Another interesting collection is one of hairwork, probably belonging to a young girl in the 1850s. It consists of samples of hair from her friends which have been woven into various designs. This was a popular way of keeping remembrances of friends and family in the 19th century. Each lock has a name, and based on those family names, Wood concludes that the girl came from Clinton County, Iowa. Item 40. $1,100.

Item 55 is Wren’s City Churches by A.H. MacMurdo. This is a large paper copy of the 1883 first edition of this book which is generally regarded as the first appearance of Art Nouveau. The style would come into its own a decade later and reach its peak early in the 20th century. $2,500.

Charles Wood Antiquarian Booksellers is located on the internet at www.cbwoodbooks.com. Their phone number is 617-868-1711.