to pay more than its value if you want it

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.40

Ansd July 7/97

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. June 30 1897

Sir,

I have received from Japan one of the most wonderful pieces of iron work in the world. It is an articulated life sized snake about 5 feet 6 inches long made by Mischin Muné yori, early 18th century. It is in perfect condition and Professor Church who saw it today said it was one of the very finest things he had ever seen.

Would you like me to send it down to you to look at.

The price is £125.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

Pitt-Rivers does not appear to have purchased the snake, or at least it is not listed in the catalogue.

B426.41

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 15 1898

Sir,

In a shipment received from Japan today, I havse two small collections of the oldest known arrow heads, beads, ringsbracelets etc that have been found at various times when excavating.

I am given a guarentee of their perfect authenticity and genuineness and therefore sell them on that basis viz to be proved to to be to the contrary.

Would you like me to send them down on approval

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.42

Ansd Nov 8 / 98

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 5 1898 | Telephone No 791 Paddington

Sir,

I desire to thank you for your cheque receipt for which I enclose.

I have ventured upon taking the liberty of sending down for your inspection the sets of very old arrow heads, charms, rings etc if you care to look at them. If not I would ask you to be kind to return them, entirely of course at my risk & expense.

I have also received a very fine old Bronze Goddess Gwannon which you might honour me by calling to see when next you are in town

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

B426.43

Things returned by rail, Nov 10/98

Telephone No 791 Paddington | Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 9 1898

Sir,

In response to your query I beg to say the price of the amulets etc sent are £15 the one set in a single box (black) and £50 the other but I cannot quite see how I am to separate them still if it is possible for me to do anything I can to please you I will be only too glad to do it

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

Pitt-Rivers does not appear to have purchased the objects, or at least they are not listed in the catalogue.

------

B427 Kataoka

Dec 16th 91 | 32 George Street | Hanover Square, W

Dear Sir

I am gratified to hear that you honoured me with a call at my rooms in George Street and I am very sorry that I was not at home. I am not able to keep all my consignments from Japan in the limited space available there, but I have some choice specimens of Japanese weapons, armour &, and some selected pieces of old Bizen and other early Japanese art pottery which I should like to have the pleasure of showing you and which I would put out if you can pay me a visit at another date, of which I shall be glad to have notice, as I have frequently to make country journeys to examine collections and to see collectors and I should like to be at home and to have the pleasure of receiving your visit.

I have lately received a very interesting series of very early Japanese carvings by deities and ancestral warriors honored as Gods They are rather bulky so that I am not able to keep them at my rooms. I should like to show them to you if you think they would interest you. Some of them date back so far as the 10th century.

Yours faithfully
M. Kataoka

Dec 16th 91 | 32 George Street | Hanover Square, W

Dear Sir

M Kataoka told me the makers and dates of the goods you bought, which I have written below

Set of three sake cups made by Hisa-taka, Kaji-Kawa middle of 18th cent.

Inro by Yo-sei end of 17th cent

Bizen figure

early 18th cent.

I hope that will do

Yrs faithfully
G. Kowaki

-----

B428 A. Kotin

Kotin

149 Finborough Road, | South Kensington | Russian Works of Art | A. Kotin | Sept. 14th 1891

To General Pitt-Rivers | Grosvenor Gardens

Dear Sir

I have recently received from Russia some exceptionally fine pieces of Russian Enamels and also have the following objects which I think are well worthy of your inspection:0

(1) Some very fine specimens of Russian Peasant work in Papier Maché

(2) Four Bronzes (various subjects) made by Russian Peasants

(3) A very unique Bronze made by a Japanese Peasant and his family

if you will allow me I should be most happy to submit the above whenever convenient to yourself.

Yours respectfully
A. Kotin

-----

B429 F. Kotin

Photograph returned on Nov. 18/95

F. Kotin, | Objets d'art | 40, Old Bond Street, | London 6 Nov 1885

To: General Pitt Rivers | Grosvenor Gardens SW.

Sir,

I take the liberty of enclosing the photograph of a statue of Budha, Thinking that perhaps it may interest you, it is at present in Paris, but should you like to see it I could get it sent over, the price asked for it is £45.

I remain Sir
yours obediently

F. Kotin

P.S. This statue was found at Jan Hup. near Mytho Cochin China, in the excavations undertaken to clear the ruins of an ancient Temple of Cambodian origin which was built when they over ran Cochin China height 60 centimetres width 19 do. the stone is a grey granite

-----

B430 Landauer

Telephone No 2419 Avenue ABC Code used | 36 Fenchurch Street | London E.C. | September 3rd 1898

General Pitt Rivers, D.L. | Rushmore | Salisbury.

Dear Sir,

We have received from our Mexican friends a Statue, which we understand is of great historical importance, and as we understand that you are interested in antiquities, we have taken the liberty of addressing you with regard to same.

The Statue represents the celebrated King "Netzahualcoyotle, in the act of sacrificing his first born to the "Sun God". The referred to King, is supposed to have been a companion & tributary of the famous "Moctezuma", so renowned in Mexican History.  After the defeat of the Mexicans, the object of the present, is said to have fled to the "Huasteca" the land lying on the banks of the "Panuco" river & its tributaries, and then inhabited by the fierce "Texcocos", "Huartecos" & "Otomis", whom he rallied to his standard to make a last and desperate stand against the Spanish invaders. To propitiate the native gods & invoke victory, he made a sacrifice of his only son, and in this attitude he is represented on the Statue.

The latter was found a few years ago on the banks of the "Panuco" and on the estate of "Paiga", where it is supposed "Netzahuacoyotl assembled in 1503; the native warriors to preserve their native country against the Spanish conquerors.

The Statue is to be seen at our office, and we shall be glad to hear if you would like to become the possessorof this Statue, and awaiting to hear from you.

We beg to remain
Yours faithfully
[illegible signature]

---

Ansd Nov 24/98

36 Fenchurch Street | London E.C. Nov 23rd 1898

Sir,

We have received from our friends two more Mexican sculptures which from appearances are certainly much better than the last you bought & as no doubt these will be of interest to you, perhaps you could make it convenient when next in town to favour us with a call & see them for yourself

Awaiting the pleasure of your reply

We remain
Yours faithfully
Landauer

General A Pitt-Rivers | "Rushmore" | Salisbury

In pencil underneath:

To ask whether you can send the objects here packed, on approval G.R. is in constant receipt of obj from [insert] sent by [end insert] dealers & nothing has [insert] ever [end insert] gone astray as yet. It shd. be sent to Tis Stat, Wilt and the real price shd be named

You must be careful to send them to Tis & not to Salisbury which latter is only the post town, & I do not receive objects sent in that objects sent in that do not reach me [insert] him [end insert] If [insert] Genl. Rivers [end insert] does not agree to take them he will return them to your address

----

Ansd Dec 1/ 98 £12 offered for the two pottery urns

36 Fenchurch Street | London E.C. Nov 25th 1898

Sir,

We beg to acknowledge receipt of your favour of the 24th inst & as desired we forwarded the two Mexican sculptures to Tisbury Station, Wilts, so please claim same.

You will find these sculptures to be of the best & as the price is only £10 - each, we trust you will keep them & awaiting to hear from you in due course

We remain
Yours faithfully
Landauer

General A Pitt-Rivers | "Rushmore" | Salisbury

----

Cheque £12 sent on Dec. 3/98

36 Fenchurch Street | London E.C. Dec 2nd 1898

Sir,

We have your favour of the 1st inst to hand & noted & as our friends have left us a certain discretion & taking into consideration that you purchased the first carving, we accept your offer notwithstanding we have several parties anxious to become the possessors of the sculptures in question. We have the pleasure to remain,

Yours faithfully
[illegible signature]

General Pitt-Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

----

This Statue is believed to represent the King write name, in the act of sacrificing his first born to the Sun God. He isbelieved [insert] said [end insert] to have been a companion & tributary of Moctesuma renowned in Mexican history. Notzahualcoyotle fought against the Spaniards in 1503. The statuette was found in a well on the banks of the Panuca & on the estate of Paiga a few years ago & sold to Genl Rivers by Landauer & Co Sept 3d 1898

-----

B431 G.F. Lawrence

June 30 1897 | To: General Pitt Rivers F.R.S. | From Geo. F. Lawrence | 7 West Hill | Wandsworth, S.W.

Dear Sir

Your favour to hand. I send herewith the flints you have selected - & am obliged by your selection I trust that you will think the [insert] price reasonable [end insert] I also send a few more things I have come across for your approval. I am glad to find that you are better.

I am
Yours obediently
Geo. F. Lawrence

I am collecting a highly interesting & most curious coll'n of tools &c from an old piece of ground at the mouth of the Wandle - 12 feet from the surface - covered by an old mill for at least 150 years. I have 98 already chisels hammers gouges &c &c I will send a full list when I can get no more.

---

Ansd Aug 21/97

August 19 1897 | To: General Pitt Rivers F.R.S. | From Geo. F. Lawrence | 7 West Hill | Wandsworth, S.W.

Dear Sir

I have just got enclosed coin of Addedomaros which is rare. I can take 50/- for it which is less than half the list price of it - locality not known. I also enclose the rest of the Wandle photos which are selections of the better types of these tools &c

Some of the things are Saxon & are the first known things [insert] of that period [end insert] found here.

I am
Yours obediently
Geo. F. Lawrence

With compliments

----

L534

55 High St | Wandsworth | S.W. | Sept 18/ 8

Sir

I have a collection of stone & bone implements which I should be pleased to show you when in town, as I know you are interested in any thing prehistoric. It includes, a Thames series Palaeolithic & Neolithic arrow hd [sic] knives scrapers as well as larger things Horn hammers, [insert] flint [end insert] axes etc & a unique [insert] stone [end insert] hammer. A Palaeolithic series from this place also of my own finding, containing specimens like Canon Greenwells High Lodge "side scraper;" & Le Moustier "chopper" I have also a general collection but these, of course were [illegible because smeared] interesting.

Hoping to have the pleasure of a visit any Thursday or Friday

I remain
Yours sincerely
G.F. Lawrence

----

L1722

30.12.1896 From | Geo. F. Lawrence | 7 West Hill | Wandsworth S.W. | To: General Pitt Rivers F.R.S.

Dear Sir

I have already had several applications for the hoe & naturally am somewhat in doubt as to its value. I am not very anxious to part with it at present, as I have only had it a few days - & as I have had it such a short time I should not be inclined to part with it unless I had a good offer. it is perfectly genuine in every way & I am advised that it is worth at least fifty guineas as no such thing is likely to be found again - it would not be safe to send but ought to be taken by hand. Of course if the price is prohibitive, I am always open to an offer.

With compliments & best wishes for the new Year

I am
Yours most obediently
Geo Lawrence

----

L1931

7 West Hill | Wandsworth | S.W. | Sept 8/97

Dear Sir

I now send a few things which I hope will interest you I found a good number of stone implements at Icklingham & Stow but they are not so numerous as formerly.

I found there were at least three Barrows unopened yet & I hope next year to have a turn at them.

Arrowheads still occur & I got two very nice small knives some worn scrapers & flakes & a few scrapers, as fine as any I have seen. I expect that you have as many of the ordinary stone things that you would not care for them or any of them. One thing struck me as very curious - so many of the most prolific spots are enclosed by a low bank at each side but they (the enlosed spot) are all square in form & I therefore presume that they are not [insert] of [end insert] British [insert] origin [end insert] there are a number of old trackways leading from the low level [insert] road [end insert] to the high ground where the best things occur & the whole place seems a gigantic puzzle to me, who knows nothing of military matters.

I am
Yours most obediently
Geo. F. Lawrence

I had intended selling the Wandle find, in one lot but have parted them for you the only collector to whom I have yet offered them
G.F.L.

-----

L2087

Geo. F. Lawrence | 7 West Hill | Wandsworth S.W. | May 16 1898

Dear Sir

I am expressly obliged by your keeping so many of the things I ventured to send you. I think you did right in keeping the stone club, it is to my mind unique - I have never seen one before & of course could have sold it readily, but your kindness to me compels me to submit to you anything I may get that appears of interest, before showing it elsewhere.

Canon Greenwell writes me to say that Sir John Evans said when he presented the Canons portrait, that the Canon had a finder English bronze coll'n than Sir John but that Sir John had a finer foreign one.

The Canon certainly has the finest series of swords I have ever seen both in condition & variety, but I think this Knockans spear head fig 411 Evans bronze is without exception the finest piece of bronze work I have ever handled & the rich golden colour is exquisite To show the curious connexion of types I got him some years ago a spear head from the Thames identical with one he has from Eoford Northumberland fig 405 he said they might have been made in the same mould. this is curious as the type is very unusual.

I am extremely obliged to you for the cheque to hand & I beg to enclose with compliments & many thanks

I am
yours obediently
Geo F. Lawrence

Mr Boynton has permission to finish the excavations at the so called "Danes Graves" where he found the enamelled wheel headed pin I wish him every success

------

B432 The Sinclair Galleries, Frederick Litchfield

Litchfields | Importers & Dealers in Rare Porcelain, Furniture de luxe, Enamels &c &c | 28 & 30 Hanway St Oxford St London W | Agent to the Northern Assurance Co. and to the Security Company for Insurance against loss by burglary and theft | Feby 18 1892

Sir,

I am obliged by your cheque in settlement of a/c and I trust that you are now recovering from your recent very severe illness.

I had occasion to go to Gibraltar on personal business a few days ago & picked up there some very quaint old Spanish pottery which a Spanish family had brought there. If you would like me to do so I would send [insert] to Rushmore [end insert] a few interesting pieces for your examination and approval

I am Sir
yours faithfully
Fred Litchfield

Genl Pitt Rivers

----

The Sinclair Galleries and Art Workshops | 55 57 59 Shaftesbury Avenue W | November 1896

Restoration of Art objects by skilled workmen under experts

Sir,

I venture to remind those who possess or collect art objects that I have a special department for the Restoration and Repair of Old Furniture Tapestry, Sculpture Bronzes and Porcelain, and will send experts to advise and estimate the cost upon receipt of letter or telegram, to any distance.

An our anxiety [sic] to increase their business in fresh branches which they do not understand, appears to have induced some firms, quite unacquainted with Art matters, to undertake work of this character: they lack the requisite expert knowledge, their treatment is incompetent and as a result much valuable property is irretrievably damaged. When I am counselled or some other expert is called in, the damage has been done.

I have therefore the pleasure to inform you that I have devoted many years of personal attention to the consistent and judicious restoration of such articles as are mentioned above, and have under my control a large and experienced staff of expert workmen whose services I beg to place at your command

I am Sir
yours obediently
Frederick Litchfield

----

The Sinclair Galleries | 55 57 59 Shaftesbury Avenue W | May 20 1897

Sir,

In reply to your note enclosing sketch for a chair (which I return). there is nothing to shew the exact date of chairs of this character [insert] which [end insert] were made in provincial towns & hamlets [insert] of England [end insert] in the 17th & 18th centuries. Are you quite sure that the one you have is an old one? Your sketch almost exactly corresponds with the design of some so called "antique" chairs which are made in the East End of London and sold for "old"

I do not know whether you ever saw the collection of old Cologne, Seigbert [?] & Aulham [?] Pottery jugs made by Mr George Loch formerly of Collinson & Loch. * he is a good judge & bought some very good ones - owing to the dissolution of partnership between him & his partners for other reasons his collection was sold and I bought some 18 specimens of this old ware which is very scarce to find genuine. Some are pewter mounted  - one or two silver. They are a great bargain to any one who will take the lot & if you like I w ill send them for you to ere [?] some of these jugs are the originals which were copied by Martin brothers - and some of very quaint in colour and decoration [sic] I think that you would like to have some for your museum and I am in a position to quote you moderate prices from having bought them for a small price

I am Sir
yours faithfully
Frederick Litchfield

Lt General Pitt Rivers F.S.A.

----

The Sinclair Galleries | 55 57 59 Shaftesbury Avenue W | May 25 1897

Sir,

I am much obliged to you for your "King John's House" which reaches me at a time when I am too busy to pay it the attention I should wish, but you appear to have collected together some interesting facts and to have told the story of them in a most agreeable form.

As to your chair. I am quite aware that those kind of chairs are attributed to a much earlier date by some, than I ascribe them to, but when I was engaged in writing my "History of Furniture" I took a great dal of pains to find out from contemporary pictures (such as these are certain) and from [insert] old [end insert] wills [insert] inventories [end insert] & many other documents what chairs were in use at the time of Henry VIII and if you turn to my chapter on furniture of that period you will see the result of my investigation - as a matter of fact there were scarcely any chairs in those days except a chair for the master of the house the other people used stools or benches. I believe that I am right in ascribing the design of your chair to the end of the 17th or early 18th century

Gres de Flandres & other jugs

I am sending these jugs for your inspection. Some of them cost Mr Loch £15 & £20 a piece, they were sold where no dealer of any importance was present and knocked down for a trifle through there being scarcely any opposition and the little dealer who bought them brought them to me and I bought the lot at £5 each all round. I have marked them separately at the lowest prices at which I will part with them separately but if you will take the lot as I did I will accept a profit of £1 each ie £6 each all round for the lot, except the last two on the list which came from Edkins sale which I think you attended.

I may add that I have in my own stock some Flemish and German jugs no better, indeed not so good as these I am sending to you, which have cost me £7 & £8 a piece at Christies.

These are really a great bargain In the newly published edition of Chaffers which I have lately edited you will find some additional information about these curious old pottery jugs pp 281-296 [insert] 313-321 [end insert] As you may not have a copy for reference I send you one with the jugs - if you wish to keep it the price is 42/-

You will find some reference to your own collection which I should like to have amplified if you had sent me the materials for  so doing, but I could not go down to Rushmore at the time and when I did so later the part of the book was printed

I am Sir
yours faithfully
Fred Litchfield

Lieut Genl Pitt Rivers FSA FRS &c &c

----

Lieut Genl Pitt Rivers on approval

Fourteen very curious and interesting old Gres de Flandres Pottery jugs - collected by Mr George Lirk

5987 A small Gres de Flanders Jug with medallions of a tight rope walker in relief 7-10

5988 An old Gres de Flanders [insert] Fulham Pottery [end insert] white and decorated with heads & scrolls round neck 5-5 [Added in pencil 'Bt' ie bought]

5989 An old Gres de Flanders Jug decorated with a circle and points in grey and blue 5-10
5990 An old ditto grey and blue decoration with numerous heads in relief 6-6
5991 A curious old Gres de Flanders jug with spout - Lion's head in relief
5992 An old pottery Tea Jar fitted with a screw metal top and with flowers incised 8-10
5993 A very quaint old Jug Gres de Flanders pottery grey and red brown colour 5-10 [Added in pencil 'Bt' ie bought,]
5994 An old ditto raised diamond shaped ornaments grey and blue colors 6-10
5995 An old stoneware mug cylindrical shape grey blue and brown decoration 4-10
5996 An old Gres de Flanders Jug - red brown blue and grey decoration and with a metal mount 5-10
5997 An old ditto with flower ornament in relief green stripe round neck 5-10
Continued
5999 A small old Gres de Flanders Jug with a mask and rosette 3-10
6000 A small old stoneware childs mug fitted with a metal mount 4-4
5938* A very fine old Gres de Flandres Jug coat of arms & heraldic devices in relief and with an old silver mount 10-10
2 curious old Fulham Pottery Jugs one with AM heraldic device and [illegible] plain white these were formerly in the Edkins collection the 2 5-5 [Added note Bt ie bought]
Also,
Copy of Litchfield's new edition of Chaffers 2-2

----

The Sinclair Galleries | 55 57 59 Shaftesbury Avenue W | July 6 1897

Sir,

I regret to hear that you have been ill. I only wrote again in case that the jugs might have been lost in transit.

I really think that you are mistaken in considering the prices high for these genuine specimens of old 16th centy stoneware. I know that a few years ago Mr Lock paid at auction considerably higher prices.

I am sending you four specimens which I have just bought and which I venture to think you will consider both worthy your attention and at a very moderate price. They are undoubted specimens of old 16th centy pottery & stoneware

I am Sir
yours obediently
Fred Litchfield

1 16th centy Brown stoneware Jug 55/-
1 [16th centy] white 50/-
1 pair of salt cellars 63/- pair

Your returns are quite safely to hand

Lieut Genl Pitt Rivers F.S.A. &c &c &c

------

B434 The London & Burma Merchandize Company Limited

Ansd Oct 17/96

Telegraphic Address "Tzinban, London" ABC and AI codes | Branches: Rangoon, Moulmein, Mandalay | The London & Burma Merchandize Company Limited | Mandalay Palace Empire & India Exhibition | Earls Court | 2 Lambeth Hill | Queen Victoria Street | London 15th Oct 1896 | All communications to be addressed to the Company

Sir,

Referring to the pleasant transactions we had with you last year in Burmese carved wood curios we would ask your kind attention to the annexed list of curios we have for sale & which may interest you

If you are able to inspect these personally or instruct your agent to do so, we shall be very glad to show you every attention & sell to you at lower prices than you could obtain the articles in Burma.

Your obedient servant
The London & Burman Co Ltd H Canes

Gen Pitt Rivers | Rushmore |Salisbury

1. Carved Teak Tower (Pagoda) 20 feet high
This is very unique & probably the only specimen in England. Please see book of phono
2. Carved Shrine (6 feet high). beautifully ornamented with stones etc
3 Complete Burmese Band comprising
Set of 19 drums in native cage
Set of 15 gongs in native cage
Putila (Bamboo reeds)
Gongs
Burmese Harp see Book of photos
4 Beloo Figure made of linen & Bamboo (brought from a Burmese temple) with movable arms see phono
5 Brass Guatamas
6 13 Pictures of Burmese native life brought direct from a Pagoda
We enclose a book of phono. which will give you some idea of Tower etc

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Ansd Oct 24/96

Telegraphic Address "Tzinban, London" ABC and AI codes | Branches: Rangoon, Moulmein, Mandalay | The London & Burma Merchandize Company Limited | Mandalay Palace Empire & India Exhibition | Earls Court | 2 Lambeth Hill | Queen Victoria Street | London 20th Oct 1896 | All communications to be addressed to the Company

Dear Sir,

We are duly in receipt of your favour 17 inst our lowest price for the Pagoda Tower (Hand carved teak) is £30 packed [insert] ready [end insert] for despatch. The tower is dissetible & numbered. We had an offer for this tower early in the summer for £50 but as we were unable to dispose of it till the close of the Exhibition the matter fell through.

We trust this price will meet your views & await to hear from you

Yours truly
L&B Co Ld H Canes

Gen Pitt Rivers

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Ansd Oct 17/96

Telegraphic Address "Tzinban, London" ABC and AI codes | Branches: Rangoon, Moulmein, Mandalay | The London & Burma Merchandize Company Limited | Mandalay Palace Empire & India Exhibition | Earls Court | 2 Lambeth Hill | Queen Victoria Street | London 27 Oct 1896 | All communications to be addressed to the Company

Dear Sir,

I have your favour 24 inst & regret to say that in the absence of any reply from you the tower was sold on Saturday last at a better price than we offered it to you

Yours faithfully
L&B Co Ltd H Canes

Gen Pitt Rivers

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B436 S&SWM PR papers: Martin Brothers

Ansd Nov. 4/92

R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W. ...

Genl Pitt Rivers | Nov 2nd 1892

Dear Sir

In reference to the two Jugs which we have in hand for you we think your Monogram under the two crests on the one side would look better & balance better with the arms on the other than the two crests alone. Should this suggestion meet with your approval will you kindly let us known what the monogram shall be.

Yours obedtly

R.W. Martin & Bros

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R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

Genl Pitt Rivers | Oct 18th 1894

Dear Sir

We have today sent off the two Jugs you kindly requested us to make for you, and we are sorry to have had them so long in hand; but really this has been no fault of ours, it is entirely due to the uncertainties inseparable from the firing of our ware. You will understand this when we mention the fact that last autumn we made and fired a pair of Jugs for this order, but owing to the colour not being good we refired them at the beginning of this year, which was the next firing to the Autumn one, and instead of improving them, they unfortunately split up & of course were thus ruined. The pair we have sent you today are, as you will see, very fine indeed, in fact as beautiful as anything we have ever turned out. We have charged you 6 guineas for them - The price would have been 7 guineas had we not agreed to charge you less as we wished you to let us make a pair, instead of one to try and match the other with

We are, Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully
R.W. Martin & Bros

P.S. We have returned your other Jug in the same box.

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Ansd May 4/95

R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

Genl Pitt Rivers | April 24th 1895

Dear Sir

We have your letter of the 21st inst and beg to thank you for the order to make you 6 mugs according to the instructions therein given. We will, of course, do our best to produce the same or similar color to the jugs, but this we cannot guarentee as the firing of this ware is very uncertain.

We are glad to hear that you like the pair of jugs, we consider them very fine specimens of our work

We are, Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully
R.W. Martin & Bros

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Ansd May 4/95

R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

Genl Pitt Rivers | May 2nd 1895

Dear Sir

We beg to say we have put in hand the six mugs you kindly ordered; and we suppose they are to be made formounting the same as the two jugs you have.

With regard to the Crests we shall be obliged if you will please let us know if we can put one of the crests on three of the mugs & the other on the other three; as if both are to be put on each mug they would have to be drawn so small that they would not balance well with the arms on the other side. We think they would look best as on the jugs

Yours faithfully
R.W. Martin & Bros

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Ansd May 18/95

R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

Genl Pitt Rivers | May 9th 1895

Dear Sir

As you requested in your letter of the 6th inst., I send you sketches enclosed for the six mugs we have in hand for your order. I have noted & communicated to my brothers what you say as to decoration & colour though of the latter, as I mentioned in a previous letter, we cannot be certain of We will try for a black ground & black handles & leave theornament to come a brown, unless you can suggest anything else. I suppose the arms, being the more important, should go on the right hand side of all the mugs?

Yours faithfully
Chas D. Martin

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Ansd May 18/95

R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

Genl Pitt Rivers | May 16 1895

Dear Sir

We shall be obliged if you will kindly return us the sketches for mugs with any further suggestions you may have to make.

Yours faithfully
R.W. Martin & Bros

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Copy

Rushmore | May 18/95

Sir,

I return the drawings of the Mugs. I think the sides wld be better with a slightly convex curve as shewn by the pencil line. I shall be glad if you will send me an estimate of the cost. Of course they will be proportionally less than the Jugs being smaller The black ground & grey figures will be best as I pointed out to you

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Ansd May 24/95

R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

Genl Pitt Rivers | May 22nd 1895

Dear Sir

We are in receipt of yours of 18th inst and note that you wish the shape of mugs altered from what you originally ordered. The mugs have already been made the shape first given, but I have not heard yet whether any decoration has been put on them or not. I wrote requesting my brothers not to go on with them until I had written you in reference to the shape you now require. I shall be glad therefore if you will please let me know by return post which of the three shapes sketched on  Nos 2 & 3 would be better for mounting than No 1 the price will be 30/- each

Yours faithfully
Chas D. Martin

[Drawings on reverse headed No 1 etc]

Please state the No. of the above which you prefer & kindly return the decorated sketches enclosed.

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Ansd Mar 4/96

R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

Genl Pitt Rivers | Dec 11 1895

Sir

We are very sorry that your six mugs, although made, have not yet been fired - the alterations at our Pottery, mentioned in our previous letter, having taken much longer time than we expected. We shall most probably fire our kiln next month, & your mugs will be in that firing. This is the first time in twenty three years that our firing has been so delayed, & we are very sorry indeed to have thus disappointed you.

We are, Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully
R.W. Martin & Bros

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R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

Genl Pitt Rivers | March 6th 1896

Sir

I am in receipt of yours of the 4th inst. & am sorry to say that owing to an accident to one of my brothers, who, through a fall, has severly injured his elbow, we have not been able to fire our kiln as we had anticipated.

It is a very unfortunate thing just now as we had already delayed our firing considerably beyond the usual time through having had to make considerable alterations & experiments with our Pottery for the production of another ware, as well as the ware we have been making now for nearly a quarter of a century.

I am going down to Southall tomorrow to see my brother & will write you again soon. I am very sorry to have disappointed you so much

Yours faithfully
Chas D. Martin

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R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

General Pitt Rivers | April 14th 1896

Sir

We are in receipt of yours of the 11th inst. and we are very sorry you do not like the Mugs, especially as we did our best to carry out your instructions; and, although the firing of this ware is always very uncertain, as we explained to you on a previous occasion, we certainly thought we had succeeded in getting the effect you desired, & which not a few of our customers admire, hence our saying we considered the mugs had turned out satisfactorily. But as you say you are dissatisfied with them we do not desire you to keep them, for, although they bear your Arms &c. we shall have no difficulty in disposing of them [insert[ though of course at a reduced price [end insert] However, we should like to be allowed to state that we understand you to say that you liked the way the first jugs had fired better than the second ones because the work on the former was less distinct from the grounds; and although we cannot control the firing of this ware so as to be certain of producing any desired effect, we nevertheless did all we could to make them like the first pair of jugs, before mentioned.

Knowing that some effects in this ware of ours improve on acquaintance, we venture to take the liberty of asking you to keep these mugs for a little while to see if the result would be so in this instance. But should you not wish to do so, we shall be obliged if you will kindly have them carefully packed & returned to us at our Holborn address.

We are, Sir,
Yours faithfully
R.W. Martin & Bros

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R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

General Pitt Rivers | June 18th 1896

Sir

We have received the 6 mugs back and are sorry they have not improved on acquaintance. We really thought you would have liked them very much because you said you preferred the first pair of Jugs to the second pair as the decoration was not so distinct from the ground on the former & the effect was like leather, & this you wrote in one of your letters describing what you wished the mugs to be like.

The clay & the treatment for color were exactly the same as used in making the two pairs of jugs above referred to. and the difference in the result is only due to the uncertain firing of this ware which, as we explained before, cannot be covered up in the kiln, as it is all salt-glazed - that is when the ware is got to a while heat salt is put into the fires & into the kiln & the vapour of the salt attacks the ware & the surface is melted.

The colours are affected by many things quite out of our control, amongst them flames & vapours, which play about the ware & may produce either good or bad results, or peculiar effects.

Will you kindly let us know if the shape decoration &c are as you wished & if we shall put 1896 on the mugs when we endeavour to meet your wishes

Yours faithfully
R.W. Martin & Bros

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Rushmore | Salisbury | July 22nd 1896

Messrs R.W. Martin & Brothers

Sirs,

I am directed by General Pitt-Rivers, in reply to your letter of June 18th, to say that you may proceed to make the six Mugs as you propose, with the same design as before, but the shape must correspond with the enclosed drawing. The date will have to be altered to 1896, and General Rivers wishes the mugs to be done in the same manner as the first jugs you made.

Yours faithfully
H. Gray
For General Pitt-Rivers

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R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

General Pitt Rivers | Oct 15 1896

Sir

We beg to say we are about to make the six mugs again & should be glad if you could kindly let us have the Jug you like, so that we could see if it really was treated in any way differently from the six mugs which you returned, or was, as we feel certain, simply different on account of the firing, as we mentioned in our letters.

We should also like to know if the mugs are intended to be mounted, as if so it would be better to have the top rim cut back a little to take the mount.

We are, Sir,
Yours faithfully
R.W. Martin & Bros

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Ansd June 4/97

R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

General Pitt Rivers | June 2 1897

Sir

We beg to say we have today sent you, per Parcel Post, a Mug - one of the second half dozen made & shaped according to you sketch, and dated 1896. These were fired some months ago, but we did not send them to you because they fired so much like those you returned, and our only object in sending this one now is, that we are making them again, and this is the year of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee we thought you might like to suggest some slight reference to it to be put on the mugs. Of course we should put 1897. We could put VR [insert] or V.R.I. [end insert] 1837-1897 on the front, or this

V.R.I.

1837

1897

We will try another way this time to get more contrast between the ground and the decoration. We have sold all the mugs but two. An early answer will oblige

Yours faithfully
R.W. Martin & Brothers

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R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

General Pitt Rivers | June 9th 1897

Sir

We beg to say we are in receipt of your letter of the 4th inst, and also the Mug. We should have acknowledged same sooner but have been away until this morning.

We will note your remarks in reference to the mugs we now making [sic]

Yours faithfully
R.W. Martin & Brothers

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R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

General Pitt Rivers | Dec 18 1897

Sir

We have today sent you, per Parcel post, three Mugs - we are sorry to say, the other three came out of the kiln cracked. The coloring this time we think is more like what you wanted. The cracked ones are just the same in color as those sent.

We shall be glad to know if you would like us to make the other three again, to complete the half dozen, and if so whether you would like to have the cracked ones in the mean time.

Yours faithfully
R.W. Martin & Brothers

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B438 William Mullins

Feby 26 1896 | From: William Mullins | Old China & Antique Furniture Warehouse | Dealer in old Silver Plate | 52 & 54 High St Salisbury To General Pitt Rivers

Sir

The gilt screens where [sic] carefully packed in a crate & box (which please return) & sent to Tisbury Station this day. I washed the gilt and I think you will say the work [illegible] better than they did yesterday. In making out your cheque Sir I shall leave it in your kind hands to make it Fifteen guineas instead of fifteen pounds

Yrs very truly
Wm Mullins

Transcribed by AP for Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project August 2011

Alfred Inman was a dealer based in London who specialised in 'Oriental' antiquities and objets d'art. It seems clear that this is not all of their original correspondence. Inman's objects are also represented in the British Museum, the vast majority given via A.W. Franks and from India. He is probably the Alfred Inman listed in the 1901 census as aged 70 (ie born around 1830) and living in Clapham, as a 'Dealer in works of art', born in Kennington, London.

Pitt-Rivers seems to have bought things from Inman from at least 1882 (recorded in first volume of the catalogue of the second collection) if not earlier. 1884.59.112, a Japanese figure, was purchased from 'Inman' on 26 September 1874, and this might be the same person although 1884.92.8, a pair of Japanese clogs, are marked in a card catalogue created in the 1920s as being from 'B. Inman', it is not known what this was based upon as there are no surviving labels that have yet been identified. If it is the same person then Inman may well have supplied objects for the founding collection, but if it is not then we do not know if Pitt-Rivers used him before 1882. Before 1888 when this surviving correspondence commences, Pitt-Rivers had bought quite a few objects from Inman, many of which are from China and Japan - the correspondence which largely relates to items from India and Burma therefore gives a slightly distorted view of Inman's interests. It is clear from the first letter that Inman was one of the dealers that Pitt-Rivers commissioned to bid at auctions on his behalf.

This correspondence is interesting because it is one of only a few surviving examples of a series of communications from a dealer to Pitt-Rivers (the only other comparable one seems to be from Sparks) and, although it is clearly not complete, presumably gives an idea of the sorts of relationships he had with dealers with whom he carried on business for many years.

B425 Inman

[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W. | 9 June 1888

Sir

I called at Grosvenor Gardens yesterday after the Marquis of Exeter's Sale to report to you the result of your [illegible - c...pion] to me. But having been informed that you left for Rushmore I write to inform you as follows:-

The Pair of Parrots fetched 48 Guineas
The Pair of White Jugs (Lizard Handles) 17 gns!
The Cup with Red Band 7 gns!

Therefore they fetched about three times as much as the limit to my bidding put them.

There was a full room of company and fair competition. No doubt the value of the objects was enhanced by reason of their coming from such a distinguished collection.

I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant
Alfred Inman

PS I enclose Catalogue marked with a few of the prices obtained

Genl A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

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[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W. | June 15 95

Sir

I beg to send you enclosed copy of J. Fergusson upon the subject of the Italian origin of the inlaid coloured stones upon white marble, which I had known of long, but have only just met with their authority. The copy is in pencil because made of a Library from which pen and ink are excluded.

I am now ...ing [illegible] diligent search for a small specimen of this inlay made in Italy, and will report again when successful.

I have communicated a written list of the objects derived from the Exhibition Court, and now await a reply. From Elkington's however I have ascertained that the prices of their replicas of the Repoussé Bowls - silver plated - is Eight and Ten Guineas according to size

Yours obediently
Alfred Inman

General A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

P.S. The written invoice was kept back until I wrote

Pencil-written notes attached headed 'From History of Indian and Eastern Architecture by James Fergusson DCL &c &c 3rd volume John Murray 1891 Page 588 Book VII Chap X ... [not transcribed]

Inman obtained a series of wood carvings etc from the Indian exhibition Earl's Court London, in September 1895, see Add.9455vol3_p1232 /1 and on

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[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W. | June 18 95

Sir

{joomplu:862 detail align right}

I have the pleasure to forward herewith enclosed Two small specimens of Old English Lacquer work such as I understood you wished me to procure. The prices are 2/- for that upon metal, and 10/- for that upon Wood.

Since I wrote last I have visited the South Kensington Museum (Indian section) and viewed the two pieces of Inlay looted by Sir John Jones and now enclose herewith two rough sketches of them. As Dr J. Fergusson remarks, the Slabs with Birds, Fruits, & Foliage resemble most forcibly the recent Florentine work. I am still seeking a specimen of the latter.

I further beg to enclose some remarks of Dr Sir Geo Birdwood further upon the same subject.

With regard to the three objects entrusted to me by the Hon Mrs Pitt Rivers I have to report that they have all been placed in the hands (repaired) of the Housemaid left behind at No. 4 Grosvenor Gardens.

Yours obediently
Alfred Inman

General A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Pencil-written notes attached headed 'From Dr Sir George Birdwood's Industrial Arts of India Part II (South Kensington Museum Hand Book page 214 ... [not transcribed]

The Old English lacquer ware is probably Add.9455vol3_p1124 /2-3

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Ansd by Gray June 25/95

[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W. | June 22 95

Dear Sir

Please to receive herewith enclosed Two Small Specimens of Italian Inlay of coloured stones upon marble. These are forwarded subject to your approbation. If not approved of it is necessary that they should be returned to me promptly in order that I may recover the purchase money which I had to pay the Italian who furnished them before I could obtain possession of them. Their price is twelve shillings each.

I cannot hear of any massive pieces like the Agra Lota from the Indian Exhibition Only flat objects - plaques &c

I have also met with two pairs of pieces of Pietro-Duso as follows:-

Two rectangular plagues [sic] of Black marble 20 inches by 16 inches containing a Vase of flowers - formed of inlaid coloured stones in alto relievo Price £10 the pair plus 5%

Two Oval Plaques ditto ditto but smaller & with the addition of fruit, cherries &c of inlaid coloured stones in alto relievo Price £7.10/- the pair plus 5%.

The Italian from whom I procured these small specimens has two more of the cherry [illegible] similar to that sent herewith at the same price. Also he had a plaque of convolli with some lapis lazuli in the inlay price fifteen shillings. Also two ill defined pictures of coloured inlay at one guinea each. Subject of one is a classical temple, rocks &c and of the other of a [illegible] and rocks. The sizes of these are in proportion to their price, as compared with those now sent.

The whole of this inlay work is from Italy. I cannot hear of any of this work being made at the present time or imported.

Of these two enclosed plaques the Bird & Tulip subject is considered the older.

I am, 
Yours obediently
Alfred Inman

General A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

Pitt-Rivers obviously bought these, the bird and tulip mosaic is Add.9455vol3_p1121 /2, Add.9455vol3_p1121 /3 depicts cherries so might have been the other.

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Ansd July 12/95

[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W. |11 July 1895

Dear Sir

Since my conversation with you yesterday respecting Italian inlaid marble Chess plaque I have attended a [illegible] Christie [illegible] & Woods sale by Public Auction to day and I have there purchased a beautifully inlaid Italian marble Chess Table the price of which if you take it over from now will be to you Four Guineas - and I hope that you will do so, as I have no need for it myself, and acted upon the opportunity to the best of my judgement.

It is not the comparatively simple plaque which I described to you (that had already changed ownership) but it is already and perfectly mounted as a Table. complete upon a splendid Sienna marble pillar or pediment.

It is altogether a very handsome piece of Italian inlay work and worth double the price I have mentioned [illegible]

I shall be very pleased to receive your orders to forward it to you - it shall be carefully packed.

I am, Sir,
Your obdt Servant
Alfred Inman

[Enclosed drawing shown here]

Genl A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

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Ansd Sept 18/95

[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W. | July 27 1895

Dear Sir

With reference to the exhibits in the Glass Cases of the Earls Court Indian Exhibition, and especially to those particular objects which you pointed out to me, I have to report that although I made application immediately respecting them I have been unable to obtain from those in charge more than negative information about the greater part of them i.e. - that they cannot find out from the owners that the [insert] objects [end insert] are for sale  - and as those owners are mostly private individuals the chances are against my being able to procure them. One piece that you wished for has een applied for by other parties, namely;- A fine Silver repoussé Bowl with medallions of figures & having open work near rim, about eight inches diameter. But this is not for sale.

I have already reported that the collection of metal bowls of Burmese Repoussé work, of which you wished a pair, are Replicas manufactured & exhibited by [illegible] Elkington & Co. whose price, they [illegible] me, was from £8 to £10 each. But of course I do nothing further with these until I have further instruction from you.

Yesterday however I have ascertained that one fine piece of Kooftkarri work from the Panjab, which you selected, is for sale! I enclose a pencil sketch of it herewith to assist in identifying it. The metal is steel, and it is silverplated in part & chiefly kooft with silver upon the blue steel field. It also has gold kooft work over it. The kooft ornament is very fine, and altogether it is an important piece. The price is seven guineas and a half. The height is about Fifteen inches. It is in Glass Case XXIII Number 1313.

In connection with the above I wish to add that I have in my own collection in Ebury Street a small "[illegible]" or scentholder, from the same place, of the same material, Kooft all over with ornament & arabesque in Gold only height four inches price ten shillings only!

Yours obediently
Alfred Inman

General A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

[Sketch not enclosed]

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Memorandum | To: Genl Pitt Rivers 4 Grosvenor Gardens

[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W. | 12 Oct 1895

Please receive herewith

Catalogue of Indian Exhibition

Pencil sketch of Figure 3 feet high for sale (one of a pair)

Pencil sketches of figures 2 feet high for sale Single

and of Pair 4 feet 6 ins high not for sale

NB the Pair of Demons supporting a Bell belong to Lord Roberts At page 230 of Catalogue is matter expressing Indian marble inlay AI

[2 drawings attached, and shown here]

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[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W.

Dear Sir

I beg to inform you that I have received a reply from Mrs Bercus the owner of the larger pair of Burmese carved wooden figures stating that she does not wish to part with them. So I have applied to the Superintendent at the Indian Exhibition Earls Court upon your behalf for the Pair nos 230 & 232 price £4.10/- and I am to have possession of them immediately upon the closing of the Exhibition tomorrow, when I propose if I do not hear to the contrary to pack them carefully in a large case and despach [sic] them to your address. They are the large pair, three feet high, of which I furnished you a sketch of one of the figures, and the other figure is similar.

I have also written to the owners direct of other objects which you wished for - but so far the answers received have ben against disposing of them.

I now beg to enclose a bill of this last transaction - together with a statement of outstandings - and as I shall have to pay the Exhibition balance upon clearing there & the Kooftkarri Chardan (which I will forward at the same time) I shall be greatly obliged by a Cheque.

I remain, 
Your obed. servant
Alfred Inman

25 Oct 95

General A. Pitt Rivers

Oct. 25 1895

General A. Pitt Rivers

The Kooftkarri Chardon is Add.9455vol3_p1232 /1

Bought of ...

Oct 8

From Indian Exhibition Earls Court One pair Carved Gong holders & pole Nos 230 & 232 £4.10.0

My commission 4/6

Oct 14

From Ditto Ditto catalogue 1/-

[Total] 4.15.6

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[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W.

Sir

I beg to advise the despatch this day to your address of the Kooftkarri Chardan procured from the Indian Exhibition at Earls Court this day. They were unable yet to deliver up the Burmese Carved Wood Gong Holding Figures.

But I cleared upon my own a/c Four Burmese Figures of small size carved in wood - and as you expressed a wish to see them I have enclosed them in the package sent off to you today. Their price is Thirty shillings net for the whole four.

The favor of an answer to my request of the 25th inst. will greatly oblige

I am, Sir, 
Yours obediently
Alfred Inman

30 Oct 95

General A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

The figures are Add.9455vol3_p1233/1 and on

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Memo

Attendance had to be given at the Indian Exhibition Offices on four separate days vix Oct 23, 38 & 30, & Nov 1 before delivery could be effected.

Because the larger figures had been sold at the Exhibition also to Messrs Emmanuel of Portsmouth, who were unwilling to give them up I had to insist upon our right to them.

AI

2 Nov 95.

17 Ebury St SW

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Ansd Feb. 27/ 96

[Stamp] A. Inman Oriental Depot 17 Ebury St S.W.

Sir

Amongst the objects exhibited at the Earls Court Indian Exhibition were some ancient bronzes each with two long prongs which proved to be hair combs - and which you desired to add to your collection. After much delay the owner has informed me that he is willing to part with them. They come from Southern India & belong to Colonel Shelley Leigh-Hunt who was quartered there for thirty years. At present he resides at "Dol-Peris" Bournemouth West.

I beg at the same time to inform you that Col. Leigh-Hunt is also the owner of an important Shrine and Stand of which I hand you by this post, under separate cover, two photographs and a printed description, which he is desirous of selling. He has them all at "Dol-Peris" Bournemouth West, where they can be inspected any day by appointment.

With reference to your enquiry last month, and in continuation of my letter in reply, I have interviewed the parties from whom I procured the Hispano-Mauro Lustre Ware in question. They deal indirectly with the two brothers in Spain who have revived that art manufacture. I am unable to procure further particulars. But if you give me an order for more of that ware I will with pleasure put it in the right channel for execution.

I am, Sir,
Your obed. Servant
Alfred Inman

26 Feb 96

General A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

The Hispano Mauro ware is Add.9455vol3_p1228 /2 and on, the hair ornaments are not listed in the catalogue of the second collection.

----

Ansd May 15/ 97

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.

Sir

Regilding Buddha

With reference to the audience granted me by the Hon. Mrs Pitt Rivers, and in continuation of my letter of the 4 May *, I now beg to state as a Revised Estimate that for the sum of Nine pounds, more or less, the large and important Figure of Buddha can be cleaned and repaired in its present situation, have its Stand ReLacquered, and the feet, hands, breast, neck, and face regilt with the best English Gold, and in the first style of workmanship.

If the missing Nimbus was to be regilt, or the Figure taken away by your order, both would involve extra expense.

I cannot recommend its being done with inferior gold as it would soon assume a bad appearance like some parts that have been so treated already, probably because the great value of proper gold could not be afforded at the time.

Yours obediently
Alfred Inman

6 May 97

* Note that the letter of 4 May 1897 is not included in S&SWM PR papers. Pitt-Rivers had several Buddha figures, it is not clear which, if any, listed in the second collection catalogue this refers to.

----

Inman | Ansd May 19/97

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W. | 17 May 1897

Dear Sir,

Upon receipt of your letter of the 15th I called today at no. 4 Grosvenor Gardens and made search for the Nimbus in the small Room where the Buddha is stored, but found it not. But I was informed that the other Store rooms were locked. So I applied (by direction) to Mr Mann, House Agent, and he informed me that the Keys of those rooms are with The Hon. Mrs Pitt Rivers. I will immediately [illegible] search further upon obtaining the keys

I judged that there was originally a Nimbus by the presence in the Stand, at the back of the two feet, of an opening cut to receive something.

That might have been a long upright bar about five feet high with a golden circle, which sets along the back of the head - Or there might have been instead a broad flat canopy (?Lotus Leaf) rising from the heels up to the crown of the head over which it terminated in a conical point. May I ask if it is known what was really there.

Yours faithfully
Alfred Inman

To: Harold Gray | Rushmore | Salisbury

----

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W. | 20 August 1897

Please receive herewith upon approbation

One length of Delhic printed Cotton Dado (with half yard wide bands of various colors @ sixpence per panel Eleven = 5/6 (1 yard in depth)

One Square of Delhic printed Cotton Cloth (42 inches) for 2/6

One Portion of Delhic Cotton Cloth printed in colors - 4 yards long by two yards wide - centre design of the "Tree of Life" for 10/6

General A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

"Jeypur" Palampres Printed in Colors on fine Cotton with

One larger, 4 yards long by 2 yards wide, Dark yellow ground Richly covered with Rafaellesque designs of Squirrels [illegible] Peacocks, Large Sunflowers [illegible] &c for 10/6

One Ditto with White Border & Dark Yellow Filling in Centre & Tigers & Antelopes in Dado for 7/6

One Ditto upon rich Yellow ground all over - Design of small [illegible] pattern of Bouquets and small arcade in [illegible] with sprigs of flowers facing the centre for 7/6

NB Other patterns can be supplied & further quantities

----

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W. | 20 August 1897

Sir,

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your note this morning, and I will make Enquiries of those who lately constituted themselves a Burmese Company & imported the Carved Teak Door Posts and then write to you again whether they can be obtained now

And I have to impress you that I have just despatched to your address by Parcel Post a Parcel of 5 Indian Cotton Cloths printed with subjects in Colors - all upon approbation. A list of them accompanies the parcel.

With regard to the decoration of the White Panels of Concert of the Indian House from Benares I shall be obliged if you will allow me a few days before replying more definitely - I have in my memory only an unpleasant recollection of crude designs of gods and animals painted in glaring body color - which I always considered degenerate art. But I will make it my object to look up this subject, and write again.

Yours obediently
Alfred Inman

Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

It seems clear that these door posts and panels which will from now dominate Inman and Pitt-Rivers surviving correspondence relates to objects being obtained for display at the Larmer Tree Gardens.

----

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.

Sir,

Yours of 20 August

With regard to the Burmese Carved Teak Door Posts I beg to inform you that the Company which imported those you had has wound up its affairs, and ceased to exist. After a good many enquiries amongst other Indian Importers I cannot meet, or hear of, any other Door Posts. And I consider that if you require several of them the best way will be to order them direct from Burma, which I can do at once.

I am in constant communication with Burma, and feel that there Posts can be readily procured from there. [sic]

I have been turning my attention to the subject of the decoration of the Old house from Benares. Such a structure as a Goldsmith shop would not require elaborate decoration. The Wood work should be coated with body colors in a harmonious way, yet in simple style - which I could scheme out easily if I saw the building or had some drawings of it, or measurements of the parts requiring special embellishment. I have seen authorities for subjects to paint on the Panels, and I wold furnish designs for several groups, figures, animals, Hunting subjects, Gods &c when I know more about the structure. These designs cannot be furnished by me well at this stage - they would require scheming out from my recollections of Indian styles of ornamentation, aided by scattered authorities.

If it is inconvenient to render measured sketches of the house at Larmer, I would offer myself to come and after viewing there and then to submit places to you

Yours obediently
Alfred Inman

25 Augt 97

Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

PS And I would beg to offer to bring down proper colors, & other materials, with implements, for carrying out upkeep the beginnings of such work as you wish as far as can be done off hand, leaving the rest to be added afterwards AI

----

Ansd Sept 3/97

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.

Sir,

Indian House Decoration

In continuation of my last one the above subject it has occurred to me that one method towards the work could be by painting figures, animals, arabesques of conventional ornament, or hunting groups &c upon loose squares of lincrusta or similar material. These I could execute and then forward these to be fitted in the panel spaces. But if it is considered desirable to paint these subjects direct on to the plaster of the panels, which appears to me to be the proper thing, then I could prepare designs for the series - or better still submit to you before hand data, and sketches, and explanations in person

Yours obediently
Alfred Inman

5 Sep 97

Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

----

Ansd Sept 13/97

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.

Sir,

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 3rd Sep'r and to report that I have traced the Burmese Carvings your enquiries about the possession of the Indo-China Curio Trading Company whose address is on the Third Floor of No. 58 New Bond Street. The various parts they have scattered now - some are in use, and others lying in store - but they state that they are prepared to dispose of the whole of the party as they were fitted and displayed last year at the Earls Court Exhibition for £65. Or if only the two central pieces are required then price could be £30.

The "whole Lot" would include the supporting Pillars, six or eight in number. The whole Lot enclosed a Front of 45 feet, and its two returns of 13 feet each marking a total of 71 linear feet [illegible] - The colouring of those I saw in use, differed from those lying in store.

The Company have lent me a Photograph mounted in a glazed frame, which I have unfixed for the purpose of sending herewith for your information. From this photo you will observe how the whole structure has been developedd out of the two centre pieces which alone are Burmese Carvings of Teak, and [insert] which [end insert] were planned in Burma for the two stern plates of a large Rowing Boat! which I may be able to speak more about hereafter.

And the whole of the remaining arches [insert] &c [end insert] as seen in the Photo, were carved out of deal wood in this country to carry on the design. And the Company state that they were [illegible] to [illegible] expenses about it, but can utilize the whole again for the same purpose. Although not authorized by them to say so, I should think that if only a portion of the 71 feet run is required that they would sell.

On the other hand if you wish to have all genuine Teak Wood Carvings I can undertake to procure them from Burma to your own designs - or to your general wishes & dimensions leaving the Burmese Carvers to carry the same out in their own good style. I see my way clear to getting this done.

Regarding the subject to be painted in the upper space of the thirty or more posts of the woodwork of the Benares House I am making some pencil sketches of designs for these - to be more elaborated and coloured either here or by the painter who executes the work on the spot. These will be forwarded in a few days. In the meantime I enclose with this (as per List) some native drawings &c - for ideas of the decoration.

Yours faithfully
Alfred Inman

Sep 8 97

Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

------

Memorandum | 11 Sep 1897

To: General A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Please receive herewith

A sketch shewing where Teak Carvings are placed in the stern of a Rangoon Boat

11 Designs for use in painting top spaces in posts of Benares House. More designs can be made for the whole of the posts, and tints given as to colouring if required.

3 objects collected from the Shans upon the Burmo-Chinese frontier. These have just come into my possession from an Officer from Bhamo in the NE of Burma. One is a Powder Flask - the other two are their primitive contrivances for producing Fire. This is done by wrapping round the ramrod a prepared tinder - then driving some home securely when the Rammer is withdrawn with the Tinder ignited Price for the three pieces + one sovereign

AI

PS I have many Oriental Drawings colored which are not Indian

The Shan objects appear to be Add.9455vol7_p2163 /5 and on

----

{joomplu:866 detail align right}

Ansd Sept 3/97

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.

Sir,

I duly received back in good condition the photograph of the Exhibition Carved arcade work, and upon receipt of your letter of Sep 20, I applied to Capt. Pritchard for a detailed drawing or a Photograph of the Moulmein Three Fold Screen, and I am happy to say that he hopes to send a photograph of it in a few days.

To day, however, I have met with a Carved Teak Doorway of which I enclose a sketch. The carving itself is due to arrive here on the 4th October. It is described as finely carved. Price Thirty guineas. Extreme height 10 feet 6 inches Extreme width 5 feet.

I take this opportunity to submit herewith enclosed ten more colored designs for the embellishment of the Benares House as promised.

Yours faithfully
Alfred Inman

24 Sep 97

Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

------

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.

Sir,

I beg to inform you with reference to the carved Indian Porch advised in my letter to you of the 24th ultimo that the owners will be prepared on Friday [illegible] [insert] 8th [end insert] next to have parts of it unpacked and ready for your inspection at the West End if arranged for beforehand - and I shall be glad to know your wishes respecting it.

Yours obediently
Alfred Inman

5 Oct 97

Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

------

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.

Sir,

In continuation of my letter of 5 Oct. I beg to report that I went this day at the time appointed by the Owner of the Carved Teak Porch and found the whole set out for show and erected. The drawing sent you gives a fair representation of the Porch, excepting that it does not do the original full justice - in that the doorway does not shew the back, and that I found to be the same as the front - with projecting embelling [?] at the back & all else repeated - so that back & front are similarly carved in the remarkably fine style. I have full confidence in recommending it for purchase.

Now that it has been erected, and displayed its beauty, the owner has raised it in is estimation. He will still keep the offer open a short time, but asks for payment before it is removed, which must be at our risk & expense.

Any instructions you may favor me with in respect to it shall receive my careful attention. And if you decide to have it, please forward me a cheque for it as below

Yours faithfully
Alfred Inman

8 Oct 97

31.10.0

2.2.0

------

£38.12.0

Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

PS. The owner considers it worth very much more, & I think he is right. And there is none other now to be had.

------

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.

Sir,

With reference to the pair  of East Indian Lacquered Wooden "Dandahs" in my possession, they are used in Native Schools, Oude, India when the Pupils repeat Poetry. Mine were sent home by Government to the Indian section of the International Exhibition South Kensington held in the year 1871, and I have kept them ever since.

They are interesting as shewing an aid to the memory and to the utterance of poetry and no doubt are a survival of something very ancient. Probably Castignettes and the Conductor's Baton are similar survivals.

The late R. Jefferies in his pleasing work "Wild Life in a Southern [insert] English [end insert] County" page 131 writes as follows of his experience of something similar

"Another ancient used to come round to the Fann Houses once or twice in a year with a couple of long ashen staves and the ceremony performed by him consisted in dancing these two sticks together in a fantastic way to some old rhyme or story."

AI

April 98

Genl A Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

These items do not appear to have been purchased by Pitt-Rivers or at least they are not listed in the catalogue of the second collection.

------

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.

Dear Sir,

The Silver Pot with some gold on its Cover is shaped as the Lotus Flower and enamelled in chaste colors. It is used as a Toilet pot in Siam and came to me from Mr Cardew's Collection from Bangkok. Several objects are shewn in the Indian Museum [insert] S.K. [end insert] from Siam by him.

The cigar shaped pendant ornament came to me from the Collector who resided in Nepaul but in the parcel I [illegible] were [illegible] small pieces which he said he brought from Thibetan House and the Dealers who come into Nepaul in large number during the summer time. I believe it to be worn suspended from the neck. And in Nepaul they also wear a crescent shaped gorget about the throat, and I remember seeing in the French Army, during Louis Philippe's reign Officers wearing crescent shaped gorgets about the throat.

This cigar shaped ornament came to me in fact at the same time as the Nepaulese "Panas" of large size now standing in the place of the Inner Hall at Rushmore.

AI

April 98

The Nepalese gorget appears to be Add.9455vol7_p2162 /2, the toilet pot from Thailand is Add.9455vol7_p2167 /1. The Panas are Add.9455vol3_p1004 /5

------

[Stamp] A. Inman 94 Victoria St. London S.W.

23.4.1898 [in pencil]

Genl A. Pitt Rivers | Rushmore

Sir,

I took the opportunity last week of inspecting the two Indian Houses in the Larmer Grounds, and have had under consideration the decoration of their blank panels.

With regard to those on the interior walling, after various methods have occurred to me, I consider that the Gold Indian coloured designs on cloth, which you proposed, are very suitable under all the circumstances and I have nto yet met with anything better than one dozen of Purdahs of this material, a pattern of which I now send by post, shewing that they all differ but are of the same general design, and the "Tree of Life" in each is characteristic.

Some of the Panels at Larmer are eight feet in height, others six feet but most of them are nearer three feet.

I would propose that the Tree should be cut out of these Purdahs with sufficient bordering to fill up the larger panels. And for the numerous smaller panels that the Dado Cloth of similar make and coloring (of which I will also now send a small pattern) should be used, likewise cut up at the junction of each arcaded division varying in colours viz: Rich White, Blue, & Yellow Grounds.

They would field [sic] a filling surface of eighteen inches wide and three feet high, or less, according as wanted. And if greater heighs [sic] than three feet is wanted that might be obtained by borrowing the lower branches and base off another arcade of same color and joining them neatly beneath the upper branches of the first, so as to finish off the first with a taller tree.

The raw edges of the cloth could be covered and fixed in position in each panel by some thin narrow wooden beading, and the whole decoration carried out readily in an effective and inexpensive way - at the same time [insert] being [end insert] thoroughly harmonious Indian decoration.

The price of the Purdah is Five shillings, & of the Dado Cloth eight pence each arcade of half yard wide. And some of the handsome bordering that remains after cutting out, might be utilized in the side or bye panels.

Yours faithfully
Alfred Inman

23 April 98

PS. Enclosed I beg to return, with my best thanks, the last bill duly receipted

Pitt-Rivers purchased some of these Indian textiles in 1890, though it is not clear from the catalogue of the second collection what use he acquired it for then, see Add.9455vol2_p658 /1 and Add.9455vol2_p658 /3

Transcribed by AP for Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project August 2011

B423 Indian Art Gallery (Procter and Co.)

Indian Art Gallery | 428 Oxford Street ... | London Nov 13th 1888

Private

General Pitt Rivers

Sir,

I beg to take the liberty of writing to ask if you would care to see two very exquisitely carved pieces of ivory of a certain character. I should not thus presume only that I had the pleasure of selling you two stone models which you may recollect. If you care to see them I should be glad of an appointment to show them as, should you call here I might not be able to produce them, as they are quite private although at times I could.

I remain Sir
Your Obediently
R Alexander

In the CUL catalogue items from this gallery are headed 'Proctor and Co., Indian Art Gallery ...' No items of an erotic nature (which one must presume is what is being referred to above) are listed in the CUL catalogue. Neither are two stone models listed, which must been that they were omitted from the catalogue of the second collection for some reason.

----

Indian Art Gallery | 428 Oxford Street ... | Procter & Co. | London Dec 11 1895

General Fox-Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Sir,

With regard to the two Windows in the carpet room at the Earl's Court Exhibition, we can get these reproduced at a cost of £115.

Should the size of these be not exactly what you require, we could make them either a little larger or smaller to fit any special space in which you might wish to place them.

Should you favour us with the order we will put the work in hand without delay.

Your obedient Servant
Procter Co.

------

Indian Art Gallery | 428 Oxford Street ... | Procter & Co. | London Jan 6th 1896

General Fox-Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Sir,

We should be pleased to wait upon you, should you be in town, in order to explain any further particulars you may require respecting the facade which you saw at the Earl's Court Exhibition, and for which we sent you an estimate to reproduce.

Should you not be coming to town, the writer will be pleased to call upon you at Rushmore with the sketch, to receive your instructions, if agreeable.

We have the honour to remain, Sir
Your obdt Servants
pp Procter & Co
R. Alexander

Presumably these were windows / facades to be used in the Larmer Tree Gardens buildings, they are certainly not listed in the catalogue of the second collection

------

Indian Art Gallery | 428 Oxford Street ... | Procter & Co. | London Nov 13th 1896

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Sir,

Should the object mentioned in enclosed cutting interest you, we should be pleased to submit it, as we have it here for sale Price £2.500

Yours Obediently
pp Procter & Co
R. Alexander

we have also some new Arms and other interesting pieces

Cutting:

[Hand dated Dec 6th 1888] 'Among the more interesting objects forming part of the collection of Burrmese, Indian and Japanese curios, advertised for sale by auction by Messrs Phillips ... on Wednesday is an Indian idol of some value and celebrity. It is the representative of a deity to whom Hindoo women pay peculiar worship and is known as the original "Lingam God" ... [it] consists of an extraordinary chrysoberyl cat's eye ... set in a large yellow topaz, the whole supported on a native Indian gold base, incrusted with diamonds and set around with nine gems ...'

Pitt-Rivers does not appear to have purchased this object.

------

Indian Art Gallery | 428 Oxford Street ... | Procter & Co. | London Mch 31st 1897

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Sir,

We have just received six different patterns in Persian Tiles of the small sizes 6 inches square.

We can offer these at the unusually low price of 3/6 per tile if a case of not less than 50 is ordered & we should be pleased to send the samples on approval.

They would be suitable for panelling, chimnies, flower boxes, dados &c

We have the honour to remain, Sir

Your Obedient Servants
pp Procter & Co
R. Alexander

-----

Ansd June 17/97

Indian Art Gallery | 428 Oxford Street ... | Procter & Co. | London 10 June 1897

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Sir,

We have the pleasure to advise dispatch of a box to Tisbury station containing 7 sample tiles as per enclosed memo showing the quantity of each we are able to supply. As you may require a considerable number we have quoted them at a very low price and trust they will meet with your approval

We are, Sir
Your obdt Servants
pp Procter & Co

[list enclosed but not transcribed]

-----

Ansd Sept 15/97

Indian Art Gallery | 428 Oxford Street ... | Procter & Co. | London Sept 14th 1897

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Sir,

We should be glad to know your decision respecting the Tiles we sent on approval in the month of June last. Trusting you are sufficiently recovered to allow us know

We remain, Sir
Your obdt Servants
pp Procter & Co R. Alexander

-----

Indian Art Gallery | 428 Oxford Street ... | Procter & Co. | London Oct 19th 1897

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Sir,

We are sending you a small case of sample Tiles, carriage paid, as being the only ones we can supply at the present moment, and we should feel obliged if you would kindly return to us those you have, and retain these in their place to order from.

We have a very handsome Persian enamel Samovar, or charcoal Coffee Pot, and a Camphor Wood chest on handsome carved stand, both worthy of inspection.

We have the honour to remain, Sir
Your obdt Servants
pp Procter & Co R. Alexander

The photograph enclosed of Persian Tile, in varios blues and white, is a sample of half a dozen, similar ones we should be glad to submit. If of no interest, kindly return.

-----

Ansd Nov 8/97

Indian Art Gallery | 428 Oxford Street ... | Procter & Co. | London Oct 26th 1897

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Sir,

In reply to your favour we beg to state that the letter which contained the photograph of the Persian Tile, also advised our sending a small case of tiles, with list of contents, and asking you to kindly return all that were sent in June and retaining these to order from, as all the former are sold, except these very samples. If you will do so, it will simplify matters & we shall feel obliged.

As regards the large Tile, as per photo, we shall be pleased to send it for inspection when you are ready to see it, as we could not leave it in abeyance for any length of time. There are 6 altogether of this size

We remain, Sir
Yours obediently
pp Procter & Co R. Alexander

-----

Indian Art Gallery | 428 Oxford Street ... | Procter & Co. | London Aug 30th 1898

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Sir,

We have the pleasure to advise despatch of goods as per enclosed invoice, and trust they will reach you in safety.

Photographs are enclosed with Tiles, prices as per verbal agreement

Panels £15/./. or £25 the two
Screen £70 [Added note in red 'Bought by Gen. Rivers at £40 Mar. 1899']
Doorway £50
Elephant Chair £15
2 Plates showing 131 samples Teak wood carvings 20/- each to clear = £13 [Added note in red 'Bt by Gen. Rivers'] otherwise 15/- to 50/- each

We have the honour to remain, Sir
Your obedient Servants
pp Procter & Co R. Alexander

-----

Indian Art Gallery | 428 Oxford Street ... | Procter & Co. | London

The Mooltan Fireplace was designed about 1891 or 92 for the Fine Art Museum at Lahore. In 1894 it was used to decorate the Viceroys large Reception Hall on the occasion of the Durbar held at Lahore in that year

It is believed to be the only one of its Kind existing

The Persian characters are (freely translated) as follows:-

Oh Saheb may thy threshold
Like the Stars be full of light
The Scales of Justice in thy hand
For ever balanced be.

The fire place is considered to be one of the best specimens of Mooltan Tile work, both as regards the purity of colors and completeness of the design

Transcribed by AP for Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project August 2011

B420 Henriques

The first part of this is an undated tabulated ?invoice

56.2.6

Lots 58-59  1.0.0
Lots 96-97
Lots 98-99 1.4.0
Lots 181-182 11.0
Lots 215 5.0
Lots 243 9.0
Lots 144 1.0.0
Lots 364 Fashion Hammer greenstone  2.0.0
Lots 39 Sacrificial knife Funen 5.10.0
Lots 298 Wedge 2.5.0
Lots 299 2.16.0
Total  73.2.6
Lots 166 8.0
Lots 49 5.0
Lots 120 10.0

--------

74.5.6

----------

S. Henriques | Antikviteshandel | Amagertorv No 18 | Kjobenhavn K | 10 Aug 1881

Honorable [sic] General Pitt Rivers | London

Dear Sir

Thanking you for your favour of 7 inst, I regrette [sic] very much that I did not send you the Invoice separately but I could not think that you would not open the boxes of that reason. The lot consists of 434 specimens and if you open the boxes you will at once find the invoice laid on a smaler [sic] box whereupon as written with great letters "Invoice" and shall have next the cover - But in order to [insert] that [end insert] you not shall have the [illegible] to open the boxe invain I give you an extract of the invoice and hope that you as soon as possible will send my an answer I remain dear Sir

most [illegible]
yours very truely
S. Henriques

Extract of invoice

Arrow heads No 1 - 36 incl from 2 1/2 to 11 centimetres 6 sh to 1£ 10s
Arrowheads of hand & chipping No 37 20 @ 2£.10
Sacrificial Knives
from N38-50 long: 13 à 22 cntms from 2s.6d - £5.10sh
Knives with square handles
for 51-63 long 13  à 22 cntm [illegible] 4 sh.6 to 1£ 5 sh
Laudoes [?]
dentelled spear heads &c
for 64-129 long 7 cnm 32 cnm price from 2 sh to £6-11 sh
Shaving & craquel [illegible]
for 130-142 long 10 cnm 20 cnm Price from 2 sh6 to 12 sh
Narrow gouges
for 143-145 ong 55 centimetres 20 cntm Price from 10 sh to £3
Narrow chisel
146.166 L 7-26 cntm Price from 3 sh to £1-1-0
Gouges
167-187 L 9 ct - 17 ctm Price from 1 sh 8 d - 11sh
Wedges many different types
188-333 L 6 1/2 ctm - 36 1/2 ctm Price from 1 sh to £2-16
334 - 367 L 9 ct - 25 ct Price from 4 sh 9 d to £2.8.0
368-417 2 1/2 - 36 cent Price from 2 sh to £4
418 A cencer [?] of Bronze work with iron chaines £3.6
419-434 Finding [?] the whole £1.10
If the lot is taken I give a deduction of 25 per cent

I hope Dear Sir that you will be kind enough to open the cases and look at the implements and invoice. There had too much trouble and too much loose of time as you should not do so - and I am sure you will oblige me in doing so Most respectfully S.H

-----

[Separate sheet dated 10 August 1881 and addressed to Pitt Rivers, which is very faded but seems to be a list of lot numbers and costs totalling £63 3s ending with note in different hand 'Receipt this sheet' and]

£63.6sh paid with a cheque on Messr Ransom & Bouverie S. Henriques Copenhagen 1 April 1882

----- 

S. Henriques | Antikviteshandel | Amagertorv No 18 | Kjobenhavn K | 26 Sept 1881

Honorable [sic] General Pitt Rivers | London

Dear Sir

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of 22nd wherein you did not inform me the receipt of my letter 19th Aug - with a shorter list of the implements, but perhaps you did not find it sufficient, and I send you hereby a duplicate as you demand it - Yours very truly

S. Henriques

Honorable Sir

Refering you to my respects of Dec last year, I have now herewith the pleasure to forward you this magnificent and rich collection of stone implements &c, which you would oblige me kindly to examine as I only have made a few remarks by same specimens in order to share largness [?], though you will remark that the prices are very moderate, I still am willing as you [illegible] to give you the considerable deduction of £25 p cent in order to encourage you to take the lot, which must be together, but should you not withstanding the great deduction not be willing to take the lot, I could also be willing to see you a certain part of it and in this case you would oblige to tell me the number of the specimens you would keep, as I am not able to sell under a certain amount, previously I have placed Lot 133 9 sh to your [illegible] and wishing you a good receipt ... [there follows 3 pages of tables set out like the one above]

This is Add.9455vol1_p8 /1 and on, oddly most of these are dated March 1882 despite dates on letters. There were also archaeological items obtained from Denmark in 1881 in the founding collection, but these do not seem to be included in the above lists and must have been obtained from another dealer.

Transcribed by AP for Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project August 2011.

Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum Pitt-Rivers papers B413

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"The Old Curiosity Shop" | 11, New Oxford Street, | London, W.C. ... | Fenton & Sons | 11th Oct '88

Genl Pitt Rivers

Dear Sir

I managed to buy the iron casket for you yesterday & left information for it to be forwarded to you with the bedstead. The key of the box could not be found when it was put up for sale, but the porter promised to have a good search & send it if he could find it.

The Oak Table I did not buy, as it realized £3-5-0

I omitted to mention to you yesterday a collection of 19 Hindoo Gods, carved in soapstone, which we have recently purchased. They are an interesting lot & you may perhaps like to see them when you are coming this way.

I am, Dear Sir,
Yours truly
WK Fenton

There do not appear be any bedsteads or caskets from Fenton in October 1888 listed in the second collection catalogue, there is an iron casket from him in October 1887, see Add.9455vol2_p349 /2 but this is presumably not the one. The Hindu religious figures were also not purchased, or at least are not listed in the second collection catalogue.

----

"The Old Curiosity Shop" | 11, New Oxford Street, | London, W.C. ... | Fenton & Sons | 5th Nov. '88

Genl Pitt Rivers

Dear Sir

The shield as per enclosed sketch sent by you we have sold. It was about 20 inches in length.

We enclose sketch of a smaller specimen, without the brass centre, which may possibly interest you. [insert] Price 8/- [end insert]

{joomplu:859 detail align right}This appears to be complete as it is.

Yours faithfully
Fenton & Sons

Pitt-Rivers had previously bought a shield very similar to this on 12.9.1887 from Fentons. The second sketch in S&SWM PR papers is too large to scan but looks like the attached catalogue image of Add.9455vol2_p341 /6 except the terminals appear to have tangs.

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"The Old Curiosity Shop" | Memorandum | Fenton & Sons Dealers in Antiques and Articles of Vertu | 11, New Oxford Street, | London, W.C. ... | May 14th 1895 | General Pitt Rivers 4 Grosvenor Gardens

Dear Sir

We send you wherewith a sketch of the Lead water Cistern mentioned to you last week. We have three offered to us, all of the same date 1738. On one of the others there is more ornamental border work. The price of them [insert] is [end insert] £18 each.

We are, Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully
Fenton & Sons

These items are not listed in the catalogue of the second collection

----

"The Old Curiosity Shop" | 11, New Oxford Street, | London, W.C. ... | Fenton & Sons | Nov. 24th 1896

General Pitt Rivers

Dear Sir

In reply to your telegram we have today forwarded to Tisbury Station on approval the goods selected by Mr Gray and we have also added three other pieces of China with similar ornamentation on.

We must apologize for not answering before this your letter of the 5th inst, but we had been waiting to write and at the same time send you some sketches but our man who does this work has been too busy to attend to us. However anything good we do not think you have missed, for a number of the specimens in Webster's catalogue are our property & we allow him to illustrate them.

In future when we get anything special likely to suit you, we will communicate with you.

We beg to remain, Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully
Fenton & Sons

This probably refers to the items starting from Add.9455vol4_p1427 /2. It is not clear what ornamentation is being referred to.

------

"The Old Curiosity Shop" | 11, New Oxford Street, | London, W.C. ... | Fenton & Sons | May 17th 1898

Genl Pitt Rivers

Dear Sir

We have a set of three masks from Tyrol which we think might interest you. Enclosed is a full description of them. The price of the set is £75.0.0. and if you would like them sent to you on approval we shall be pleased to do so on hearing from you.

We are, Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully
Fenton & Sons

-----

[in pencil at top] (Part of 17.5.1898)

"The Old Curiosity Shop" | 11, New Oxford Street, | London, W.C. ... | Fenton & Sons

Genl Pitt Rivers

Dear Sir

A set of three wooden masks belonging to the Brotherhood of Berehtelsläufer in the village of Lans near Innsbruck in Tyrol 17th century:-

The first one represents the Devil, head of a monster with large buck-horns

The second a spectre (bearded head of a man carved in Gothic lines)

The third a witch (head of a woman with very long nose)

The brotherhood runs with these masks during the holy nights of the Yule-time (Berchtelnacht) through the whole village, through every house, jumping and crying and dancing to expel the Devil and the evil spirits out of the houses.

These old wooden masks are extremely scarce, there exists a few in the Museum of the Prince of Hohenzollern in Sigmaringen, in the Germanic Museum in Nuremberg [insert] and [end insert] in the Ethnological Museum in the Museum for Volkstradt in Berlin.

These items are not listed in the catalogue of the second collection, so Pitt-Rivers may not have purchased them.

Transcribed by AP for Rethinking Pitt-Rivers August 2011.

B series S&SWM PR papers

Here are a selection of the letters from various dealers who Pitt-Rivers dealt with when amassing his second collection. They are all held by Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum Pitt-Rivers papers, in the business section of the archive and copyright remains with them:

Index of dealers with letters below:

Bryce Wright

Carter & Co. Poole

William Cross

W.D. Cutter

E. Cutter

S. Egger

Halstaff & Hannaford

Hann

Hirsch (on behalf of Ludwig Lindenschmit, Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum)

Hyams

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B403 Bryce Wright

Bryce-Wright | Mineralogist & Expert in Gems & Precious Stones | The Museum 26, Savile Row, W.

March 7th 89

Sir,

I have a good armlet & a gold hair ornament you might like to see - The armlet is as follows [Drawing] & the ornament of spiral this [drawing] but [illegible] extend Gold with twisted Ends also a series of Maori [illegible]

I remain, Sir,
Yours obediently
Bryce Wright

Lieut Genl Pitt Rivers FRS

Pitt-Rivers does not appear to have purchased either of these items, or at least they are not listed in the catalogue of the second collection. Other letters from Bryce Wright can be found here

-----

B404 Carter & Co.

Ansd Sept 19/95

Telegraphic Address: Carters Pottery, Poole Telephone No 19 | Carter & Co. Encaustic Tile Works Poole Dorset | Decorative Art Potters | Manufacturers of every description of tiles for floors, wall, hearths, Cheeks, Grates, &c &c Decorative Faience, Mosaic, Lustres &c | O.C. Aug 31st 1895

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore, near Salisbury

Sir,

We have much pleasure in sending today packed in one box and carriage paid, a few sample vases addressed to you at Tisbury Station till called for. We regret that we have not been able to send some better and more elaborate articles. We have however only commenced this department a few months. Had the notice been longer we should have been able to have done something specially. We trust however on a future occasion if we might be allowed to send something that the assortment may be more varied and of a higher art merit. One of the vases is a ruby lustre; the production of this class of ware we have given a great deal of time and attention to. We enclose in the box 2 or 3 cards if you wish to place anything against the articles to identify these with us.

{joomplu:858 detail align right}

We are, Sir,
Yours faithfully
Charles [illegible]

Telegraphic Address: Carters Pottery, Poole Telephone No 19 | Carter & Co. Encaustic Tile Works Poole Dorset | Decorative Art Potters | Manufacturers of every description of tiles for floors, wall, hearths, Cheeks, Grates, &c &c Decorative Faience, Mosaic, Lustres &c | 1022 O.C. Sept 20th. 1895

Mr Harold Gray | Rushmore, Salisbury

Dear Sir,

Your favour duly to hand for which we thank you. We are pleased to hear that General Pitt Rivers purposes permanently exhibiting the specimens we sent. As they were of so simple a character we should be very glad if the General would allow us to make no charge. The exhibiting will doubtless be of some extent an advertisement for us. We are making some more elaborate articles of the same description and we hope on a future occasion if we are asked to send anything that our specimens may be of a higher merit.

We are, Sir,
Yours faithfully
[illegible]

See Add.9455vol3_p1199 /1 and on for these objects. Pitt-Rivers did not request more items from them, or at least if he did they are not listed in the catalogue of the second collection.

---

B407 Cross of Liverpool

Ansd Dec 6/98

December 2nd 1898

Cross, Liverpool | Telephone No. 6491

To General A. Pitt-Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Mr Cross begs most respectfully to inform Gen. A. Pitt-Rivers that he is sending the Benin objects and others this day by passenger train to Tisbury station. Upon the other side is a complete list. Among the Benin bronzes, there is out of especial interest, it is the figure probably of a priest in solid bronze and upon which are curiously worked figures of a Cross, Beads, Girdle, etc. Mr Cross has had probably more Benin specimens through his hands than anyone living, yet he has not had anything to compare with this figure, to which he places an especial value, because it indicates with some sort of definiteness the origin and date of these specimens, however General A Pitt-Rivers will perhaps communicate directly they are inspected & state the value of any specimens detected [?] A connosseiur who called here to see these specimens wished Mr Cross to reserve four of them for him but having previously written to General A. Pitt-Rivers Mr Cross declined to reserve them.

List of specimens sent

* 1 [insert] solid [end insert] Benin bronze figure, with Cross, Beads, Girdle

1 [Benin bronze figure] with crest on head from Kings juju home

1 [Benin bronze figure] form Queens compound

1 Gold Coast bronze weight from Prempets palace

1 River Niger (Asaba) state court spear

[Added?] (not sent) 1 Wood stool Gold Coast

1 four bladed paddle River Benin

2 two bladded paddles River Benin

1 ivory war horn, Rings house, Benin city

1 Ancient head of an extinct race of Indians from Peru. A curious type with low forehead, large cheekbones and coarse black hair much resembling the Malay head.

PS Mr Cross has not sent the stool he thinks it is not required

Mr Cross has not at present either laughing jackasses or wallabys but he will inform Gen. A. Pitt-Rivers the first he receives. At this season of the year he has not much in stock, about 28 lions 6 tigers 23 panthers, 2 black panthers 27 polar bears 23 cassowaries 200 baboons apes & monkeys 200 pythons, a Rhinoceros, 2 Gigantic pythons 24 feet, perhaps however some of the lesser things would be taken. A small herd of 10 golden agouti £12 10/- pretty [illegible] breed & live on the lawn. Coati mundi. Crown Cranes. Norfolk Prairie Marmot. Macaws. Tame crested screamer fallows one, Canada geese. Mile geese. Bran [?] geese. Arctic snow geese. A miniature Shetland pony 34 inches Rare Amazons & [illegible] Lories Large purple Gali... Nicobar pigeons, Abyssinian francolins 12 large ...., a fine Argentine game bird size of a pheasant which bid fair to become naturalized in England.

Also following Museum specimens

Giant hippopotamus head

Giant elephant head

Giant Elephant skin, head & all perfect to stuff (Barnums largest) Giant Red Kangaroo perfect to stuff, Lions, Lionesses, Tigers, Panthers, perfect to stuff 3 Enormous Snakes 23 feet long skeleton and skin perfect to stuff Python reticulata 4 Elephant feet to mount as snuff-holders, tobacco jars etc 1 Orang Outang to mount 1 Giant Himalayan Bear 3 Egyptian mummies

The objects Pitt-Rivers purchased from Cross are Add.9455vol6_p1779 /1 and on

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B408 W.D. Cutter

W.D. Cutter 36 Gt Russell Street Bloomsbury W.C. | London Oct 13th 1882

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Sir,

I sent off the ebonised plate stands today packed in a box, for this size the lowest price I could get them for was 3/0 each & I hope they will meet your approval.

I beg to remain,
Your obedient Servt
W.D. Cutter

There is no record in the second collection catalogue of Pitt-Rivers purchasing anything from Cutter in 1882

---------

B409 E. Cutter

From Miss E. Cutter 36 Great Russell Street Bloomsbury London W.C. Antiquities, Curiosities, Natural History Specimens | Oct 21st 1896 To Genl Pitt Rivers Rushmore Salisbury

Dear Sir

I regret to say I have no Dyak shields just now, I sold two last week. I will write to you should I get any.

I remain
Yours truly
E. Cutter

Pitt-Rivers did not purchase a 'Dyak' shield from Cutter, or least one is not recorded in the second collection catalogue.

-------

B412 S. Egger

Budapest Lloydgebaude |Saison Carlsbad Malteserkreuz | S. Egger & Comp. Münz- und Antiquitäten-handlung Wien, Kohlmarkt 8, Wallnerstrasse 1 | Vienna 12th December 1881

Dear Sir

After much troubles it succeeded us to acquire a very nice Celtic sword which we allow us to offer you.

The last price of it is £20.-.- and it is of an especially form and size. We request for a very soon answer, as we cannot reserve a piece like that for a long time.

We remain Dear Sir from very truly

S. Egger Co

Drawing [drawing attached]

Honble | General Pitt Rivers | London

Pitt-Rivers does not appear to have purchased this sword, or at least it is not listed in the catalogues for the founding or second collections.

-----

B416 Halstaff & Hannaford

Ansd Aug 3/95

Halstaff & Hannaford | 228 Regent Street | Dealers and Importers of fine Japanese & other foreign goods, porcelain, lacquer, ivory carving, enamels, metals etc. | Established 1825 | July 31 1895

Sir

We have just received some very fine quality Old metal sword guards Iron and bronze two of which are beautifully inlaid with enamel, two or three are Shibuitchi and Shakudo all of them are 17th or 18th Century pieces, and by well known masters, I would esteem it a great favour if you would kindly allow me to send them down to you to see, there is 16 of them, & could be sent by Parcel Post, but I feel sure you would be interested as I have never had any as good before Awaiting the favour of a reply

Yours obediently
for Halstaff & Hannaford
JH Housman

Pitt-Rivers did obtain 2 tsubas from Halstaff & Hannaford but in June 1895 so presumably these are not from this batch, see Add.9455vol3_p1130 /2-3.

------

B417 Hann

Ansd Sept 4/96

107 Praed St | Paddington | Aug 29.96

W. Hann presents his compliments to Major Pitt Rivers and has taken the liberty to enclose a list of Paintings (on Bark) of Gods which are for disposal Knowing that Major Pitt Rivers is an authority in such matters.

The paintings can be seen in London at any time or could be sent for inspection

[Printed list attached with card which says Imperial Cycle Bazaar, not transcribed]

These items do not appear in the catalogue of the second collection, they are apparently Buddhist.

----

B421 Hirsch (on behalf of Ludwig Lindenschmit, Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum)

George Hirsch, Speditions-Geschäft | Reichsbank Giro-Conto. | Mainz den 25th Sept 1882

To General Pitt Rivers 4 Grosvenor Gdns London W.

Sir,

Dr Lindenschmidt, the director of the "Romisch-Germanisches-Central-Museum" of this town has instructed me to forward two cases, containing metal goods, to your address at the same time asking me to reimburse myself on delivery for £95.13/- as well as for my own charges thereof. I beg to inform you that there will be an additional fee of at least 50/- to be paid in that case, which however would be avoided by your sending me a cheque for the amount aforesaid.

Please let me know by return of post whether you wish me to pay on receipt of the goods or whether you will send a cheque.

Your obedt servant
George Hirsch

----

George Hirsch, Speditions-Geschäft | Reichsbank Giro-Conto. | Mainz den 7th Oct 1882

To General Pitt Rivers 4 Grosvenor Gdns London W.

Sir,

I beg to confirm my letter of 25th Sept and having had no reply from you whatever I have shipped the two cases viz ROM 1/2 to London  via Rotterdam [illegible] Messrs Langstaff, Ehrenberg & Pollack of 60 King William Street E.C. will deliver same to you against payment of £97.2/-

You will also please to pay their charges on these goods & oblige

Your obedt servant
George Hirsch

These objects are Add.9455vol2_p344 /1 and following

-------

B422 Hyams

Frank Hyams | 167 New Bond Street | London W. January 3rd 1899 | Also at Dunedin New Zealand | By special appointment Their Excellencies Sir Wm Jervois The Earl of Onslow The Earl of Glasgow

Dear Sir

I am this day in receipt of your dated 2nd Am sorry I havse not a catalogue.

The many curios I have at above address are from my museum in New Zealand

I should be glad if when next in London you could find time to visit my rooms as I am sure there are many things you would be interested in.

The working of the New Zealand greenstone into artistic articles has been [illegible] for many years I am now able to show some specimens of same

I am, dear Sir
Your obediently
[illegible but presumably Frank] Hyams

General Pitt-Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Pitt-Rivers did purchase some items from Hyams in February, May and November 1899.

Transcribed by AP for Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project August 2011.

For more information about the Martin Brothers, see here.

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B436 S&SWM PR papers: Martin Brothers

Ansd Nov. 4/92

R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W. ...

Genl Pitt Rivers | Nov 2nd 1892

Dear Sir

In reference to the two Jugs which we have in hand for you we think your Monogram under the two crests on the one side would look better & balance better with the arms on the other than the two crests alone. Should this suggestion meet with your approval will you kindly let us known what the monogram shall be.

Yours obedtly

R.W. Martin & Bros

These two jugs are Add.9455vol3_p890 /1-2, I cannot see a monogram on the finished design. By this point Pitt-Rivers had acquired several other items from the pottery. The jugs are dated March 1893 in the catalogue.

-----

{joomplu:855 detail align right}

R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

Genl Pitt Rivers | Oct 18th 1894

Dear Sir

We have today sent off the two Jugs you kindly requested us to make for you, and we are sorry to have had them so long in hand; but really this has been no fault of ours, it is entirely due to the uncertainties inseparable from the firing of our ware. You will understand this when we mention the fact that last autumn we made and fired a pair of Jugs for this order, but owing to the colour not being good we refired them at the beginning of this year, which was the next firing to the Autumn one, and instead of improving them, they unfortunately split up & of course were thus ruined. The pair we have sent you today are, as you will see, very fine indeed, in fact as beautiful as anything we have ever turned out. We have charged you 6 guineas for them - The price would have been 7 guineas had we not agreed to charge you less as we wished you to let us make a pair, instead of one to try and match the other with

We are, Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully
R.W. Martin & Bros

P.S. We have returned your other Jug in the same box.

This pair are Add.9455vol3_p1030 /2, eventually dated and entered as May 1895

----

Ansd May 4/95

R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

Genl Pitt Rivers | April 24th 1895

Dear Sir

We have your letter of the 21st inst and beg to thank you for the order to make you 6 mugs according to the instructions therein given. We will, of course, do our best to produce the same or similar color to the jugs, but this we cannot guarentee as the firing of this ware is very uncertain.

We are glad to hear that you like the pair of jugs, we consider them very fine specimens of our work

We are, Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully
R.W. Martin & Bros

No mugs are listed in the catalogue of the second collection

---

Ansd May 4/95

R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

Genl Pitt Rivers | May 2nd 1895

Dear Sir

We beg to say we have put in hand the six mugs you kindly ordered; and we suppose they are to be made for mounting the same as the two jugs you have.

With regard to the Crests we shall be obliged if you will please let us know if we can put one of the crests on three of the mugs & the other on the other three; as if both are to be put on each mug they would have to be drawn so small that they would not balance well with the arms on the other side. We think they would look best as on the jugs

Yours faithfully
R.W. Martin & Bros

----

Ansd May 18/95

R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

Genl Pitt Rivers | May 9th 1895

Dear Sir

As you requested in your letter of the 6th inst., I send you sketches enclosed for the six mugs we have in hand for your order. I have noted & communicated to my brothers what you say as to decoration & colour though of the latter, as I mentioned in a previous letter, we cannot be certain of We will try for a black ground & black handles & leave the ornament to come a brown, unless you can suggest anything else. I suppose the arms, being the more important, should go on the right hand side of all the mugs?

Yours faithfully
Chas D. Martin

----

Ansd May 18/95

R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

Genl Pitt Rivers | May 16 1895

Dear Sir

We shall be obliged if you will kindly return us the sketches for mugs with any further suggestions you may have to make.

Yours faithfully
R.W. Martin & Bros

---

Copy

Rushmore | May 18/95

Sir,

I return the drawings of the Mugs. I think the sides wld be better with a slightly convex curve as shewn by the pencil line. I shall be glad if you will send me an estimate of the cost. Of course they will be proportionally less than the Jugs being smaller The black ground & grey figures will be best as I pointed out to you

----

{joomplu:856 detail align right}

Ansd May 24/95

R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

Genl Pitt Rivers | May 22nd 1895

Dear Sir

We are in receipt of yours of 18th inst and note that you wish the shape of mugs altered from what you originally ordered. The mugs have already been made the shape first given, but I have not heard yet whether any decoration has been put on them or not. I wrote requesting my brothers not to go on with them until I had written you in reference to the shape you now require. I shall be glad therefore if you will please let me know by return post which of the three shapes sketched on  Nos 2 & 3 would be better for mounting than No 1 the price will be 30/- each

Yours faithfully
Chas D. Martin

[Drawings on reverse headed No 1 etc]

Please state the No. of the above which you prefer & kindly return the decorated sketches enclosed.

----

Ansd Mar 4/96

R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

Genl Pitt Rivers | Dec 11 1895

Sir

We are very sorry that your six mugs, although made, have not yet been fired - the alterations at our Pottery, mentioned in our previous letter, having taken much longer time than we expected. We shall most probably fire our kiln next month, & your mugs will be in that firing. This is the first time in twenty three years that our firing has been so delayed, & we are very sorry indeed to have thus disappointed you.

We are, Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully
R.W. Martin & Bros

----

R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

Genl Pitt Rivers | March 6th 1896

Sir

I am in receipt of yours of the 4th inst. & am sorry to say that owing to an accident to one of my brothers, who, through a fall, has severly injured his elbow, we have not been able to fire our kiln as we had anticipated.

It is a very unfortunate thing just now as we had already delayed our firing considerably beyond the usual time through having had to make considerable alterations & experiments with our Pottery for the production of another ware, as well as the ware we have been making now for nearly a quarter of a century.

I am going down to Southall tomorrow to see my brother & will write you again soon. I am very sorry to have disappointed you so much

Yours faithfully
Chas D. Martin

----

R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

General Pitt Rivers | April 14th 1896

Sir

We are in receipt of yours of the 11th inst. and we are very sorry you do not like the Mugs, especially as we did our best to carry out your instructions; and, although the firing of this ware is always very uncertain, as we explained to you on a previous occasion, we certainly thought we had succeeded in getting the effect you desired, & which not a few of our customers admire, hence our saying we considered the mugs had turned out satisfactorily. But as you say you are dissatisfied with them we do not desire you to keep them, for, although they bear your Arms &c. we shall have no difficulty in disposing of them [insert[ though of course at a reduced price [end insert] However, we should like to be allowed to state that we understand you to say that you liked the way the first jugs had fired better than the second ones because the work on the former was less distinct from the grounds; and although we cannot control the firing of this ware so as to be certain of producing any desired effect, we nevertheless did all we could to make them like the first pair of jugs, before mentioned.

Knowing that some effects in this ware of ours improve on acquaintance, we venture to take the liberty of asking you to keep these mugs for a little while to see if the result would be so in this instance. But should you not wish to do so, we shall be obliged if you will kindly have them carefully packed & returned to us at our Holborn address.

We are, Sir,
Yours faithfully
R.W. Martin & Bros

----

R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

General Pitt Rivers | June 18th 1896

Sir

We have received the 6 mugs back and are sorry they have not improved on acquaintance. We really thought you would have liked them very much because you said you preferred the first pair of Jugs to the second pair as the decoration was not so distinct from the ground on the former & the effect was like leather, & this you wrote in one of your letters describing what you wished the mugs to be like.

The clay & the treatment for color were exactly the same as used in making the two pairs of jugs above referred to. and the difference in the result is only due to the uncertain firing of this ware which, as we explained before, cannot be covered up in the kiln, as it is all salt-glazed - that is when the ware is got to a while heat salt is put into the fires & into the kiln & the vapour of the salt attacks the ware & the surface is melted.

The colours are affected by many things quite out of our control, amongst them flames & vapours, which play about the ware & may produce either good or bad results, or peculiar effects.

Will you kindly let us know if the shape decoration &c are as you wished & if we shall put 1896 on the mugs when we endeavour to meet your wishes

Yours faithfully
R.W. Martin & Bros

----

Rushmore | Salisbury | July 22nd 1896

Messrs R.W. Martin & Brothers

Sirs,

I am directed by General Pitt-Rivers, in reply to your letter of June 18th, to say that you may proceed to make the six Mugs as you propose, with the same design as before, but the shape must correspond with the enclosed drawing. The date will have to be altered to 1896, and General Rivers wishes the mugs to be done in the same manner as the first jugs you made.

Yours faithfully
H. Gray
For General Pitt-Rivers

----

R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

General Pitt Rivers | Oct 15 1896

Sir

We beg to say we are about to make the six mugs again & should be glad if you could kindly let us have the Jug you like, so that we could see if it really was treated in any way differently from the six mugs which you returned, or was, as we feel certain, simply different on account of the firing, as we mentioned in our letters.

We should also like to know if the mugs are intended to be mounted, as if so it would be better to have the top rim cut back a little to take the mount.

We are, Sir,
Yours faithfully
R.W. Martin & Bros

-----

Ansd June 4/97

R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

General Pitt Rivers | June 2 1897

Sir

We beg to say we have today sent you, per Parcel Post, a Mug - one of the second half dozen made & shaped according to you sketch, and dated 1896. These were fired some months ago, but we did not send them to you because they fired so much like those you returned, and our only object in sending this one now is, that we are making them again, and this is the year of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee we thought you might like to suggest some slight reference to it to be put on the mugs. Of course we should put 1897. We could put VR [insert] or V.R.I. [end insert] 1837-1897 on the front, or this

V.R.I.

1837

1897

We will try another way this time to get more contrast between the ground and the decoration. We have sold all the mugs but two. An early answer will oblige

Yours faithfully
R.W. Martin & Brothers

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R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

General Pitt Rivers | June 9th 1897

Sir

We beg to say we are in receipt of your letter of the 4th inst, and also the Mug. We should have acknowledged same sooner but have been away until this morning.

We will note your remarks in reference to the mugs we now making [sic]

Yours faithfully
R.W. Martin & Brothers

----

R.W. Martin & Brothers. | Art Potters | The Southall Pottery | Southall | Middlesex | Showrooms and Business Address 16 Brownlow Street, Holborn W.

General Pitt Rivers | Dec 18 1897

Sir

We have today sent you, per Parcel post, three Mugs - we are sorry to say, the other three came out of the kiln cracked. The coloring this time we think is more like what you wanted. The cracked ones are just the same in color as those sent.

We shall be glad to know if you would like us to make the other three again, to complete the half dozen, and if so whether you would like to have the cracked ones in the mean time.

Yours faithfully
R.W. Martin & Brothers

Transcribed by AP for Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project August 2011

B432 S&SWM PR papers: The Sinclair Galleries, Frederick Litchfield

Litchfields | Importers & Dealers in Rare Porcelain, Furniture de luxe, Enamels &c &c | 28 & 30 Hanway St Oxford St London W | Agent to the Northern Assurance Co. and to the Security Company for Insurance against loss by burglary and theft | Feby 18 1892

Sir,

I am obliged by your cheque in settlement of a/c and I trust that you are now recovering from your recent very severe illness.

I had occasion to go to Gibraltar on personal business a few days ago & picked up there some very quaint old Spanish pottery which a Spanish family had brought there. If you would like me to do so I would send [insert] to Rushmore [end insert] a few interesting pieces for your examination and approval

I am Sir
yours faithfully
Fred Litchfield

Genl Pitt Rivers

Pitt-Rivers purchased several ceramics from Litchfield on 17 December 1891, he was probably paying for them with the cheque. In March 1892 the catalogue records a number of Spanish ceramics being purchased from Litchfield see Add.9455vol3_p774 /1 and on.

----

The Sinclair Galleries and Art Workshops | 55 57 59 Shaftesbury Avenue W | November 1896

Restoration of Art objects by skilled workmen under experts

Sir,

I venture to remind those who possess or collect art objects that I have a special department for the Restoration and Repair of Old Furniture Tapestry, Sculpture Bronzes and Porcelain, and will send experts to advise and estimate the cost upon receipt of letter or telegram, to any distance.

An our anxiety [sic] to increase their business in fresh branches which they do not understand, appears to have induced some firms, quite unacquainted with Art matters, to undertake work of this character: they lack the requisite expert knowledge, their treatment is incompetent and as a result much valuable property is irretrievably damaged. When I am counselled or some other expert is called in, the damage has been done.

I have therefore the pleasure to inform you that I have devoted many years of personal attention to the consistent and judicious restoration of such articles as are mentioned above, and have under my control a large and experienced staff of expert workmen whose services I beg to place at your command

I am Sir
yours obediently
Frederick Litchfield

----

The Sinclair Galleries | 55 57 59 Shaftesbury Avenue W | May 20 1897

Sir,

In reply to your note enclosing sketch for a chair (which I return). there is nothing to shew the exact date of chairs of this character [insert] which [end insert] were made in provincial towns & hamlets [insert] of England [end insert] in the 17th & 18th centuries. Are you quite sure that the one you have is an old one? Your sketch almost exactly corresponds with the design of some so called "antique" chairs which are made in the East End of London and sold for "old"

I do not know whether you ever saw the collection of old Cologne, Seigbert [?] & Aulham [?] Pottery jugs made by Mr George Loch formerly of Collinson & Loch. * he is a good judge & bought some very good ones - owing to the dissolution of partnership between him & his partners for other reasons his collection was sold and I bought some 18 specimens of this old ware which is very scarce to find genuine. Some are pewter mounted  - one or two silver. They are a great bargain to any one who will take the lot & if you like I w ill send them for you to ere [?] some of these jugs are the originals which were copied by Martin brothers - and some of very quaint in colour and decoration [sic] I think that you would like to have some for your museum and I am in a position to quote you moderate prices from having bought them for a small price

I am Sir
yours faithfully
Frederick Litchfield

Lt General Pitt Rivers F.S.A.

*Collinson and Loch: According to here, 'Art Furnishers', founded with the partnership of F. G. Collinson and G.J. Lock, former employees of Jackson & Graham. Designers employed by the firm included T. E. Collcutt, the architect of their premises; E. W. Godwin, who was paid a retainer to produce exclusive designs for the company from 1872 to 1874, H. W. Batley and Stephen Webb. They made furniture for the new Law Courts to designs by G. E. Street, along with Gillow's and Holland & Sons, and began decoration of the Savoy Theatre in 1881.  Jackson & Graham was taken over in 1885, at the time when the firm had moved to Oxford Street and begun to focus on expensive commissions for grandiose London houses. The change of direction was not a success, and the firm was taken over by Gillow's in 1897.

----

The Sinclair Galleries | 55 57 59 Shaftesbury Avenue W | May 25 1897

Sir,

I am much obliged to you for your "King John's House" which reaches me at a time when I am too busy to pay it the attention I should wish, but you appear to have collected together some interesting facts and to have told the story of them in a most agreeable form.

As to your chair. I am quite aware that those kind of chairs are attributed to a much earlier date by some, than I ascribe them to, but when I was engaged in writing my "History of Furniture" I took a great dal of pains to find out from contemporary pictures (such as these are certain) and from [insert] old [end insert] wills [insert] inventories [end insert] & many other documents what chairs were in use at the time of Henry VIII and if you turn to my chapter on furniture of that period you will see the result of my investigation - as a matter of fact there were scarcely any chairs in those days except a chair for the master of the house the other people used stools or benches. I believe that I am right in ascribing the design of your chair to the end of the 17th or early 18th century

Gres de Flandres & other jugs

I am sending these jugs for your inspection. Some of them cost Mr Loch £15 & £20 a piece, they were sold where no dealer of any importance was present and knocked down for a trifle through there being scarcely any opposition and the little dealer who bought them brought them to me and I bought the lot at £5 each all round. I have marked them separately at the lowest prices at which I will part with them separately but if you will take the lot as I did I will accept a profit of £1 each ie £6 each all round for the lot, except the last two on the list which came from Edkins sale which I think you attended.

I may add that I have in my own stock some Flemish and German jugs no better, indeed not so good as these I am sending to you, which have cost me £7 & £8 a piece at Christies.

These are really a great bargain In the newly published edition of Chaffers which I have lately edited you will find some additional information about these curious old pottery jugs pp 281-296 [insert] 313-321 [end insert] As you may not have a copy for reference I send you one with the jugs - if you wish to keep it the price is 42/-

You will find some reference to your own collection which I should like to have amplified if you had sent me the materials for  so doing, but I could not go down to Rushmore at the time and when I did so later the part of the book was printed

I am Sir
yours faithfully
Fred Litchfield

Lieut Genl Pitt Rivers FSA FRS &c &c

It is possible that the chair in question, in the last two letters, was Add.9455vol2_p505 /2, or Add.9455vol2_p604 /2, or one of Add.9455vol2_p610 /1-3, assuming it was a chair described in the catalogue of the second collection, which it might not have been.

----

Lieut Genl Pitt Rivers on approval

Fourteen very curious and interesting old Gres de Flandres Pottery jugs - collected by Mr George Lirk

5987 A small Gres de Flanders Jug with medallions of a tight rope walker in relief 7-10

5988 An old Gres de Flanders [insert] Fulham Pottery [end insert] white and decorated with heads & scrolls round neck 5-5 [Added in pencil 'Bt' ie bought, this might be Add.9455vol9_p2310 /1]

5989 An old Gres de Flanders Jug decorated with a circle and points in grey and blue 5-10
5990 An old ditto grey and blue decoration with numerous heads in relief 6-6
5991 A curious old Gres de Flanders jug with spout - Lion's head in relief
5992 An old pottery Tea Jar fitted with a screw metal top and with flowers incised 8-10
5993 A very quaint old Jug Gres de Flanders pottery grey and red brown colour 5-10 [Added in pencil 'Bt' ie bought,this might be Add.9455vol9_p2309 /1]
5994 An old ditto raised diamond shaped ornaments grey and blue colors 6-10
5995 An old stoneware mug cylindrical shape grey blue and brown decoration 4-10
5996 An old Gres de Flanders Jug - red brown blue and grey decoration and with a metal mount 5-10
5997 An old ditto with flower ornament in relief green stripe round neck 5-10
Continued
5999 A small old Gres de Flanders Jug with a mask and rosette 3-10
6000 A small old stoneware childs mug fitted with a metal mount 4-4
5938* A very fine old Gres de Flandres Jug coat of arms & heraldic devices in relief and with an old silver mount 10-10
2 curious old Fulham Pottery Jugs one with AM heraldic device and [illegible] plain white these were formerly in the Edkins collection the 2 5-5 [Added note Bt ie bought: the second is Add.9455vol7_p2118 /1, the first is probably Add.9455vol7_p2118 /2]
Also,
Copy of Litchfield's new edition of Chaffers 2-2

----

The Sinclair Galleries | 55 57 59 Shaftesbury Avenue W | July 6 1897

Sir,

I regret to hear that you have been ill. I only wrote again in case that the jugs might have been lost in transit.

I really think that you are mistaken in considering the prices high for these genuine specimens of old 16th centy stoneware. I know that a few years ago Mr Lock paid at auction considerably higher prices.

I am sending you four specimens which I have just bought and which I venture to think you will consider both worthy your attention and at a very moderate price. They are undoubted specimens of old 16th centy pottery & stoneware

I am Sir
yours obediently
Fred Litchfield

1 16th centy Brown stoneware Jug 55/-
1 [16th centy] white 50/-
1 pair of salt cellars 63/- pair

Your returns are quite safely to hand

Lieut Genl Pitt Rivers F.S.A. &c &c &c

Pitt-Rivers seems to have bought these objects from Litchfield, they are Add.9455vol9_p2307 /2-Add.9455vol9_p2310 /1, which are all the objects he bought in July 1897 from this source. Note that in the catalogue the salt cellars are named as pastile burners.

Transcribed by AP for Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project August 2011

B series S&SWM PR papers

Here are a selection of the letters from various dealers who Pitt-Rivers dealt with when amassing his second collection. They are all held by Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum Pitt-Rivers papers, in the business section of the archive and copyright remains with them:

Index of dealers with letters below:

M. Kataoka

A. Kotin

F. Kotin

Landauer & Co.

G.F. Lawrence [including copies of correspondence listed under the letter series of S&SWM]

The London & Burma Merchandize Company Limited

William Mullins

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B427 Kataoka

Dec 16th 91 | 32 George Street | Hanover Square, W

Dear Sir

I am gratified to hear that you honoured me with a call at my rooms in George Street and I am very sorry that I was not at home. I am not able to keep all my consignments from Japan in the limited space available there, but I have some choice specimens of Japanese weapons, armour &, and some selected pieces of old Bizen and other early Japanese art pottery which I should like to have the pleasure of showing you and which I would put out if you can pay me a visit at another date, of which I shall be glad to have notice, as I have frequently to make country journeys to examine collections and to see collectors and I should like to be at home and to have the pleasure of receiving your visit.

I have lately received a very interesting series of very early Japanese carvings by deities and ancestral warriors honored as Gods They are rather bulky so that I am not able to keep them at my rooms. I should like to show them to you if you think they would interest you. Some of them date back so far as the 10th century.

Yours faithfully
M. Kataoka

Dec 16th 91 | 32 George Street | Hanover Square, W

Dear Sir

M Kataoka told me the makers and dates of the goods you bought, which I have written below

Set of three sake cups made by Hisa-taka, Kaji-Kawa middle of 18th cent.

Inro by Yo-sei end of 17th cent

Bizen figure

early 18th cent.

I hope that will do

Yrs faithfully
G. Kowaki

The Bizen figure is Add.9455vol3_p759 /7, the inro is Add.9455vol3_p759 /8, the sake cups are Add.9455vol3_p760 /1-3

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B428 A. Kotin

Kotin

149 Finborough Road, | South Kensington | Russian Works of Art | A. Kotin | Sept. 14th 1891

To General Pitt-Rivers | Grosvenor Gardens

Dear Sir

I have recently received from Russia some exceptionally fine pieces of Russian Enamels and also have the following objects which I think are well worthy of your inspection:0

(1) Some very fine specimens of Russian Peasant work in Papier Maché

(2) Four Bronzes (various subjects) made by Russian Peasants

(3) A very unique Bronze made by a Japanese Peasant and his family

if you will allow me I should be most happy to submit the above whenever convenient to yourself.

Yours respectfully
A. Kotin

Pitt-Rivers did buy some objects in November 1891 from Kotin but they do not seem to include the above mentioned items

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B429 F. Kotin

Photograph returned on Nov. 18/95

F. Kotin, | Objets d'art | 40, Old Bond Street, | London 6 Nov 1885

To: General Pitt Rivers | Grosvenor Gardens SW.

Sir,

I take the liberty of enclosing the photograph of a statue of Budha, Thinking that perhaps it may interest you, it is at present in Paris, but should you like to see it I could get it sent over, the price asked for it is £45.

I remain Sir
yours obediently

F. Kotin

P.S. This statue was found at Jan Hup. near Mytho Cochin China, in the excavations undertaken to clear the ruins of an ancient Temple of Cambodian origin which was built when they over ran Cochin China height 60 centimetres width 19 do. the stone is a grey granite

The letter is clearly from a F. Kotin, but the address is the same as for A. Kotin (by this date) so presumably it was a family of dealers. There is no record of Pitt-Rivers buying from F. Kotin.

-----

B430 Landauer

Telephone No 2419 Avenue ABC Code used | 36 Fenchurch Street | London E.C. | September 3rd 1898

General Pitt Rivers, D.L. | Rushmore | Salisbury.

Dear Sir,

We have received from our Mexican friends a Statue, which we understand is of great historical importance, and as we understand that you are interested in antiquities, we have taken the liberty of addressing you with regard to same.

The Statue represents the celebrated King "Netzahualcoyotle, in the act of sacrificing his first born to the "Sun God". The referred to King, is supposed to have been a companion & tributary of the famous "Moctezuma", so renowned in Mexican History.  After the defeat of the Mexicans, the object of the present, is said to have fled to the "Huasteca" the land lying on the banks of the "Panuco" river & its tributaries, and then inhabited by the fierce "Texcocos", "Huartecos" & "Otomis", whom he rallied to his standard to make a last and desperate stand against the Spanish invaders. To propitiate the native gods & invoke victory, he made a sacrifice of his only son, and in this attitude he is represented on the Statue.

The latter was found a few years ago on the banks of the "Panuco" and on the estate of "Paiga", where it is supposed "Netzahuacoyotl assembled in 1503; the native warriors to preserve their native country against the Spanish conquerors.

The Statue is to be seen at our office, and we shall be glad to hear if you would like to become the possessorof this Statue, and awaiting to hear from you.

We beg to remain
Yours faithfully
[illegible signature]

The statue was purchased by Pitt-Rivers, it is Add.9455vol6_p1796 /2.

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Ansd Nov 24/98

36 Fenchurch Street | London E.C. Nov 23rd 1898

Sir,

We have received from our friends two more Mexican sculptures which from appearances are certainly much better than the last you bought & as no doubt these will be of interest to you, perhaps you could make it convenient when next in town to favour us with a call & see them for yourself

Awaiting the pleasure of your reply

We remain
Yours faithfully
Landauer

General A Pitt-Rivers | "Rushmore" | Salisbury

In pencil underneath:

To ask whether you can send the objects here packed, on approval G.R. is in constant receipt of obj from [insert] sent by [end insert] dealers & nothing has [insert] ever [end insert] gone astray as yet. It shd. be sent to Tis Stat, Wilt and the real price shd be named

You must be careful to send them to Tis & not to Salisbury which latter is only the post town, & I do not receive objects sent in that objects sent in that do not reach me [insert] him [end insert] If [insert] Genl. Rivers [end insert] does not agree to take them he will return them to your address

----

Ansd Dec 1/ 98 £12 offered for the two pottery urns

36 Fenchurch Street | London E.C. Nov 25th 1898

Sir,

We beg to acknowledge receipt of your favour of the 24th inst & as desired we forwarded the two Mexican sculptures to Tisbury Station, Wilts, so please claim same.

You will find these sculptures to be of the best & as the price is only £10 - each, we trust you will keep them & awaiting to hear from you in due course

We remain
Yours faithfully
Landauer

General A Pitt-Rivers | "Rushmore" | Salisbury

----

Cheque £12 sent on Dec. 3/98

36 Fenchurch Street | London E.C. Dec 2nd 1898

Sir,

We have your favour of the 1st inst to hand & noted & as our friends have left us a certain discretion & taking into consideration that you purchased the first carving, we accept your offer notwithstanding we have several parties anxious to become the possessors of the sculptures in question. We have the pleasure to remain,

Yours faithfully
[illegible signature]

General Pitt-Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

There are no items for £12 from Landauer recorded in the catalogue of the second collection but there are three items for £6, £6 and £5, it is not clear which were bought when but they were bought on two occasions, see Add.9455vol6_p1795 /2, Add.9455vol6_p1796 /1-2. However only one of them is a pottery vessel the others are a figure (or that is how it is described in the catalogue). In addition no figures cost £10, Add.9455vol6_p1796 /2 is recorded as costing £5 only He may therefore have acquired at least one item from this dealer not mentioned in the catalogue.

----

This Statue is believed to represent the King write name, in the act of sacrificing his first born to the Sun God. He is believed [insert] said [end insert] to have been a companion & tributary of Moctesuma renowned in Mexican history. Notzahualcoyotle fought against the Spaniards in 1503. The statuette was found in a well on the banks of the Panuca & on the estate of Paiga a few years ago & sold to Genl Rivers by Landauer & Co Sept 3d 1898

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B431 G.F. Lawrence

June 30 1897 | To: General Pitt Rivers F.R.S. | From Geo. F. Lawrence | 7 West Hill | Wandsworth, S.W.

Dear Sir

Your favour to hand. I send herewith the flints you have selected - & am obliged by your selection I trust that you will think the [insert] price reasonable [end insert] I also send a few more things I have come across for your approval. I am glad to find that you are better.

I am
Yours obediently
Geo. F. Lawrence

I am collecting a highly interesting & most curious coll'n of tools &c from an old piece of ground at the mouth of the Wandle - 12 feet from the surface - covered by an old mill for at least 150 years. I have 98 already chisels hammers gouges &c &c I will send a full list when I can get no more.

---

Ansd Aug 21/97

August 19 1897 | To: General Pitt Rivers F.R.S. | From Geo. F. Lawrence | 7 West Hill | Wandsworth, S.W.

Dear Sir

I have just got enclosed coin of Addedomaros which is rare. I can take 50/- for it which is less than half the list price of it - locality not known. I also enclose the rest of the Wandle photos which are selections of the better types of these tools &c

Some of the things are Saxon & are the first known things [insert] of that period [end insert] found here.

I am
Yours obediently
Geo. F. Lawrence

With compliments

Pitt-Rivers bought the first items (recorded in his catalogue of the second collection) in December 1896, the only item dated from June is Add.9455vol9_p2324 /25.

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L534

55 High St | Wandsworth | S.W. | Sept 18/ 8

Sir

I have a collection of stone & bone implements which I should be pleased to show you when in town, as I know you are interested in any thing prehistoric. It includes, a Thames series Palaeolithic & Neolithic arrow hd [sic] knives scrapers as well as larger things Horn hammers, [insert] flint [end insert] axes etc & a unique [insert] stone [end insert] hammer. A Palaeolithic series from this place also of my own finding, containing specimens like Canon Greenwells High Lodge "side scraper;" & Le Moustier "chopper" I have also a general collection but these, of course were [illegible because smeared] interesting.

Hoping to have the pleasure of a visit any Thursday or Friday

I remain
Yours sincerely
G.F. Lawrence

Pitt-Rivers did not purchase items from Lawrence, according to the second collection catalogue until 1896. The date of the letter is confusing, it must be 1898 in which case there are several objects to match (Note that if this is 1898, the L number is misplaced as too early in the series of letters at S&SWM PR papers which are arranged chronologically).

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L1722

30.12.1896 From | Geo. F. Lawrence | 7 West Hill | Wandsworth S.W. | To: General Pitt Rivers F.R.S.

Dear Sir

I have already had several applications for the hoe & naturally am somewhat in doubt as to its value. I am not very anxious to part with it at present, as I have only had it a few days - & as I have had it such a short time I should not be inclined to part with it unless I had a good offer. it is perfectly genuine in every way & I am advised that it is worth at least fifty guineas as no such thing is likely to be found again - it would not be safe to send but ought to be taken by hand. Of course if the price is prohibitive, I am always open to an offer.

With compliments & best wishes for the new Year

I am
Yours most obediently
Geo Lawrence

It is not clear which this object is, and whether Pitt-Rivers decided to buy it.

----

L1931

7 West Hill | Wandsworth | S.W. | Sept 8/97

Dear Sir

I now send a few things which I hope will interest you I found a good number of stone implements at Icklingham & Stow but they are not so numerous as formerly.

I found there were at least three Barrows unopened yet & I hope next year to have a turn at them.

Arrowheads still occur & I got two very nice small knives some worn scrapers & flakes & a few scrapers, as fine as any I have seen. I expect that you have as many of the ordinary stone things that you would not care for them or any of them. One thing struck me as very curious - so many of the most prolific spots are enclosed by a low bank at each side but they (the enlosed spot) are all square in form & I therefore presume that they are not [insert] of [end insert] British [insert] origin [end insert] there are a number of old trackways leading from the low level [insert] road [end insert] to the high ground where the best things occur & the whole place seems a gigantic puzzle to me, who knows nothing of military matters.

I am
Yours most obediently
Geo. F. Lawrence

I had intended selling the Wandle find, in one lot but have parted them for you the only collector to whom I have yet offered them
G.F.L.

Pitt Rivers accessioned into his second collection catalogue several items in September 1897 from Lawrence, Add.9455vol6_p1794 /3, Add.9455vol9_p2317 /9-11, Add.9455vol9_p2318 /18-19, 30, Add.9455vol9_p2323 /11-13, Add.9455vol9_p2326 /11-12, 20, Add.9455vol9_p2330 /1-5, Add.9455vol9_p2332 /18, Add.9455vol9_p2334 /1, Add.9455vol9_p2355 /3

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L2087

Geo. F. Lawrence | 7 West Hill | Wandsworth S.W. | May 16 1898

Dear Sir

I am expressly obliged by your keeping so many of the things I ventured to send you. I think you did right in keeping the stone club, it is to my mind unique - I have never seen one before & of course could have sold it readily, but your kindness to me compels me to submit to you anything I may get that appears of interest, before showing it elsewhere.

Canon Greenwell writes me to say that Sir John Evans said when he presented the Canons portrait, that the Canon had a finder English bronze coll'n than Sir John but that Sir John had a finer foreign one.

The Canon certainly has the finest series of swords I have ever seen both in condition & variety, but I think this Knockans spear head fig 411 Evans bronze is without exception the finest piece of bronze work I have ever handled & the rich golden colour is exquisite To show the curious connexion of types I got him some years ago a spear head from the Thames identical with one he has from Eoford Northumberland fig 405 he said they might have been made in the same mould. this is curious as the type is very unusual.

I am extremely obliged to you for the cheque to hand & I beg to enclose with compliments & many thanks

I am
yours obediently
Geo F. Lawrence

Mr Boynton has permission to finish the excavations at the so called "Danes Graves" where he found the enamelled wheel headed pin I wish him every success

It is not clear exactly which set of objects Lawrence is referring to as he sold quite a few objects to Pitt-Rivers in early 1898

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B434 The London & Burma Merchandize Company Limited

Ansd Oct 17/96

Telegraphic Address "Tzinban, London" ABC and AI codes | Branches: Rangoon, Moulmein, Mandalay | The London & Burma Merchandize Company Limited | Mandalay Palace Empire & India Exhibition | Earls Court | 2 Lambeth Hill | Queen Victoria Street | London 15th Oct 1896 | All communications to be addressed to the Company

Sir,

Referring to the pleasant transactions we had with you last year in Burmese carved wood curios we would ask your kind attention to the annexed list of curios we have for sale & which may interest you

If you are able to inspect these personally or instruct your agent to do so, we shall be very glad to show you every attention & sell to you at lower prices than you could obtain the articles in Burma.

Your obedient servant
The London & Burman Co Ltd H Canes

Gen Pitt Rivers | Rushmore |Salisbury

1. Carved Teak Tower (Pagoda) 20 feet high
This is very unique & probably the only specimen in England. Please see book of phono
2. Carved Shrine (6 feet high). beautifully ornamented with stones etc
3 Complete Burmese Band comprising
Set of 19 drums in native cage
Set of 15 gongs in native cage
Putila (Bamboo reeds)
Gongs
Burmese Harp see Book of photos
4 Beloo Figure made of linen & Bamboo (brought from a Burmese temple) with movable arms see phono
5 Brass Guatamas
6 13 Pictures of Burmese native life brought direct from a Pagoda
We enclose a book of phono. which will give you some idea of Tower etc

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Ansd Oct 24/96

Telegraphic Address "Tzinban, London" ABC and AI codes | Branches: Rangoon, Moulmein, Mandalay | The London & Burma Merchandize Company Limited | Mandalay Palace Empire & India Exhibition | Earls Court | 2 Lambeth Hill | Queen Victoria Street | London 20th Oct 1896 | All communications to be addressed to the Company

Dear Sir,

We are duly in receipt of your favour 17 inst our lowest price for the Pagoda Tower (Hand carved teak) is £30 packed [insert] ready [end insert] for despatch. The tower is dissetible & numbered. We had an offer for this tower early in the summer for £50 but as we were unable to dispose of it till the close of the Exhibition the matter fell through.

We trust this price will meet your views & await to hear from you

Yours truly
L&B Co Ld H Canes

Gen Pitt Rivers

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Ansd Oct 17/96

Telegraphic Address "Tzinban, London" ABC and AI codes | Branches: Rangoon, Moulmein, Mandalay | The London & Burma Merchandize Company Limited | Mandalay Palace Empire & India Exhibition | Earls Court | 2 Lambeth Hill | Queen Victoria Street | London 27 Oct 1896 | All communications to be addressed to the Company

Dear Sir,

I have your favour 24 inst & regret to say that in the absence of any reply from you the tower was sold on Saturday last at a better price than we offered it to you

Yours faithfully
L&B Co Ltd H Canes

Gen Pitt Rivers

Pitt-Rivers bought a couple of figures from them in September 1895, see Add.9455vol3_p1213 /1-2, some posts Add.9455vol3_p1216 /1-2, in early October he bought a carving of a waggon, Add.9455vol3_p1225 /1, he did not buy anything else.

----

B438 William Mullins

Feby 26 1896 | From: William Mullins | Old China & Antique Furniture Warehouse | Dealer in old Silver Plate | 52 & 54 High St Salisbury To General Pitt Rivers

Sir

The gilt screens where [sic] carefully packed in a crate & box (which please return) & sent to Tisbury Station this day. I washed the gilt and I think you will say the work [illegible] better than they did yesterday. In making out your cheque Sir I shall leave it in your kind hands to make it Fifteen guineas instead of fifteen pounds

Yrs very truly
Wm Mullins

These are Add.9455vol3_p1254 /1-2 at a total cost of £6. In addition P-R spent £9 on a teapot, he obviously did not pay guineas. There are other letters from Mullins but these have not been transcribed.

Transcribed by AP for Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project August 2011

Dec 16th 91 | 32 George Street | Hanover Square, W

Dear Sir

I am gratified to hear that you honoured me with a call at my rooms in George Street and I am very sorry that I was not at home. I am not able to keep all my consignments from Japan in the limited space available there, but I have some choice specimens of Japanese weapons, armour &, and some selected pieces of old Bizen and other early Japanese art pottery which I should like to have the pleasure of showing you and which I would put out if you can pay me a visit at another date, of which I shall be glad to have notice, as I have frequently to make country journeys to examine collections and to see collectors and I should like to be at home and to have the pleasure of receiving your visit.

I have lately received a very interesting series of very early Japanese carvings by deities and ancestral warriors honored as Gods They are rather bulky so that I am not able to keep them at my rooms. I should like to show them to you if you think they would interest you. Some of them date back so far as the 10th century.

Yours faithfully
M. Kataoka

Dec 16th 91 | 32 George Street | Hanover Square, W

Dear Sir

M Kataoka told me the makers and dates of the goods you bought, which I have written below

Set of three sake cups made by Hisa-taka, Kaji-Kawa middle of 18th cent.

Inro by Yo-sei end of 17th cent

Bizen figure

early 18th cent.

I hope that will do

Yrs faithfully
G. Kowaki

The Bizen figure is Add.9455vol3_p759 /7, the inro is Add.9455vol3_p759 /8, the sake cups are Add.9455vol3_p760 /1-3

Transcribed by AP for Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project August 2011

John Sparks (1854-1914) was known as a dealer who specialised in Chinese and Japanese antiquities and objets d'art. He had an early career as a merchant seaman, based in the Far East. There are references to him working at Messrs Dowdeswell 160, New Bond Street, London in 1888 in the catalogue of the second collection. He established the Japanese Fine Art Depot, Duke Street, Manchester Square, London in 1888 according to the webpages about pottery on the Liverpool Museum website. The firm finally closed down in 1991, still under the name of John Sparks.

According to the Chinese Art - Research into Provenance site, John Sparks' established his dealership in the 1870s. His father had lived in Bombay [Mumbai]. According to both these sites:

Along with Bluetts, Sparks were among the longest established and most respected London dealers in Chinese art

There is / was apparently an archive of his collection held at the Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. According to the wikipedia entry for the Foundation, the ceramic objects from the Foundation are on long-term loan to the British Museum. The current whereabouts of the archives has not yet been confirmed.

Here are a series of letters from John Sparks to Pitt-Rivers dated from October 1888 (that is, in the year he first established the depot). These letters are all held by Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum and copyright is held by them. Please note that the majority of these letters are bundled together in the so-called B [business] series, but one of them is actually part of the L [letter] series.

It seems clear that this is not all of their original correspondence and that Pitt-River may well have known Sparks before 1888. The letters transcribed here (all of the letters from Sparks in the S&SWM PR papers] seem to be concentrated on particular parts of the year, because at times it is clear from the contents that letters were exchanged almost every day I think we can be sure that many letters from Sparks are missing, and almost all of the letters from Pitt-Rivers to Sparks.

The correspondence is interesting because it is one of only a few surviving examples of a series of communications from a dealer to Pitt-Rivers (the only other comparable one seems to be from Inman) and, although it is clearly not complete, presumably gives an idea of the sorts of relationships he had with dealers with whom he carried on business for many years.

L557a

Containing description of Japanese kakemono of Heaven & Hell

"St Heliers" | West Bank, | Stamford Hill, N.

Dear Sir

According to your wishes I herewith beg to enclose you a few descriptive remarks respecting your picture, [sic, there seem to be 4] which information has been gleaned by myself both from the natives themselves abroad and from several books I have from time to time consulted written by good authorities.

Any further information I can at any time impart I shall be pleased to give you if you will kindly write or call and ask me.

For the present any letters addressed to me at 160 New Bond St will be sure to reach me at once.

I am dear Sir
Yours faithfully
John Sparks

Gen'l Pitt Rivers

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[Enclosure]

Dowdeswell & Dowdeswells | Fine Art Publishers | 160 New Bond Street | London W. Oct 22 1888 | Telephone No 3779

Re. "Heaven & Hell"

The lower portion of the picture (separated by the Golden Cloud, the cloud being used by Japanese Artists of that period instead of mere formal lines to denote that the subjects on either side were a distinct or separate picture in themselves) [sic, punctuation] represents the ordinary life of the Japanese on Earth.

The animal running in the foreground pierced by an arrow depicts a sport that was for many years practised in Japan, namely the hunting of dogs who were kept expressly for that purpose, the idea of thus depicting this pastime, is that according to the rules and teachings of Buddhism, cruelty to animals was one of the greatest of sins and anyone guilty of the crime received most condign punishment. In many instances the victim having to return to Earth after his death, in the form of the animal he tortured during his lifetime, and receiving tenfold the amount of pain he himself had inflicted.

The river on the right is supposed to represent the boundary twixt Life and Death, having crossed wich the spirit of the departed one is led by the attendant priests (as shown in the picture) before a Tribunal consisting of a number of Judges.

Over the head of the Probationer you will observe a species of canopy is borne, this is the ordinary covering for a dead body in the Japanese funerals and is given here by the artist to indicate that the figure over which it is being carried is that of a person but very recently defunct.

On the left of the Tribunal is a hideous old hag who is apparently mutilating a victim, this is the Sodzu-gawa no Uba, or the Woman of the Three paths whose avocation is to receive the earthly clothing from each new arrival and then according to the fiat of the Tribunal dispatch them on One of the Three Paths namely either to Nirvana (Paradise), Jigoku (Hell) or back again in some other form to Earth again.

In Hell itself are depicted the usual forms of punishment; amongst them may be noted the Liar & Slanderer who is having his tongue torn out by the roots. The lustful sinner who is always seeing a gay courtesan close before him and yet when he reaches forward to seize upon her he falls and lacerates his body on the spikes that lay around.

The Unfaithful Women are being slowly drowned in a pool of blood (drawn from themselves during their lifetime,)(periodically).

The "Gaki', or, men who in life have been gluttonous, are here depicted as wretched starvelings craving for food which occasionally is tendered to them in tempting form by Demons, when immediately upon their placing it to their lips it turns into fire and burns their mouths etc.

The victim being held up by the hair of his head in the clutches of a large Demon is one who having denied his crime is being held up before the Magic Mirror whereupon he at once sees reflected, himself committing the crime he has just denied which in this instance was the setting fire to a Buddhistic Temple.

The figure in the centre at whose feet children are seen, is one of the favourite deities or saints of the Japanese, viz the god "Jizo" who is supposed to be ever on the watch to protect little children and who also at certain periods himself undergoes the tortures of Hell in order that those under sentence may be respited

The other priestly figures surrounding the altar area Saints residing in Purgatory and [insert] who [end insert] are incessantly offering up prayers and penances, thus mitigating the severer sentences passed on the most unfortunate.

To the right of the whole picture is given a description of the hard wearisome journey made by the true Buddhist, together with the many devotions and purifications to be performed ere he can hope to reach "Nirvana" which is depicted on the extreme right by a representation of the Bhuddist [sic] Trinity namely Buddha & his two sons surrounded by the Heavenly choir.

"Nirvana" being protected by a sea of a Dragons [sic] who prevent any one entering save through the medium of the Goddess of Mercy whose form may be seen at the very top of the High mountains as if urging the Toiler to struggle on his upward path.

This letter appears to refer to Add.9455vol2_p425 /3  and Add.9455vol2_p451 /1-2, Add.9455vol2_p452 /1-2 described as:

Bought of Dowdeswell, 160 New Bond St. Japanese Kakemonos a Set of 4 pictures representing Heaven & Hell] £10.10.0 the set of 4 [Drawing]

It is unclear why this description by Sparks, who presumably sold the picture to Pitt-Rivers on behalf of Dowdeswell, is described in the catalogue as 'a set of four' and depicted as such. It may have been a cut-down scroll? Kakemono means a wall hanging, see here for more general information

--- ---- ---- ---

B426 series of letters

B426.1

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Aug 29 1989

General A.H. Pitt-Rivers

Sir,

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I beg to enclose the anglicized copy of Mr Ichikawa's translation. I would also desire to say that I saw yesterday a remarkably handsome gold embroidered Turkish silk Portiére 10 feet by 6 in, and remembering that last year you seemed desirous of securing one I thought you might like to hear of this one and if in town shortly might possibly like to see it. It is on view at the Ladies Sale & Exchange rooms in Brook St, Hanover Square.

They ask £20 for it but I daresay it could be bought for £15.

I am Sir
Yours respectfully
John Sparks

A portière is a hanging placed over an entrance to a room. This item is not listed in the catalogue of the second collection but if it was purchased for use in one of Pitt-Rivers' homes then it most probably wouldn't have been.

----------------------

B426.2

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Sept 21 1889

Sir,

I was extremely sorry to hear on my return from the Bank that you had called and I had not been in to receive you especially as I had a little bowl to shew you which is both old [insert] Chinee [end insert] and decorated with one of the patterns you wished me to try and find viz [Drawing] Also I wished to ask you whether you would like the other volumes of the Chinese book translated

Would you like me to wait on you respecting same.

I have also a fine old short sword I should like to have shewn you

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

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Rather surprisingly there are no Chinese bowls (or other pottery vessels) listed in the catalogue of the second collection as having been acquired from John Sparks.

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B426.3

Sparks | Rushmore | Salisbury | Dec 9 90

Sir

The following in the inscription on the inside of the back [insert] or front, I don't know which [end insert] of the iron helmet if you can give me the translation of it I should be much obliged

[Copy of inscription besides each character in another hand [presumably Sparks] is Tosa-no ju (a province of Tosa) Miochin Ki-no Munéshigé saka]

Please write it on the side of the inscription if you can let me know the date of the Helmet it is built up in pieces & rivetted, a shield is made in the same manner which is, which accompanies it

A. Pitt Rivers

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B426.4

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Dec 12 1890

Sir,

I enclose translation of signature, Miochin Muneshige was one of the family of the great Miochins Iron workers and your helmet therefore is a specimen of his work and is of the 14th century.

I am Sir
Yours respectfully
John Sparks

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The suit of armour including the helmet is Add.9455vol3_p1185 /1, the shield is presumably part of this. The image of the armour and helmet was pasted into the third volume of the catalogue of the second collection and coloured. It is not known who took the photograph or when or who is wearing the armour (it could be Sparks, or even Pitt-Rivers).

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B426.5

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Sept 25 1891

Sir,

I have had offered to me today a really very fine collection of Bizen pottery, there are Twenty four pieces and all are fine specimens, it includes every description, the white, the blue, the purple and the brown. It is quite unique and is the property of a Japanese gentleman, the price namely £200 is not cheap but on the other hand it is not dear as no other such collection in its perfect completeness exists.  I have not shewn or mentioned it to anyone yet in case you might entertain the idea of purchasing it and if you were coming to Town very shortly I would hold it but if not may I ask you to be so kind as to send me a line to that effect so that I may know I am free to try the Museums and others. If you would like me to bring a few pieces as samples to Rushmore I will do so.

I am Sir
Yours respectfully
John Sparks

These items are not listed in the catalogue of the second collection so presumably Pitt-Rivers did not acquire them.

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B426.6

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 2 1891

Sir,

I thank you for your kind note and will send tomorrow a few pieces of the collection that I have been enabled to pick out They are all genuine and a fair sample and at the same time those I thought the cheapest. If you would like to see me personally I could run down next Thursday by the 9.5 am train which would enable me to return to town same day. There is one piece I should like you to have but dared not send it as it is large and would require much more care in handling than the Railway Co. are likely to give. It is a Kylin in a recumbent position, fully Three feet long and about 18 inches in heigth [sic] price £25. if you thought it at all likely you would purchase it & wished me to bring it I would do so I enclose list.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

The list is not enclosed, presumably Sparks is referring to the Bizen collection. PThe kylin is also not listed in the second collection catalogue.

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B426.7

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 3rd 1891

Sir,

When packing the Bizen this morning I discovered that the Blue Bizen bottle had not been brought from the Dock warehouse but in its place an old Brown Bizen clove infuser price £4 so I have packed it in lieu of the bottle.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

I have addressed the box to you at Rushmore via Tisbury Station

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B426.8

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 12 1891

Sir,

I shall be in Tisbury on Wednesday, having an appointment with Mr Alfred Morrison, but as I shall be leaving Fonthill about 2 pm I should yet have time to drive to Rushmore and be back to catch the last train if you wished to see me, if not and you would like to return any or all of the Bizen specimens I sent for your approval, would it be asking too much if you could send me the box to Tisbury station on that day so that I might take it back to London with me.

As I leave Town by the 9 am train and consequently may miss the morning post would you be so kind just this time as to favour me with a wire tomorrow (Tuesday) if you wish me to call.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

Alfred Morrison (1821-1897), an art collector, who had inherited Fonthill near Hindon in Wiltshire and displayed his wide art collection at the house and his London home. He also collected autographs. Many of his objects have ended up in museums.

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B426.9

John Sparks Proprietor | Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square

1 Pair Old Bizen hanging vases in shape of Moths 4 - -
1 Old Bizen Group "Hotei on stand with boys 7 - -
1 Old Blue Bizen bottle 2 10 -
1 Old Blue Bizen Peony with silver top a very rare fine piece 12 - -
1 Old Bizen Hotei 5 - -

Returned Oct 22/91
L&SW Raily

It is clear that Pitt-Rivers did consider purchasing some of the Bizen collection but, if he did, they were not listed in the catalogue.

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B426.10

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 26 1891

Sir,

I beg to acknowledge the safe receipt of the pieces of Bizen sent for your approval.

If you are coming to town, I have received a small consignment of valuable old porcelain Lacquer etc. worthy of inspection

Yours respectfully
John Sparks
LE

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B426.11

Ansd Sept 7/92 by H.G.

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Sept'r 6 1892

Sir,

Having returned yesterday from my holiday at the Sea, I at once forwarded your design with full particulars to my Agent, in Japan asking him to give it his immediate attention.

I beg to enclose for your inspection a small drawing of a very fine old Bronze Vase inlaid with Cloisonné Enamels, that I have just imported and which I consider one of the most interesting specimens I have acquired for a very long time. It is evidently a finely preserved base of the Ming dynasty probably about 1450 AD. the portions I have marked with a pencil, darkly, are plain bronze, the rest is enamelled. Part of the designs are almost Egyptian in character and the colours neutral Reds, Yellows and Greens on a Turquoise blue ground.

I have as yet shown it or spoken of it to no one and will wait your reply as to whether you would like me to bring it or send it for your inspection.

It stands 2 ft 6 in and I have drawn it to scale, the price is £50.

I am Sir
Yours respectfully
John Sparks

There is no record of Pitt-Rivers buying this particular bronze vase, but he did buy other similar sounding ones from Sparks in the mid 1890s

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B426.12

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. June 15 1894

Sir,

In answer to your query I am sorry to say I have never heard it described or had it invoiced other than as Kiota Enamel work on Silver; but can quite see, as you point out that there should be some distinguishing appellation in contra distinction to the cloisonné Enamel, and as I am writing to Japan tomorrow I will ask my agent to make enquiries amongst those best qualified to give a correct reply, and on hearing from him will at once let you know.

The blinding of the colours in the Enamels in the best pieces is all done by one man, whose work is entirely kept in the hands of one native merchant from whom my agent can alone procure them. Mr MusaShiya a wealthy fine art dealer in Yokohama and Kioto.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

See for more information about the Musashiya company here:

'The Musashiya company, operated by Ozeki Yahei 大関弥兵衛 and his son Sadajiro, were perhaps the most successful of the concerns selling high-quality decorative art during the Meiji era. Originally a dealer in pipes, Ozeki Yahei set up the Yokohama branch at 66 Main Street, probably under the management of his son Ozeki Sadajiro, soon after the port was opened in 1859. In 1877, both father and son exhibited commissioned pieces under their separate names in the first Naikoku Kangyo Hakurankai [National Industrial Exposition]. By 1880, the company is recorded as employing twenty-four people and dealing in enamels, bronzes, ivory, crystal, carvings, pins, fans, hardstones, tortoiseshell, lacquer, and a variety of ceramics.' [Joe Earle, Splendors of Meiji: Treasures of Imperial Japan, Masterpieces from the Khalili Collection (St. Petersburg, Florida, Broughton International Publications, 1999), p. 94]

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B426.13

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 29 1894

Sir,

If you are coming to Town shortly, would you kindly honour me with a visit as I have a remarkable and unique Old Chinese Screen which is well worth inspection, besides one or two fine things lately received from Japan

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

{joomplu:847 detail align right}

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B426.14

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. June 13 1895

Sir,

I should both much like you to have the pair of very fine small Gold Lac vases, with the pearl Dragons, and to sell them, so will you not kindly help me by meeting me in price, say £32-10.0 which really leaves me scarcely any profit.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

Pitt-Rivers did purchase a similar sounding / looking vase but sufficiently different to be pretty sure it isn't this one, from John Sparks in October 1895, the illustration shows the relevant entry for it

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B426.15

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. June 14 1895

Sir,

In reply to your letter I can only express my sincere regret that you should have been so troubled and ask you kindly to send me the vase and piece of inlay that I may get it properly repaired. I can only surmise that the maker of the vase has been the victim of the modern evil of cheapening everything and had some of the wretched cheap glue or cement that is now being imported in immense quantities to Japan from Europe.

I am constantly writing out to my agents urging them to impress upon the makers of these beautiful things the imperative necessity of using only the best materials if they are to keep up the sale of their labours and wen [sic] offered to buy and send out anything they might require but unfortunately it seems as if they too readily believed the words of the various local agents who are out their [sic] to sell these inferior goods.

With regard to the pieces of embroidery you speak of I will look through my stock this evening adn see if there are any at all suitable and then write you particulars.

I sent the silver plate to Grosvenor Gardens on Monday thinking you were still in Town shall I fetch it away & sned it on to Rushmore.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

The enclosed translation is from the interior of the little old nashji wound lac box you bought the other day.

Pitt-Rivers bought several pieces of enamelware from Sparks in 1895 which are listed in the catalogue, one of which might have been broken. No items of embroidery are listed as being purchased in that year, and neither is a silver plate so they must not have been catalogued even though the latter at least was definitely acquired.

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B426.16

Ansd Dec 6/95

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Dec 4 1895

Sir,

I have just got from Japan Two life size bronze stags of the early eighteenth century They are simply wonderful; most beautiful, elegant and life like with an exquisite patina so if you are coming to Town they would will [sic] repay a visit. The price is £120 & ridiculously cheap

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

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B426.17

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Dec 7 1895

Sir,

In response to your query the height of the Buck from ground to top of shoulder 2 ft 8 in and from group to tip of antlers 5 ft The Doe is grazing with head close to ground and her height from ground to top of back is 2 ft 8 in Length of Buck from nose to tail 4 ft

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

[In different hand] Genl. Rivers' Test Jap: Buck is 2 ft 6 in from bottom of feeet to shoulder Doe 2 ft 5 in.

----------------

L1450

15 Duke Street | Manchester Square W. 10/12/95

Sir

I had a photograph taken on Saturday and now enclose first copy, it is not a good one but will probably give you some idea of how fine they really are

Yours respectfully

John Sparks

[There is also a printed cardboard rectangle saying Valuable with care From The Japanese

{joomplu:848 detail align right}

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B426.18

Ansd Sept 8/96

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Sept 7 1896

Sir,

Having received from Japan an unique and splendid old Bronze in the form of a life sized horse which was secured from a Temple in the Soma province, may I request the favour of a visit of inspection at an early date

Yours faithfully
John Sparks

[Added in pencil, by different hand?] information lowest price

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B426.19

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Sept 9 1896

Sir,

In accordance with your wishes I beg to say that the very lowest price I would take from you for the Bronze is £150 but in the event of your not caring to buy it yourself I would respectfully ask you to be kind enough to not mention the price I name to anyone, as I am asking £200 for it especially as one connoisseur who has seen it values it at fully £500 I gave over a Hundred for it but my agent got it very cheap under exceptional circumstances

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

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B426.20

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 22 1896

Sir,

In reply to your letter I beg to say I still have the fine bronze Horse although the South Kensington Museum authorities are I am told very much inclined to buy it and intend discussing it at the next board meeting

I have also today received from Japan a pair of fine old bronze stags somewhat similar to the ones I had a year ago. no one has seen or even heard of them yet so would you care for me to hold them until you have seen them if you are coming to Town shortly

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

[Added in pencil, by different hand?] information lowest price

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B426.21

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 22 1896

Sir,

In reply to your letter I beg to say I still have the fine bronze Horse although the South Kensington Museum authorities are I am told very much inclined to buy it and intend discussing it at the next board meeting

I have also today received from Japan a pair of fine old bronze stags somewhat similar to the ones I had a year ago. no one has seen or even heard of them yet so would you care for me to hold them until you have seen them if you are coming to Town shortly

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

{joomplu:849 detail align right}

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B426.22

Ansd

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 26 1896

Sir,

I thank you for your letter received and will accept your offer although I know if I chose to wait a week or so I can get £150, but I am not unmindful of your kindness in the past and am pleased to think you should have secured, what even Mr Gowland declares to be the finest Japanese bronze he has ever seen and which I am positive will when next sold fetch at least double what you are paying for it. I enclose Photo of the Stags which if you like to take also I will accept now £70 for altho' I pledge you my word of honour they cost me £66. as that would make the amount £200 altogether I need scarcely say under any other circumstances I should not accept such a sum and must ask you to be kind enough not to mention it to any one as my price for the pair is One Hundred Guineas nett.

With regard to the Iron Tangs I am willing to bear the expense of making them etc but before fixing them on I feel sure it will be wiser for you to see the Horse first and try it in its place on the pedestal or block first, as I am afraid you might think the iron plates spoilt its appearance, if I might suggest, I should think bolts sunk in the block first with long heads protruding that would fit into holes bored in the feet of the horse would be quite safe and look so much better.

May I not send the horse down first and then when you have judged what is best, my man here could run down if you wished and bore the holes there, or screw the plates if you preferred.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

Photographs survive from the 1920s of the Larmer Grounds with a life-sized horse statue, see illustration, this must be the horse referred to here. The illustration is taken from Dudley Buxton's 1929 Guide to Farnham Museum which starts with information about the Larmer Tree Gardens.

William Gowland (1842-1927), chemist and metallurgist who worked in Japan and carried out archaeology there.

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B426.23

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 28 1896

Sir,

I thank you for your letter duly received this morning and will at once make arrangements for the delivery of the Bronze. I want if possible to get a cart such as is used for lame horses and cattle by the Railway Co; put the Bronze carefully in it and then send cart and all direct to Tisbury from whence perhaps you would kindly give orders to have it horsed and brought on to Rushmore.

If you wish I would of course come down myself and see it on its arrival and then if you thought fit I could have any plates etc made in London that we found necessary for its security.

The Bronze is certainly patinated but I should imagine that if occasionally wiped over the wet would not injure it in any way, smoke of course would be detrimental.

The Stags are not exactly like the ones I sold to the Marquis of Bute as this pair is 6 inches shorter than his but in appearance they are similar because both are modelled from a celebrated drawing by the Artist "So sen, [insert] (1760) [end insert] as to Lord Bute returning his I can assure you he told me himself last June that he was more than pleased with them and thought them both beautiful and very moderate in price; he gave me £125 for the pair and would not be likely ever to part with them. They are in the Hall at Rothesay Castle and look splendid there.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

{joomplu:850 detail align right}

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B426.24

Ansd Oct 31/96

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 30 1896

Sir,

Upon turning the Horse over on its side this morning to prepare it for the bolts, we found to our surprise that the hoops were not solid consequently we cannot have the "bolts" but must have the Tangs you first proposed consequently [insert] so therefore [end insert] I had the plates cut at once and by this Evening they will be screwed on. I have had the plates cut the exact size of the hoof with a tang coming 8 inches out behind, [Drawing] drilled for three large Two inch metal screws, the plates on the hoofs I have had screwed where the screws would grip and where not, rivetted, so as to be sure and have the fastening secure as per your request, while at the same time they could easily be taken off if you did not like them on, and wished it fixed any other way.

I may tell you that today, I received a communication from the South Kensington Museum asking for lowest nett price of the Horse, as they were inclined to purchase it; but I wrote them of course that [insert] it [end insert] is was [sic] sold.

I had thought of trying to get it on the Railway tomorrow if possible on account of there being always less traffic (Goods) Saturday nights but as you say wait I will do so until I hear from you either by letter or wire.

My man who has made the plates and fitted them on, can come down any day you like if you will kindly say, when. He could leave by the early morning train reaching Tisbury about 10.30 am, altho' perhaps you will think your own people could manage the screws equally well The rocky base will most certainly be a more fitting adjunct than a plain pedestal

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

-------------------

B426.25

Ansd Nov 3/96

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 2 1896

Sir,

I think there need be no fear but what the plates as now fixed are quite sufficient for the purpose, the thickness of the metal varies from a quarter of an inch to a eighth but where it was too thin for a screw to hold my man put a small rivet. He says he is quite certain no wind could possibly blow it over or even move it when once it is screwed down So would it not be better to have it down and try it, as it would not be difficult afterwards to turn the horse over if necessary & fill the hoop with lead

Yrs respectfully
John Sparks

-------------------

B426.26

Ansd by telegram Nov 5/96

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 4 1896

Sir,

I have made all the arrangements and the Horse will be packed carefully in a low horse cart and leave about midday [insert] tomorrow [end insert] so should arrive at Tisbury either late Thursday night or early Friday morning. Will you therefore kindly give orders for a horse to be at the station at whatever time on Friday suits you best to bring it on to Rushmore as I feel sure it would save expense, the railway company always charging so heavily for delivery far from the station. The cart being so low there will be very little difficulty in getting it out, as eight men can lift it comfortably four on either side.

Only please give orders to see that they lift it carefully so that the Tangs do not catch as they move forwards or backwards.

It may interest you to know that Miss Alma Tadema & Onslow Ford came here expressly to see it yesterday and were both much surprised and spoke in the highest terms of its excellent qualities both of conception and technique.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

You will of course send for me if you deem my presence would be of any real service

Lawrence Alma-Tameda (1836-1912), artist, and Edward Onslow-Ford (1852-1901), sculptor.

--------------------

B426.27

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 5 1896

Sir,

In confirmation of my Telegram, the horse left in a cart securely and safely packed at noon today. One horse drew it easily to Vauxhall, a distance of some four miles, cart and horse (bronze) weigh I believe about a Ton, or a Ton and a quarter. The shafts will take a large strong horse in them.

I should be very grateful if you would let your secretary drop me a lie when it has reached you

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

----------------

B426.28

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 6 1896

Sir,

I regret very sincerely the delay caused in delivering up the Bronze but I have not yet been able to find the cause as some three or four days ago one of the London agents of the Railway came here and I fully explained all to him saying that you would send horses to fetch it from Tisbury and therefore why they should have thought it right to stop delivery until wiring me is inexplicable to me but needless to say I have written sharply to the Agent here and await his explanation. Hoping however that ere this it has reached you safely and has given you satisfaction

I am Sir
Yrs respectfully
John Sparks

-------------------

B426.29

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 9 1896

Sir,

I thank you very much for kindly writing and am so glad you are pleased, though I felt sure you would be, it so fine. [sic] I really think that if you saw the pair of stags you would buy them at once also as they are in their own way almost equally as fine and though a trifle smaller than life size not much so as all the deer I saw in the Temple grounds in Japan were very small.

With regard to the plates on the Horse's hoofs I do not know of course if the "site" is unusually exposed but both the man who did the work & myself feel confident that it would have to be an extremely heavy gale that could move it when once it was screwed down. Why here in London they are not fastened on the stone pedestals at all, but merely stand on slightly sunken beds for the hoofs, the rounded surfaces affording such slight resistance to the wind.

As to the screws holding, I should recommend boring holes in the stones three or four inches deep under the plates, then fill them with lead and fix [insert] bore [end insert] the screws into the lead as then the movement if any would not wear away the lead as it would stone.

On the other hand if you decide to take off the plates you will not find it at all difficult nor will you injure the hoofs in the slightest if ordinary care is used as there are only one or two "rivets" and the other screws will come out quite easily when once started.

I will look very carefully through my own and other collections for any trace of the different kinds of chevrons and write you very shortly the result, returning your drawings

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

-------------------

B426.30

Ansd Nov 13/96 H.G.

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 12 1896

Sir,

If it is of the greatest convenience to you to keep the horse in the cart I am willing to let it remain. only please return as soon as were it is out and kindly advise me so that I may send to Nine Elms station to fetch it away as I have to pay 5/- each day for its hire until it is returned.

Yrs respectfully
John Sparks

-------------------

B426.31

Ansd Nov 23/96 H.G.

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 19 1896

Sir,

I am very sorry to hear you were disappointed with the Horse when seeing it out of the cart, but altho' undoubtedly the depth of the shoulder is exaggerated still the Japanese Horses, (or Chinese Ponies as they are called) are very similar to the Bronze one as they are very thick built and strong and splendid mountain climbers.

The date of the casting is undoubtedly about the middle of the last century or possibly earlier but for full particulars as to its history it is impossible to get at because like all these fine Temple specimens they are sold "sub rosa" and under condition that the name of the vendor and his locality is never divulged.

It was sent to me as having been purchased from a Temple at Soma, but from what my agent writes I have very little doubt it was stolen from the "Temple of the Bronze Horse" at Nagasaki as I know a very similar specimen to thiswas mysteriously lost about Three years ago and was replaced by a new one which is nothing like so fine as yours as anyone will tell you who has seen the one now at Nagasaki.

I am sending for you to look at Two Guards, one Iron damascened with gold & silver Soten school early 17th century and one floral of the 18th century also an old carved nut (probably 18th century) as all these have diapers somewhat after the style you seek for. other specimens I am still on the look out for and will forward you if possible as I come across them. I have taken copies of your drawings for my personal reference and therefore return your originals

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

{joomplu:852 detail align right}

------------------

B426.32

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 24 1896

Sir,

I am in receipt both of the parcel and your letter and beg to say the prices of the Tsuba and the old carved nut are thirty shillings each.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

Pitt-Rivers paid this price, the tsuba is Add.9455vol4_p1490 /1, however he does not seem to have bought the nut, or at least it is not recorded in the catalogue of the second collection.

----------------------

B426.33

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 25 1896

Sir,

I thank you for your letter and you may be sure I will do my best to find further traces of the diaper patterns chevrons etc.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

{joomplu:851 detail align right}

----------------

B426.34

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Dec 1 1896

Sir,

I thank you very much indeed for your kindness in sending me a cheque so promptly.

I am glad to say I have found you another specimen of the diaper pattern and am sending it to you for your inspection but of course it is quite optional with your whether you keep it or return it. It is on the hilt of an old dagger which by the crest on the sheath must have originally belonged to a nobleman of the Honda clan  The blade is signed by Kanékado a well known sword maker (1450) and the Guard and mountings are by Teruhidé early 16th century signed

This therefore should be of real use in giving authentic data to the use of the patterns

The price of the dagger is £3-0-0

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

This is Add.9455vol8_p2157 /1.

--------------------

B426.35

Ansd Dec 31/ 96

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Dec 30 1896

Sir,

Among the many things I purchased at Dr Hart's sale was the fine old wooden carving No 536 (as per enclosed). I gave Twenty Guineas but value it at nearer Forty. Would you care to have it for £25.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

{joomplu:853 detail align right}

-----------------

B426.36

Ansd Jan 2/ 97 £20 offered

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Jan 1 1897

Sir,

In response to your queries I beg to inform you that the height of the figure itself is 3 ft the Glass Shade over it a few inches taller and the whole length from floor to top of stand 6 ft.

Kin-kan-kuji is the name of a Temple on the outskirts of Kioto.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

The lacquer on the figure is almost hidden by a thick coating of blackish sediment caused by the smoke from the incense burnt in front of it for centuries.

Enclosure

Photo of Buddha [shown on this page] and a cut-out from a brochure saying:-

536 A Unique Figure of Buddha with Pastoral Staf, standing on a lotus pedestal, carved in wood and richly lacquered. Purchased from the priest at the temple of Kin Kan Kuji, whither it had been removed from Nara. The figure is full of the ancient prayer papers, the head being removable. A singularly fine relic of the 10th century, in ebonized case. Illustrated

---------------------

B426.37

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Jan 14 1897

Sir,

In answer to your letter and in confirmation of my telegram I write to say that the Buddha etc is exactly as it was received from Dr Hart's house; a slight fracture of the glass shade at one corner, and no real prayer papers that I could see in it, altho' the latter are mere sinecures inasmuch as the so-called prayer papers are merely leaves of printed matter sold by the priests for a few halfpence and very often are not the real Buddhist teachings at all.

Trusting that General Pitt Rivers if not quite himself again, is still very much better.

Yours faithfully
John Sparks

----------------------

B426.38

General A H Pitt Rivers London Jan 14 1897

John Sparks Proprietor | Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square

One fine old Japanese Buddha from the Hart collection Lot 536a £20 - -

To cost of packing etc £1 - -

£21 -  -

Yours faithfully
John Sparks

---------------------

B426.39

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Jan 15 1897

Dear Sir,

I am in receipt of your letter and though very sorry have of course nothing else to say but that I will take the Buddha back.

As I said before, the price left no profit and I bought it at public auction so that it could not be solely my valuation, and of course the circumstances of purchase must at all times be taken into consideration when naming a price, as it is often possible to buy a work of art at a tenth of its value, and then again to have to pay more than its value if you want it

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

It is not certain if Pitt-Rivers kept this Buddha, and if he did whether he arranged for this Buddha to be listed in the catalogue or whether it was unrecorded, there is a wooden Buddha without provenance (either geographical or dealer) listed on page 2356 of volume 9 of the second collection catalogue, but it is not illustrated. It could be the same figures as it is just described as a 'wooden Buddha'.

-----------------------

B426.40

Ansd July 7/97

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. June 30 1897

Sir,

I have received from Japan one of the most wonderful pieces of iron work in the world. It is an articulated life sized snake about 5 feet 6 inches long made by Mischin Muné yori, early 18th century. It is in perfect condition and Professor Church who saw it today said it was one of the very finest things he had ever seen.

Would you like me to send it down to you to look at.

The price is £125.

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

Pitt-Rivers does not appear to have purchased the snake, or at least it is not listed in the catalogue.

-----------------------

B426.41

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 15 1898

Sir,

In a shipment received from Japan today, I have two small collections of the oldest known arrow heads, beads, rings bracelets etc that have been found at various times when excavating.

I am given a guarentee of their perfect authenticity and genuineness and therefore sell them on that basis viz to be proved to to be to the contrary.

Would you like me to send them down on approval

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

--------------------

B426.42

Ansd Nov 8 / 98

Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 5 1898 | Telephone No 791 Paddington

Sir,

I desire to thank you for your cheque receipt for which I enclose.

I have ventured upon taking the liberty of sending down for your inspection the sets of very old arrow heads, charms, rings etc if you care to look at them. If not I would ask you to be kind to return them, entirely of course at my risk & expense.

I have also received a very fine old Bronze Goddess Gwannon which you might honour me by calling to see when next you are in town

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

-------------------

B426.43

Things returned by rail, Nov 10/98

Telephone No 791 Paddington | Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 9 1898

Sir,

In response to your query I beg to say the price of the amulets etc sent are £15 the one set in a single box (black) and £50 the other but I cannot quite see how I am to separate them still if it is possible for me to do anything I can to please you I will be only too glad to do it

Yours respectfully
John Sparks

Pitt-Rivers does not appear to have purchased the objects, or at least they are not listed in the catalogue.

Transcribed by AP August 2011 as part of the Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project.

S&SWM PR papers P143a

Memorandum

Wimborne Jany 10th 1893 | F. King | Bicycle, ... and Domestic Machinery manufacturer and agent ...

General Pitt Rivers

Dr Sir,

Knowing you are enlarging your Museum by adding a Cycle Department & I  having been in the trade for many years have during that time collected a number of Machines of various patterns & types _ I have them at my Factory at Wimborne in the Stores, they are all for Sale and no doubt I could meet your price by taking the lot

I am Sir
Your obet st
F. King

----

Ansd Sept 11 / 95 and Sept 18/ 95

Memorandum

From Osborn Collins | Maker of the 'Little Wonder' & 'Osborn' cycles, Serpentine Road, Poole ...

29th August 1895 | To General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Dear Sir

Referring to my last visit to Larmer Tree when you asked me to obtain any old Bicycles I could for you I am happy to inform you I have obtained two one was made in about 1868 & the other in the early seventies. As one is without a back wheel I am fitting one dated about 1874 I also have a piece of rubber tyre probably the first that was made, as it was constructed to the design of Mr Tarrant of this Town, to go on the wooden wheel that was then used date 1869. The two machines are presented to you by Mr Tarrant Shall I send them direct to Larmer Tree? Trusting you have secured others of different dates

I remain
Yours respectfully
Osborn Collins

----

Memorandum

From Osborn Collins | Maker of the 'Little Wonder' & 'Osborn' cycles, Serpentine Road, Poole ...

19 Sep 1895 | To General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Sir

I regret having delayed sending machines but have been so very busy, however I am sending them tomorrow by train to Tisbury & trust they will reach you in good condition

I am Sir
Yours obediently
Osborn Collins

-----

Memorandum

From Osborn Collins | Maker of the 'Little Wonder' & 'Osborn' cycles, Serpentine Road, Poole ...

20 Septr 1895 | To General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

Dear Sir

I beg to inform you I sent of [sic] bicycles to day addressed to Tisbury Station & trust you have received the same safely

Yours truly
O Collins

There do not appear to be any bicycles from the first donor in the catalogue of the second collection. The cycles from Mr Collins are Add.9455vol3_p1226 /1-2

Transcribed by AP August 2011

Rushmore | Salisbury | May 15 92

Dear Mr King

In reply to your letter of the 133th inst. I should like very much to have the agricultural models. I think this is the best place for them. When I presented the greater part of my collection to Oxford I kept back all the agricultural models & implements in order to form the nucleus of an agricultural museum here. It has been very successful and I am now adding a long room to it. I enclose an account and a plan of it from which you will see that it is popular and I think it is the only agricultural museum in the country. I remember the models very well. I had one or two of them copied and the copies are now here. My museum is practically a public Institution as you will see by the number of visitors and it is open to the public every day including Sundays when my private band plays at the pleasure grounds that I have opened about 2 miles from the Museum which of course attracts more people than the Museum by itself would do.

Yours very truly
A Pitt Rivers

Transcribed by AP August 2011

Lindenschmit

Rom.-Germ. Centralmuseum | MAINZ | Mayence 23 juillet 87

Monsieur

Veuillez bien excusez le retard de la principale pièce de votre envoi, savoir de la casque, dont la reconstructive a été retarder pour unchangement dans notre atelier. Nous vous avons déja demandé le 29 avril a. o. sous l'addresse: Rushmore, Tisbury Station, (Wiltshire) comme vous nous l'aviez noté, si nous devions nous vous l'envoyer, mais nous n'avons pas encore reçu de répouse jusqu'a'a présent, c'est pourquoi nous essayons de vous demander aujourdhui sous l'ancienne addresse, 4 Grosvenor Gardens, London, où nous devons adresser notre envoi qui est tout  à fait prêt à expèdier.

Aussi nous restons en attente de votre répouse

Agréez, Monsieur, l'assurance de notre plus haute considération, avec laquelle nous avons l'honneur de signer

Votre bien dévoué

L Lindenschmit

This refers to Add.9455vol2_p344 /1

Dear General Pitt Rivers

Mr Wareham called today, & he examined all my bric a brac, & he said that all the China including the tiles would be well worth 25 guineas. And that a purchaser would have to give more if he bought them out of a shop. I write to ask you whether you would give me 25 guineas & let me convey the whole of the china & tiles to your house in Grosvenor Gardens. You will be sorry to hear that my dear father aged 86 had a [illegible] stroke Saturday & is not expected to live

I am so thankful to be with him. I havse been nowhere since Saturday, though my nurse is part of Lady Salisbury's party. I sent my [illegible] & neice Edith Piggott

Yrs sincerely
Isabel Burton

23 Dorset St | Portman Sq | July 29

This letter must date after the death of Richard Francis Burton in October 1891, Isabel Burton disposed of his collection and manuscripts. Pitt-Rivers did not buy the china or tiles, or at least they are not listed in the catalogue of the second collection under Richard Burton or Isabel Burton's names.

Transcribed by AP for the Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project in July-August 2011

Fielding ans'd

107 Queens Gate

My dear Pitt Rivers

Although I believe you have given away your great collection of antiquities I hear that you still buy and I have some which I want to sell & if you don't care to buy them you may perhaps like to see them as I believe they are not to be beat in their way. They are chiefly old glass which were found in a tomb at Malta whilst I was there. Altogether there were over 60 articles in the same tomb, mostly terra cotta urns full of bones, but amongst them 2 of the finest glass bottles I have ever seen. There is nothing like them in the Brit: Museum or in the Museum at Naples. I gave £30 for the lot and am willing to take same sum. They are quite thrown away with me and I want the room. I have also some pretty glass from Halicaruapus which I will throw in with the rest. Should you care to see them it would be best to let me know when you will call although I am generally at home in the forenoon.

Believe me yrs very truly

P. Fielding

There is one item in the catalogue of the second collection which is related to Percy Fielding, but not this collection of glassware. Given the uncertainty about dates, this collection does not also not form part of the founding collection.

Transcribed by AP for the Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project in July-August 2011

36 Lowndes Sq | Decb 24th

Dear General,

Let me wish you a happy Xmas & prosperous New Year I send you the headdress from Beveno [sic Baveno] but I have not done it with either silk or I hair I found it so difficult. The photograph shows exactly how it is worn. I also send you the photographs of the Bull, and some others I daresay Mrs Pitt Rivers would like them and please give the one of the children to Mr Lionel as he grouped them. Grove moved which is a pity.

I will have the staircase printed on Platino [illegible] as Willy said then improve it very much with pencil or paint brush.

All here are well including Polly

Yrs very quickly

Agnes Dalton-Fitzgerald

This refers to Add.9455vol3_p1179 /5

Transcribed by AP for the Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project in July-August 2011

Post card sent to say the Genl was ill 24th Nov '99

Bartlow Station | Horseheath, | Cambridgeshire | 9.XI.1899

To Lieutenant General Pitt-Rivers F.R.S.

Dear Sir

For the last few years I have been much interested in the history of keys, & have appreciated your "Development and Distribution of Primitive Locks and Keys" to the full

Having a small collection of keys of my own, I have spent a considerable time in searching for information whereby I might classify it - now it occurs to me that the result of my efforts may be of use to others who have a similar interest in keys. Therefore I am arranging drawings of keys with authentic dates, collected from varied sources, chronologically from the Roman Period [insert] in Britain [end insert] up to the 18th century; Can you kindly give me any assistane in the way of references of keys to which an authentic date may be attached. My weakest period is, of course, from the 11th - 13th centuries, the greater part of my examples for the period have had to take from mss seals, stonework, & similar sources.

Please forgive the liberty I have taken in troubling you!

Yours very truly
(Miss) Catherine P. Parsons

Parsons' collection of keys ended up after her death at the Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford.

Transcribed by AP for the Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project in July-August 2011

L2316

Ansd Feb 20/99

Mr H. Clayton Manisty presents his compliments to General Pitt-Rivers and begs to enclose a Roman coin found last summer (1898) in Silchester Camp.

As Mr Manisty understands that Genl. Rivers is interested in coins & has a splendid Museum at the Larmer Tree (which he hopes to visit) he offers the coin at such sum as Genl. Rivers shall consider a fair value as Mr Manisty is not a collector.

Claremont
Hayling Island
Hants.

10th Jany 1899

-------------

L2355

Ansd Feb 8/99 Coin not received at all | Manisty

Mr H. Clayton Manisty presents his compliments to General Pitt-Rivers and wishes to mention that some weeks ago, he sent to General Rivers a note, enclosing a Roman coin taken last summer out of the Roman city at Silchester, Hants Hearing that General Rivers was a Collector & had a Museum in Dorsetshire Mr Manisty offered it at such price as might be deemed reasonable.

Mr Manisty fears the letter must have miscarried

Claremont
Hayling Island
Hants.

5th Feby 1899

---------------

L2350

Manisty | Ansd Feb. 10/99

Mr H. Clayton Manisty begs to thank General Pitt-Rivers for his letter of the 8th inst.

Mr Manisty foolishly did not register his letter posted some weeks ago from here (Hayling Island) [insert] addressed "Rushmore, Dorset" [end insert] & enclosing a Roman coin in good state of preservation bearing a Roman Head inside with laurel [insert] or other [end insert] leaves on the side & several letters on the other "Vot." in the centre

Mr Manisty is making inquiries but fears nothing can be made out satisfactorily.

Mr Manisty had fully intended to leave the coin in person, when residing in Wiltshire last & had obtained the coin within two miles of Silchester by mere accident Mr Manisty would be extremely obliged if General Pitt-Rivers could instruct his Clerk to kindly send him a "Guide" which he saw when in Wiltshire and will remit stamps on learning the amount.

The guide [insert] to Tollard Royal &c [end insert] was written by General Pitt-Rivers

Claremont
Hayling Island
Hants.

9th Feby 1899

---------------

L2368

Ansd. Feb 23/99 1/- sent for Coin

Mr H. Clayton Manisty begs to thank Genl Pitt Rivers for his note of the 20th inst and while regretting that the Roman Coin is of so little value hopes that Genl. Pitt Rivers will add it to his Collection.

Mr Manisty has handed part of Genl. Pitt Rivers letter to the Postal Authorities with whom he was in communication. If a copy of Genl. Pitt Rivers Guide to the Larmer Tree &c (any old copy will do) can be found, Mr Manisty would be extremely obliged by its being sent to him at this address and Mr Manisty hopes to visit Tollard Royal in the Summer & obtain the new guide.

Claremont
Hayling Island
Hants.

21st Feby 1899

This is Add.9455vol9_p2335 /10, no cost is given in the catalogue. Note that this is definitely the right object despite the second letter as the catalogue records:

Description of Object: Brass Roman Coin of Crespius found in 1898 in Silchester camp

Measurement]: 3/4

[Date given]: Feby 99

[Who obtained from]: [Word illegible] Clayton [Words illegible]

Transcribed by AP for the Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project in July-August 2011

Memorandum | Arthur Conyers | Blandford [business address]

Oct'r 7 1898

To: General Pitt Rivers

Sir

I am taking the liberty to send you a pice [sic] of wood which has been dug up whilst making the new line at Blandford it is very much like a horse foot and I thought it might interest you.

I Remain
Your Obed Servant
AConyers

Reply [different hand]

General Pitt Rivers begs to thank Mr Conyers for the piece of wood in form of horse's foot found at Blandford

This item is not listed in the catalogue of the second collection.

Transcribed by AP for the Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project in July-August 2011

32 Prescot Street | Halifax | 2/X/98

General Pitt-Rivers F.R.S.

My dear Sir

The photographs to hand with thanks.

I enjoyed my visit to Rushmore the only drawback being your absence however Mrs Pitt-Rivers was most kind. You have certainly a very good collection of Benin articles & in so far as my memory serves me more representative than that of the British Museum; Read seems to have missed opportunity after opportunity by letting articles go past him

I am sending the carved ivory [sic, missing word sistrum] & coco nut on approval, as it will be more satisfactory for you to see what you are purchasing. I have pointed out to my brother that I think the prices (£8.-.- & £5.-.-) are too high & have suggested to him [insert] that [end insert] £6.-.- & £4.-.- would be reasonable. He is away at present but will be back in the course of 3 or 4 days when I have no doubt he will fall-in with my views.

The Studio will shortly publish a fairly exhaustive paper for me on the toreutic work of Benin & I have also a short paper on personal ornaments from Benin forthcoming in the Bulletin of the Philadelphia Museum. I will send you reprints as soon as I get them.

I enclose a list of Benin articles in your collection of which I would be much obliged if you could let me have photographs.

With Lady Grove I left a reprint of my brother's on the Benin Expedition & also a reprint of Major Lennard's paper on the Bendi expedition. You will no doubt have received them.

Im the Pitt-Rivers Museum at Oxford there is a Tasmanian fire drill; can you tell me whether it was in the Barnard Davis collection & if so whence did he get it? The Tasmanian protector Robinson was after leaving Tasmania, protector of aborigines in Victoria & he has mixed up Tasmanian & Victorian articles. I would be much obliged if you could throw some light on this matter?

Yours very truly
Henry Ling Roth

Photographs of Benin articles

p. 1623 Ivory mask

1624 Staff

1629 ditto ivory

1682 double bladed paddle

1695 head ornament

1697 agate head dress

1711 necklace

1712 box lid (?)

1714 coral wisk [sic]

1718 brass box

1674 Brass powder flask

1717 staff ("line" period)

? wooden panel [drawing]

? armlet perforated, with figures

Roth's brother was Felix Norman Ling Roth (find out more about him in the People section in the right hand menu). Henry Ling Roth had sold several Benin pieces to Pitt-Rivers, listed in the second catalogue. Pitt-Rivers bought the coconut (at the revised prices) see Add.9455vol5_p1747 /1, L2232 confirms that Felix did agree the lower prices for the coconut and also the sistrum Add.9455vol5_p1746 /1

Transcribed by AP for the Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project in July-August 2011

* S&SWM PR papers holds earlier letters from Selous which have not been transcribed, the first asked for Pitt-Rivers opinion on some tools acquired by Selous, the second and following letters start to discuss selling part of his collection to Pitt-Rivers. Edmund Selous (1857-1934) was a British ornithologist and writer and younger brother of big-game hunter Frederick Selous. See here for wikipedia entry. These items are not listed in the catalogue of the second collection.

L2153

July 25th 1898 | Wamil Hall | Mildenhall | Suffolk

Dear Sir

I am sending you today by goods train 50 specimens of stone implements. On re-reading your letter * I see that you say about 20 but as I have packed them & do not think that number would give a fair idea of the collection I am letting them go. - with three pieces of bone found with some of the stones included in case they should be of interest. The gravel-pits near the [1 word illegible] belong I believe to the "drift" formation. I have besides another hundred palaeolithic & fifty neolithic specimens (my own classification) & some more bones found in same formation with former Just a few amongst these may be doubtful most of the palaeolithics are rude - some so rudes as to be interesting, to my mind, on that account. Also 3 good specimens of forgeries (as I suppose) should these interest you.

Every specimen I am sending is wrapped up separately in paper together with ticket giving locality &c. Each ticket is numbered are [sic] also the stones themselves. I also enclose a list of the numbers. £20 is the price that I thought of asking for the collection.

Yours very truly
Edmund Selous

General Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

----

L2178

Cheque £20 sent on Aug 16/98

August 12th 1898 | Wamil Hall | Mildenhall | Suffolk

Dear Sir

Not having yet heard from you with regard to the flints which I sent you on the 25th of July last, I write to ask if you have received them in safety & if you would care to take them - since if not I shall be glad to have them again

yours truly
Edmund Selous

General A Pitt Rivers
Rushmore
Salisbury

The list of numbers is attached in the S&SWM PR papers, but has not been transcribed

--------------

L2200

September 6th 1898 | Longford House | Gloucester

Dear Sir

In reply to your last letter I have looked through all the flints I have left but there are none worth sending you as picked specimens, I am sorry to say, all the pick having been comprised in those I sent you. I reckoned the quantity together with the quality. Since you are so good as to give me the price I asked for both together for the latter only I can only hope it may contain something of great interest to you

Yours faithfully
Edmund Selous

General A Pitt Rivers
Rushmore
Salisbury

Transcribed by AP for the Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project in July-August 2011

L2136

Ansd July 12/98

[Stamp] Department of Egyptian & Assyrian Antiquities British Museum | 9 Jul 1898 | No. 1391

Dear Sir,

A fine collection of about 92 flint axes, knives, scrapers, etc., and about 100 flakes have been offered to us for the sum of £25. We cannot buy them, and so I shewed them to Sir John Lubbock, who did not want them & who suggested that you might care to acquire them. I therefore trouble you with a line to ask you if you will take the collection for £25. Sir John thinks them well worth the money.

I am
yours truly
E.A. Wallis Budge.

Gen Pitt-Rivers, F.R.S. | &c.  &c.  &c.

---------------

L2140

Ansd July 20/98

[Stamp] Department of Egyptian & Assyrian Antiquities British Museum | 16 Jul 1898 | No. 1403

Dear Sir,

I am sending you to Tisbury, packed in a box, the flints for which £25 is asked and I hope they will reach you safely & be satisfactory to you.

I am yrs truly
EA Wallis Budge

Genl Pitt-Rivers, F.R.S.

---------------

L2146

Ansd July 23/98 | Cheque £25 sent

[Stamp] Department of Egyptian & Assyrian Antiquities British Museum | 22 Jul 1898 | No. 1407

My Dear Sir,

I am very glad you like the flints. They all come from a place called Amrah, about four miles from Abydos in Upper Egypt, about half way between [illegible] & Abydos. They were found in the graves which are hollowed out like pie dishes in the limestone, and were buried with skeletons which lie with their faces towards the East. They are beyond doubt Prehistoric and as such in my opinion very valuable. In connexion with them you ought to read de Morgan's two books, especially that entitled L'Age de Pierre et Bronze. Here we call them pre-Egyptian, but I am not a flint expert & no doubt you will find a better name. All your flints are from one set of graves which lay close together.

If you decide to keep the flints will you mind sending me a cheque made out in the name of Chauncey Murch, as I should like to settle the matter before I go for holidays? Would you like any more?

I am

yours truly
EA Wallis Budge

This probably refers to Add.9455vol5_p1582 /5 and on, described as 'A collection of Flint implements from Amrah 4 miles from Abydos Upper Egypt - Chauncey March July 1898 graves 18 implements / 16 [Insert] 17 [End Insert] Knives / 7 flakes more or less worked / 3 saw / 41 scrapers / 5 various / Total 91'

Chauncey Murch was an American missionary stationed at Luxor, a set of his Egyptian objects is now part of the Metropolitan Museum's holdings.

Transcribed by AP for the Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project in July-August 2011

Miss Webb

Ansd May 11/98

Newstead Abbey | Nottingham

May 7th 98

Dear General Pitt Rivers

When I was in Egypt this winter, I saw a little earthenware thing, in the shape of a crocodile, I believe it is used for rubbing the hard skin on the soles of the feet, to keep the soles in good condition, you will see that it is rough underneath, on the base the crocodile sits on. I thought it rather original & did not remember having seen one like it in your Museum, so got you one. I send it by parcel post & hope it may arrive unbroken. When we were at Assouan, the Commandant there, told me that a friend of his, had some very curious chain-armour, it was made differently to any other, but I could not quite make out how, if you would like to know however, I could write to Assouan & get the name of the man who has the chain armour, he is the one who understands such things - I thought it just possible it might by the same make as that on the effigy in your church, I remember you telling me, that there not [sic] a known example of it, in existence this armour, having come from Soudan may be very old. one or two crusaders swords have been bought from there, but there are very very few & all known, & of course, the prices given for them are huge. I hope you are well again, & strong & not standing about too much in this weather. The temperature seems never the same 2 hours together. My very best regards to you & Mrs Pitt Rivers

Believe me
yours sincerely
Geraldine K Webb

This is Add.9455vol5_p1685 /2

L2068

April 14/98 | 5 Beaumont Crescent | West Kensington | London W

Ansd | Apr. 26/98 | Buckland

Dear Genl. Pitt-Rivers

I have just learnt that some relics which I saw two years ago, & believe to be of great interest are for sale, & knowing you are a collector I think you will pardon me for calling your attention to them.

They belonged to an old lapidary who had discovered them in a cave in the Great Orme's Head, and were described some years ago by Professor Boyd Dawkins as of Neolithic age. The owner died at Xmas, & I now hear his sister is selling or offering for sale, all the curiosities he had collected, & amongst them the necklace found with the Neolithic remains in the cave, which will probably thus pass into the hands of some dealer in curiosities, instead of finding its proper place in some national collection. The marked teeth are I think rare, if not unique in Britain, although found in French & Belgian caves.

I wrote a little paper on the subject for the Anthropological Society, which was returned to me for the reason given in the annexed letter, I sent it to you herewith as more explanatory than a letter, & if it should be to you in oft-told tale you will perhaps kindly return it to me, & pardon me for writing to you of things already known, but which seem of special interest to

yours greatly obliged

AW Buckland

-------------

L2076

Paper returned, Apr 28/98

April 27th 1898 | 5 Beaumont Crescent | West Kensington W.

Dear Genl Pitt-Rivers

I am sorry I cannot give you any address in Llandudno with regard to the necklace, bears teeth & horse's jaw with marks upon them, about which I wrote to you. I thought you might probably have a correspondent in the neighbourhood, or some agency employed by you in such transactions, or might know the owner of the property who allowed the old lapidary to take possession of the cave in which he had discovered the neolithic human remains, & their ornaments. The cave itself is most interesting, & the genuineness of the discovery was endorsed at the time by Boyd Dawkins, so that I trust it may not now be given over to the tender mercies of the excursionist & curiosity seeker. My informant was a lady from Llandudno who knowing I was interested in the matter called to tell me that the old lapidary, whose name I think was Kennion [insert] drick [end insert] was dead & that his sister was selling all his curios as fast as she could. He had a few good things & a lot of rubbish all which, with the cave containing some of the Neolithic remains still in their original matrix, & a Camera Obscura which he had erected in the Garden he exhibited at 2d a head

My informant said it was rumoured that the authorities of Owen's College were thinking of purchasing some of the things, but she feared that the old man's sister would accept the first good offer, not caring what became of the things so perhaps ere this they are well dispersed.

I am very sorry to hear you are invalided, but trust the ailment is transitory. I see at last there is some chance of the establishment of an Anthropological Museum & Bureau of Ethnology in London I remember that you brought forward a plan for such an institution some years ago, & trust now your scheme may be adopted I was glad to see that Mr Rudler had been elected President of the Anthropological Institute, but I have not seen him, as I am not able now to attend the coming meetings. I should like my little paper back some day, at your convenience.

Yours very truly
AW Buckland

This item does not appear in the catalogue of the second collection. These necklace teeth might be those shown here which are now in the National Museum of Wales and were found by Thomas Kendrick in the so-called Kendrick's Cave, he was a stone mason. See also here.

The correspondent is Anne Walbank Buckland whose items are part of the founding collection and may therefore have known Pitt-Rivers before 1880.

Transcribed by AP July 2011 for the Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project

L2064

Whitehead | Ansd Apr. 14/ 98

Wyke Hall | Gillingham | Dorset | [in pencil] 7 April 98

Dear Sir

Would you like to buy an enormous Man Trap for your Museum? I know you have a small one, but nothing like mine! It belonged to my Great Uncle Thomas King who had the little discussions on Cranborne Chase with your ancestors. If you are disposed to look at the Man Trap, I should be delighted to show it to you, as well as my Pictures of more famous [illegible]. Could you and Mrs Rivers drive over one day? If you will for a time next week I will be at home. I am giving up my lease of this house to a Purchaser, and on that account, I am parting with a few cumbersome [?] things

Believe me
faithfully yrs
Mary Whitehead

7 April

----

L2071

Wyke Hall | Gillingham | Dorset | [in pencil] 15 April 98

Dear Sir

I am very sorry indeed to hear you are out of health - and I hope you will soon by quite well again. I would like you to have the Man Trap. I dont like it to go to anybodys hands and it is rather big to carry about. Its size is very much larger than yours & it has been in our family a great number of years.

The Pictures I do not part with, they are very interesting to Wilts and Dorset men. They are copies of the Originals, which more made their rooms [sic], and therefore now belong to my Brother Revd F. King Canon Jackson refers to them in a Lecture he gave on Cranborne Chase of which you no doubt have a copy If not I can lend you mine, I have another very curious old Painting of the celebrated doing at Handley on the day the Deer were killed from Sunrise to Sunset near the Larmer Tree a motley pack of dogs of all kinds pulling down a Stag. I dont care about this picture so much or "The Law Suits" Sincerely hoping you will soon be well

I remain dear Sir
Yrs very truly
Mary Whitehead

15 April

Enclosed

Mr King's "Man Trap" Highest 6 feet 5 width 2 - 9

This trap is not listed in the catalogue of the second collection, nor are the pictures.

Transcribed by AP for the Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project in July-August 2011

P.O. 10/6 | sent on | Mar. 18/98

Barum House | Near Wealdstone | British Museum | 21 Feb

General Pitt Rivers

I beg to enclose for your inspection a small bronze figure found some six years since by Mr Billiotti at Ilyrus in Crete. It shows a very unusual form of restoration the head & bust being removeable from the trunk. It is not very beautiful but I consider it very early & of interest in suc a collection as your own. It is a question whether the ancients have been putting old heads on young shoulders or vice versa.

Should the bronze prove of interest to you I will dispose of it for 10/6

I beg to remain

Yours respectfully

A.P. Ready

Augustus P. Ready was the brother of William Talbot Ready who also worked at the BM and dealt in antiquities. This object does not appear in the catalogue of the second collection.

Transcribed by AP for the Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project in July-August 2011

Dorset | Office of County Surveyor, | Wimborne 8th November 1897

Dear Sir,

I am venturing to send you an ancient horse shoe one of many found in excavating for the foundations of Kings Mill Bridge Marnhull lately rebuilt by the County I have been trying to account for the large number found (some dozens I should say) perhaps they may have belonged to Cavalry horses as they are all the same pattern. No doubt you have asome of the same in your valuable museum. Would you allow one of your Assistants to send me a few lines as to probable date &c. & why so many of them are found together

yours faithfully

Walter J. Fletcher

Gent Pitt Rivers | Rushmore | Salisbury

This is Add.9455vol9_p2317 /6

Transcribed by AP for Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project July 2011

Limassol | Cyprus | October 16th, 1897

Dear Fox Pitt,

Yours of Sep'tr 24th rec'd by last mail I sent off the bronzes &c by this steamer to london last week I enclosed you Father's case in a larger one along with some other things & they will be sent on as soon as the box arrives which ought be be soon after you get this. I put in £10 worth for your Father & I hope he will be pleased with them. Since my last letter to you I have been asked by the B.M. [insert by Lionel British Museum] to undertake some excavations for them and so as you know they have always first call on all my antiquities & services I am bound to dig for them, we commence on the 25th inst. I have a nice little site in my eye for us, would it make any difference to you if you dig say 3 months later on, we would then be able to go in together, I hope you wont be disappointed at the turn things have taken as I cannot help it you see it wont do for me to throw over the B.M.

I know of lots of places in here the Pre Mycenean clay figures are found but I dont consider them [illegible] value as antiquities however that is a side issue. I have not applied for a permit as yet

Collson Ch... [illegible] is up for auction [insert] & will go [end insert] very cheap just now Cattle [illegible] farming look like paying tremendously this year on a/c of plague in Asia Minor & Syrian Coast hundreds are shipped of here to Egypt every week and meat is going up to [illegible] prices & will find living here as dear as it is at home soon if something does not soon happen. I only wish I had the capital to lay say a couple of thousand on 2 year old calves and a couple of thousand [illegible] lambs & I could make a bit then. I have had nothing from the Professor Geddes in his schemes so am afraid he has met with the same fate as all seem to meet with who try and help this poor Island, it seems wonderful to some that modern English man should be so pig headed as not a single one of those people [illegible] down know an d-n about the place & wont even take the trouble to learn. I must close this now as it is time for the mail.

So with kind regards
Yours sincerely
Percy Christian

----

High Elms | Farnborough, R.S.O. | Kent | Oct 27th

Dear Father

I enclose a letter from Christian, which speaks for itself.

He appears to despise pre-Mycenean antiquities. I am afraid this shows clearly the spirit with which he undertakes excavations. So much the better for me if I go in with him excavating as I can take all the things you value most. In three months time I shall no doubt be able to go to Cyprus. If things turn out as I want them to, I shall be sent on a mission to Roumania to report upon the Steam Ploughing industry and could go on from there to Cyprus.

I shall be very glad to have more than one business in hand as I doubt if the secretaryship of the Roumanian company would anything like fill up my time. From Christian's letter it appears that you will soon get the box of bronzes. I hope they will be satisfactory. Tomorrow I am going to spend a few hours in the British Museum looking at Cyprus antiquities . There are several books here referring to the Archaeology of Cyprus, so I go on with the study of the subject. Things are at present in an undeveloped state, as regards myself and I must show myself useful if I am to be taken up.

Bye the bye will you write to Bouverie and tell him to continue the allowance of £200 till further notice. It will be very kind of you to do this especially at present when I am having a good deal of extra expenses

yr affec son
Lionel Fox Pitt

These objects might include Add.9455vol9_p2326 /22, 24, Add.9455vol9_p2327 /1-2, Add.9455vol9_p2328 /18, 22, 24, 26, Add.9455vol9_p2329 /7-11, Add.9455vol9_p2331 /2, 12-14, Add.9455vol9_p2335 /1-2, Add.9455vol9_p2351 /1

Transcribed by AP for Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project July 2011

Ansd

Christ Church | Oxford | 24 Oct 1897

Dear General Pitt Rivers,

Will you allow me to ask your advice? I am anxious to make a collection of accurate profiles &c of Roman pottery of certain kinds, esp. "Samian", to see if shapes will yield indications of dates. For this I need some machine which will aid to draw the profiles accurately, and I venture to ask you if the camera lucida, which I believe you use, would be likely to suit & (if so) if you could give me any hints about it. The Germans have made some process [sic] in dating their pottery on the Limes & I should like to do something also in England. At first I should probably confine myself to "Samian," the easiest perhaps.

Chancellor Ferguson has, I expect, told you of our discoveries on the Wall this past summer.

yours very truly
F. Haverfield

Francis John Haverfield (1860-1919) historian and archaeologist, senior student and tutor at Christ Church and later Camden professor of ancient history at Oxford. Richard Saul Ferguson (1837-1900) antiquary known as Chancellor Ferguson and chancellor of the diocese of Carlisle.

L1946

Welch's Irish Views ... | Antiquarian, Geological, Peasant Life, ... | 49 Lonsdale Street | Belfast Sept 21st 1897

Views Parcel Post

Dear Sir

I forward you via Parcel Post today 111 Ethnog. &c views you selected (permanent Platino) and as you are so specially interested in this particular branch of Scientific work I offer a few notes which may make many of the prints of more interest, Prof Haddon has often promised to help me list them with descriptive notes and I suppose I will do so some time on the lines of my Geol. lists the notes of which Prof Cole always supplies. With the exception of about 5 or 6 more views these 111 exhaust my set, others are on the borderland and come more especially as to prehistoric times as indeed the Kitchen-midden views I send may do, although there is just the chance that they may be connected with life at a much later period, I cannot say more on that subject at present as a report on the matter will be presented to the R.I. Academy soon by some friends whom I accompanied on a little research expedition there and to the much larger midden at Bunowen near Ch...[illegible]

I would be glad to let you see my very early Irish [illegible] at any time many of the views are unique I have taken the Camera often to places where a camera was never seen before

Yours truly
R. Welch

---------------

L2039

Welch's Irish Views ... | Antiquarian, Geological, Peasant Life, ... | 49 Lonsdale Street | Belfast Jan 13th 1898

115 was [sic] sent | Sept 21 & 24th

Ansd H Gray

Dear Sir

Do you wish to retain all the Irish Ethnog. photos (permanent Platino) sent last Sept. 14 days is the usual time allowed for selection but as I knew that you had a special interest in this branch I did not stipulate for such prompt return if not of any not selection [sic]

Yours truly
R. Welch

Note on back:

This letter requiring answer | The general is at | Thorpe | Chertsey | [illegible] to me here by return only Alice Pitt Rivers

Pitt-Rivers had fallen ill whilst on a visit to London over the Christmas period Dec 1897-Jan 1898, presumably Alice Pitt-Rivers was at Rushmore

Transcribed by AP for Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project July 2011

Note that there are quite a number of letters from Frederick James to Pitt-Rivers in the S&SWM PR papers which have not been transcribed. They are mostly seeking advice about specific objects or displays at Maidstone Museum or else seeking support for James' application to be a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. James had been one of Pitt-Rivers' earliest assistants before he got the job as Curator at Maidstone Museum, Kent where he also carried out many archaeological excavations of his own.

L1934

James | Ansd Sept 17/97

Maidstone | Sept 11th 1897

Dear General Pitt-Rivers,

The "agricultural" jug is for the Museum at Farnham if you will accept it. I can give no further particulars than that I acquired it for a few pence from a country woman.

I did not hear a very good account of you from a Gentleman (Mr Seton-Karr) who was in here the other day, but I hope by now you are better.

We are going ahead here. A new wing is to be built next month, of two floors each 54 ft by 23 ft, and a new house adjoining for the Curator

Yours truly
Fred. V. James

General Pitt-Rivers DCF FRS

This must be Add.9455vol7_p2117 /2

-------------

L2022

James | Ansd Dec 17/97

Museum & Public Library | Maidstone | 16 Dec 1897

Dear General Pitt-Rivers

I am sending you by rail to Tisbury a little box with a horse-shoe in it of peculiar form found at Aylesford near Maidstone.

From enquiries I have made from a farmer, it would appear that its use is, as I surmised viz for a horse short in one of its forelegs. It may do for your agricultural museum as we have no department here that it will go in specially, and I detest a "curiosity" case.

Can you find time to measure that skull & [illegible]-bones I mentioned to you some time since and found by me on the site of Mr Arthur Evans Late Celtic urn field at Aylesford? It was at a depth of 4'8" beneath the surface & ought to produce valuable data in connection with his researches.

I want the results for a lecture in February next.

With compliments of the season & best wishes for your health

Yours very truly
Fred V James

None of these items are listed in the catalogue of the second collection