Over and above the ever-popular "art books" category in which you will find reference publications (some in "coffee table format", some more serious and less decorative) about Battiss, Pierneef, Rose-Innes and Boonzaaier, this auction presents some unexpected insights into the opening up of Africa, from a naturalists' perspective amongst others.

The lots that are detailed and illustrated here are selected to give an overall impression of this section of Session One of the auction, starting at 10h00 on 11th November 2008.

Lot 16

GFA : "The Ancient & Noble Family of the Savages of the Ards"

Published 1888, a first edition plus others related to the Savage family, including a contemporary framed portrait of Captain A R Savage and a Victorian Artillery Officer's Sword (1821 pattern) with the Savage crestfaintly etched on the blade. A remarkable "bundle" of one family's historical impact.

R2 000 - R2 600

Lot 28

Nardelli, Franscesco : "The Rhonoceros"

First edition, b/w and coloured paintings and sketches by Mathew Hillier.

67 x 49cm, cloth contained in original green cloth-covered custom-made box

R2 000 - R2 500

The next four lots are inter-related, being products of the same Oates family of which Captain Lawrence Oates was a member. He was to perish, sacrificing himself to give his team mates a chance of survival, during the ill-fated Scott Antartica expedition of 1911/1912.

LOT 29

Oates, Frank : "Matebele Land & the Victoria Falls: A Naturalist's Wanderings in the Interior of South Africa"

A first edition of 1881, largely illustrated by W E Oates, whose watercolours form the subject of further lots.

R12 300 - R15 000

LOT 30

Oates, Frank : "Mateble Land & the Victoria Falls : A Naturalist's Wanderings in the interior of South Africa"

A second edition from 1889, in remarkable and "sparkling" condition rarely seen.

R7 700 - R10 000

LOT 31

Watercolour by Oates, William Edward : "Boers' Farms, Crocodile River, Transvaal, 30 November 1873"

Artwork executed in the field during the period with his brother when the background for lots 29 and 30 was being amassed. An irreplaceable slice of first hand historical experience which was also published in the preceding lots.

A facsimile reprint no 347 (of 1500 of numbered copies of this book) published 1971 and in mint condition        accompanies this lot.

R30 600 - R40 000

LOT 32

Watercolour by Oates, William Edward : "Church and Mission Station, Shoshong, Bamangwato, Bechuanaland 1873"

Of similar provenance to lot 31, this lot includes a copy of a relevant reference book and a letter from E K Wright to the vendor.

R30 600 - R40 000 

Further images expected include lot 28 and a n other

18 10 2008