Photographica Now Catalogued

Details of the photographica section of James and Sons November 25th auction, with a full picture gallery.

INTRODUCTION

I have mentioned a project involving photographica that I have been caryring out as part of my job at James and Sons Auctioneers in two previous posts:

This post not long after I had started on the project
And this one more recently

Now that I have officially catalogued everything in the collection and assembled a photo gallery I am producing this post. There will be one more post specifically about this collection when I know what each lot sold for (i.e. post auction, which will be happening on November 25th).

LOTTING UP

Having ultimately catalogued this vast collection into 22 lots on a spreadsheet formatted as the final catalogue listing would be so that I could copy and paste rows into said listing, all I needed to complete the process were lot number stickers, plus some tie on labels for those lots which warranted it to finish the process of getting this stuff ready for auction. I was given lots 75-100 inclusive for photographica, and decided that as 100 as easily the most distinctive of these numbers that the prize item of the collection should get that number. Apart from that use of the magic number 100 I front-loaded the rest of the listing, starting things of with the folding cameras and others that I was selling individually. The bulk lots come in the low 90s, and at the moment lot numbers 96-99 inclusive have not been assigned.

THE END PRODUCT

76-a 76-b 77-a 81-a 82-a 82-b 82-c

This has the lowest estimate of any of the photographica, because even with its original bag it is not that rare an item.

Lots 84, 85 and 86 are three identical cameras, of sufficiently esteemed make and model that each is worth selling singly.

87-a 87-b 88-a 90-a

This is a sampler - one of six boxes of bags, cases and other accessories that make up this lot. — This is a sampler – one of six boxes of bags, cases and other accessories that make up this lot.

The final lot in the photographica section - estimate on this is £60 - 80 - a deliberately conservative estimate to attract bidders. — The final lot in the photographica section – estimate on this is £60 – 80 – a deliberately conservative estimate to attract bidders.

100-a

This, the third image relating to lot 100 should be the last you see (but it is possible that the images for lot 75 appear out of position since I had problems uploading them - everything else is defintiely in lot number order - 76-95 inclusive and then 100) — This, the third image relating to lot 100 should be the last you see (but it is possible that the images for lot 75 appear out of position since I had problems uploading them – everything else is defintiely in lot number order – 76-95 inclusive and then 100)

This picture and the next are of lot 75, which starts the photographica section - this has the second highest estimate of any of the cameras being sold individually at £40-50. — This picture and the next are of lot 75, which starts the photographica section – this has the second highest estimate of any of the cameras being sold individually at £40-50.

75-a

NAS West Norfolk AGM

An account the AGM of NAS West Norfolk, focussing on changes to the committee and an autism awareness event.

INTRODUCTION

The AGM of the National Autistic Society West Norfolk branch took place last night at the scout hut on Beaulah Street, King’s Lynn. Obviously there are limits on what I can say about the meeting itself as some of the stuff talked about is confidential, but there is enough to say to make it worth posting about.

GETTING THERE

Although it was not very warm (this is an English October folks) I walked both ways, not being willing to fork over a bus fare for a journey of that length. For the walk there I headed across the upper Purfleet, down to the Tuesday Market Place and past St Nicholas Chapel to the town end of Bawsey Drain which I followed as far as Lynn Sport, from where I headed across open fields to the scout hut.

The moon over King's Lynn Minster, 6:15PM — The moon over King’s Lynn Minster, 6:15PM

The Corn Exchange lit up for the evening, circa 6:20PM

St Nicholas Chapel against the darkening skies a couple of minutes later.

AT THE SCOUT HUT

We were meeting in a small side room off the main meeting area in this building. Once I had taken a suitable place in the meeting room there were a few minutes to kill before things got properly underway, so I bagged a few more photographs.

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For reasons I have already given I am only going to a mention afew things from the meeting itself. Two very long-serving committee members were stepping down, and naturally this was marked with a public thank you…

Delores and Kim with their thank you gifts.

The new committee was chosen. Notable changes to the structure of the committee saw yours truly and Callum Brazzo (both adults who are #actuallyautistic) given roles as adult co-ordinators. As some of you on the other side of the Atlantic have reason to know, not all organisations which claim to be about helping autistic people are so good when it comes to actually involving autistic people in a meaningful way.

The new committee. Second from the right, in the black and green top is yours truly.

In April there will be an Auitism Awareness event taking place at thje Duke’s Head Hotel on the Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn. I will very likely be presenting a display the best of my photographs, probably as a slide show.

HOMEWARD BOUND

I headed back by the path I had not taken on the way there, and although it was of course pitch dark by this point I did get a few more pictures…

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A mallard drake taken at night without the use of the flash.

As we started with the Minster, so we finish there, with three shots of the son a lumiere display.

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Links, Pictures and a Test Match

A mixed bag – a brief account of test match, some very important links, especially regarding disability rights, and some photographs.

INTRODUCTION

The pictures and some brief comments on the Test Match that finished yesterday between England and Pakistan not withstanding, this is mainly a sharing post.

UNRESOLVED IN THE UAE

This is nominally a home series for Pakistan, being staged in the United Arab Emirates because Pakistan is still considered off-limits for security reasons. For four and a half of its allotted five days this match had all the makings of a high scoring bore draw, Shoaib Malik having scored 245 for Pakistan on pitch devoid of life and bounce, and Alastair Cook retaliating with a monumental 263 in 826 minutes for England who ended up leading by 75 on first innings. Then a combination of some horrendous misjudgments by the Pakistan batsmen and some good bowling, especially from leg spinner Adil Rashid (Yorkshire born and bred btw) left England with 99 to win, and they were within 25 of doing so when the light closed n sufficiently for the umpires to call a halt, it being at the same level it was when they had done so the previous evening. This is the second time in only just over two years that the current light rule has been horrendously shown up in a test match involving England – the other being at the Oval in 2013.

LINKS

The links I have for you today come in three sections…

DISABILITY RIGHTS

As some of you will be aware, Britain has recently achieved the unwelcome distinction of becoming the first country to be investigated by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. I have three links relating to this very important issue to share with you…

First, this wonderful piece from Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) which explains exactly why this investigation is happening.

Next comes this from disabilitynewsservice about the early stages of the investigative process.

Finally, comes the text of a question and where you can post it (as I have already done) to ensure that it gets asked at next Prime Minister’s Questions. The question we want to ensure that Mr Corbyn puts is:

The United Kingdom is currently being investigated by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities because of allegations of “grave and systematic” violations of disabled people’s human rights. Shamefully we are the First Country ever to face such an inquiry. The Inquiry itself is has been widely reported in the press and DWP have confirmed the inquiry was initiated by the campaign group Disabled People Against Cuts.

Will the Prime Minister now commit to the government publishing in full the findings of the committee when the report is sent to the government next year?

You can put the question on this link: http://www.labour.org.uk/your-PMQS

A COUPLE OF INTERNATIONAL LINKS

The bizarre situation at universities in Texas whereby one can carry a handgun concealed about one’s person with impunity but not a water pistol has provoked one very brave and principled professor to resign his position in protest. The full story has been covered by whyeveolutionistrue in this post. Here for you to view is the resignation letter itself:

Resignation Letter

My other international link comes courtesy of the wonderful Heather Hastie, whose blog I heartily recommend. This piece, under the heading “Winner of the Week” talks about the sadly endangered pangolin, taking a battering because of the vile superstition that its scales have medicinal qualities (I like to think that even if I was not allergic to woo this piece would have provoked the kind of reaction it did in me).

THE REMAINDER

Vox Political have been pursuing the DWP over claimant deaths for a very long time, and it now looks as though that department have landed themselves in a whole heap of trouble, as explained in this post.

Finally, a link to a piece in the Guardian about Jeremy Hunt (he of rhyming slang fame) and his current target, junior doctors.

PHOTOS

Today’s selection of photo’s also divides into two, starting with some of my usual pics from around King’s Lynn…

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My remaining pictures come from Your Inner Fish by Neil Shubin, one of the books mentioned in this post which I reblogged from whyevolutionistrue.

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Your essential evolution library

A very interesting account of some of the best books about evolution. I was personally gratified to note how many of them I have read!

Why Evolution Is True

by Greg Mayer

I frequently teach evolutionary biology in the spring semester, but for various reasons I will not be teaching it this coming spring. A few days ago, a student who wanted to take the course, but now couldn’t, asked what he could read in lieu of taking it. We discussed some suggestions, and then I sent him a copy of a chapter on “The evidence for evolution” that I’d written for The Princeton Guide to Evolution, edited by my friend and colleague Jon Losos. The point was not for him to read the chapter (although there’s nothing wrong with doing that!), but rather to send him the list of “Further Reading” that closed the chapter. The Guide is intended for students, and for scientists reading outside their specialties, so the recommended readings are not at a highly technical level, but can be edifying for any curious and…

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Birds and a Coin

Some photographic highlights from in and around King’s Lynn and a coin used as case study in editing techniques.

INTRODUCTION

This post features some of my recent pictures of King’s Lynn’s thriving bird life, and also some pictures of a coin that I use to demonstrate the different degrees of editing to which a picture might be submitted.

THE BIRDS

The title of this section both refers to its contents and pays tribute to Italian composer Ottorino Respighi one of whose pieces has this title. Every bird you see pictured here was within walking distance of my town centre flat, in some cases very close indeed.

Where the Nar flows into the Great Ouse - always a good spot for observing birds — Where the Nar flows into the Great Ouse – always a good spot for observing birds

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No cormorants this time, but these will feature later.

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The last two pictures you have seen were taken on the bridge over the upper Purfleet, separated from my flat by the length of a car park.

On Wednesday afternoon the cormorants were back in force - on both sides of the mouth of the Nar... — On Wednesday afternoon the cormorants were back in force – on both sides of the mouth of the Nar…

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The mouth of the Nar showing the cormorants on both sides.

SOME OTHER PHOTOS

Of course it was not only birds that caught the eye while I was out and about on these occasions…

The next two pictures show fallen leaves.

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Yes, even in October boats still moor on the Great Ouse

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A picture in my aunt's kitchen — A picture in my aunt’s kitchen

I carried this across from the neighbour with whom it had been left in my aunt's absence. Note that this delivery had been made on the Saturday and then look a the big sticker on top of the box! (and the box already had three extra bottles in it to compensate for previous blunders!) — I carried this across from the neighbour with whom it had been left in my aunt’s absence. Note that this delivery had been made on the Saturday and then look a the big sticker on top of the box! (and the box already had three extra bottles in it to compensate for previous blunders!)

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THE COIN

On Tuesday I happened to notice that one of the coins with which I was going to pay my bus fare was one that had been issued to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade, so I photographed it while waiting for the bus to arrive. Later while editing the shot I decided to use it to demonstrate various editing techniques…

This is the coin after cropping and sharpening.

This is the coin after my usual edit (shadow and highlights protection, lighting adjustment, sharpening and brightness for extra clarity.

This one features the use of colour boost as well (I almost never do this)

Finally this one also had the contrast enhanced (something I used to do regularly but now only do on rare occasions)

Banknotes, Bonds and Stamps

Some glimpses into James and Sons next live auction (October 28th, The Maids head Hotel, Norwich).

INTRODUCTION

This post deals with things I have been doing at James and Sons today. Before I go into the main meat of the post, the photographica that I have previously mentioned on a couple of occasions will be going under the hammer on November 25th. This auction on October 28th, which puts us back on shcedule after our previous auction happened six days later than planned is a small auction, but very high quality.

CHINESE BONDS

Lots 1-12 in this auction are old Chinese Government Bonds (I will be putting out an official press release tomorrow) ranging in face value from £100 to £1,000. Imaging these items took a lot of work, particularly lot 12.

1 (2) 1-a 2-a (2) 3-a 4 (2) 4-a (2) 5 (2) 5-a (2) 6 (2) 6-a (2) 7 (2) 7-a (2) 8 (2) 8-a (2) 9 (2) 9-a (2) 10 (2) 10-a (2) 11 (2) 11-a (2) 12-a

Lot 12 waqs so difficult because of the effect of overhead lighting on it (see earlier pic with coupons on display) that ultimately it had to be done in the kitchen with the light in that room switched off.

BANKNOTES

I only did a couple of banknotes today – producing smarter images of a couple that needed that treatment…

16-a 18-a 18-b

STAMPS

Although I did image some stamp lots day there will be far more about the stamps tomorrow when I have put out a press release about them. For the moment a handful of today’s images…

38-a 46-a

A full catalogue listing for this auction can be viewed at the-saleroom.com

My Life on Camera: A unique look into the world through the eyes of a person with Autism

I hope you will all join me in supporting this important project.

PoliticalSift

The following was written by Sib | @Film2240

I’m a professional filmmaker with autism. I’m also a full-time equality and disability rights campaigner who is passionate about making the world a better place for everyone. I am currently running a crowdfunding campaign and was wondering if you, the reader, could help me spread the word and help with my project.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a powerful story to tell about my life and after a year of planning and developing ideas, I came up with the idea for ‘My Life On Camera‘ – a unique look into the world through the eyes of a creative person with autism. As well as making my voice heard, I hope to inspire other people to make positive social changes worldwide.

I have produced many successful short films over the course of the last decade…

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Photographica

INTRODUCTION

Some of you may remember that a while back I wrote about having been assigned a project involving a ridiculously large amount of photographic kit in a post called Emails and Cameras. Since then I have completed the process of sorting through the stuff, describing, photographing etc. and this post is about that.

THE INITIAL DESCRIPTIONS

My initial listing ran to 65 lots, but I subsequently condensed it down to 21 lots. I decided that all the bags, flashbulbs etc that were not connected to particular cameras could go as one huge lot, while the bulk of the cameras were combined to make just four lots. Here are a few pictures to help tell the story…

This lot consists mainly of Kodak cameras.

Folding cameras are usually worth selling as individual items.

One of the Bencini Korolls in the sale - these cameras will sell as indvidual items. — One of the Bencini Korolls in the sale – these cameras will sell as indvidual items.

P39 - a P39 P49 - a P49 point and click Starmite and Polaroid

THE REST OF THE STORY

All that now remains is for these cameras to go under the hammer, hopefully on October 28th.

Why should a young person at the start of their life feel like they want to end it?

Please read and share this important story.

The poor side of life

Today was our usual Thursday afternoon outside the Jobcentre. The rain kept off and everyone was still in a fairly good mood. It had been a good weekend at the Manchester demonstrations and our visit from Natalie Bennett had given everyone a good morale boost. And quite rightly so, they deserved it. The team are amazing.

Not long after most of our regular attendees had arrived I received a telephone call. It was from a claimant at Ashton Jobcentre. They were panicking and I could hear them crying. I asked what was wrong and they said that they had received a letter stating that they had to attend a work programme course in a different town too far away to walk and they didn’t have enough bus fare to get there. They didn’t know how to get there.

I asked them if they could meet me outside the Jobcentre which…

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An Antique Railway Map

A post about my most recent acquisition.

INTRODUCTION

This is the story of Lot 51 at our last auction. I was immediately struck by it when imaging – no great surprise since I am an avid fan of both maps and railwayana.

IMAGING

This item was one of a number of railway themed lots that I imaged that day, but apart from lot 52, which also appealed none of the others caused me much pause. Here is the original image that I took then…

PUTTING A BID IN

When I checked the valuation of this and lot 52 I saw that both had a minimum estimate of £25, and realised that therefore I had to concentrate my attentions on just one of them, so went for lot 51. My parents are now registered with Air B and B, and a couple who had previously stayed there to house hunt were staying there again to view a property that they were particularly keen on. My mother arranged for the night’s rent to be paid to me in cash so that I would have the benefit of it (for which I am very grateful). Fortified by this knowledge I duly placed a bid of up to £30 on lot 51 (£30 plus Buyers Premium at 15% = £34.50 actual cost – and the nights rent was £35).

DISPLAYING AT THE VENUE

Although I had a personal interest as shown above, I was determined that this item should be on full view for all, and I believe that I positioned it well.

51 at auction

When it came to time for this lot to go under the hammer auctioneer David started the bidding at £25, and that was where it finished.

GETTING IT HOME

I looked after it with due care and attention, and when i got home I spread it out on the sitting room floor, anchoring the bottom end with a couple of weighty tomes…

51 spread out on floor at 117E

THE FINAL LOCATION

I had decided that this item needed to be out on display, and this is how I chose to display it…

51 in its new econiche

MORE ABOUT THE MAP

The map was created by John Bartholomew of the Edinburgh Geographical Institute, and the company whose advertisement appears at the top was incorporated in 1877. I also know from studying the London & Suburbs close up section that this particular map must be from before 1910 as it shows a connection that ceased operating that year. Don’t forget that in the not too distant future I will be launching the website londontu.be which will feature many pictures of maps and schematic disgrams. I end this post with a few more pics from the map…
London and Suburbs

	Thomas on World T20 Cup Underway
	Anna on World T20 Cup Underway
	London Underground t… on Project Piccadilly
	Thomas on All Time XIs – Detective…
	Anna on All Time XIs – Detective…