By Bruce McKinney

Part I of the Rare and Historic Book Collection of the Springfield Museums of Springfield, Massachusetts is up for auction on May 27th at Knotty Pine Auction Service in New Hampshire. Much of the material is marked ex-lib and condition is for many lots an issue. Nevertheless there are unusual rarities that warrant consideration. This is the first of a series of sales to disperse substantial holdings.

The material was acquired in the 19th century and was for many years part of museum resources. They are being sold to raise funds for future museum projects and Knotty Pine Auction Service of West Swanzey, New Hampshire is handling the sales.

Because of the complex, sophisticated and in many cases rare nature of the material full electronic catalogues are being prepared. The first sale, containing 310 lots, has been documented and researched by Kathleen Pew who has worked on this project for several months.

Among the interesting items are --

[000026] Braund, J.. Illustrations of Furniture, Candelabra, Musical Instruments From the Great Exhibitions of London & Paris with Examples of Similar Articles From Royal Palaces and Noble Mansions. London: J. Braund, 1858. First Edition. Elephant Folio - over 15" - 23" tall. Ex-Library. Very Good condition. 1p. l., 3, 1 subscribers (Prince Albert listed first), 48 engraved plates. Bound in 3/4 buckram and marbled paper, leather paste-on spine label with gilt. Covers show edge wear. BINDING AND HINGES TIGHT. EST: $1600.00 - $2,000.00

[000044] Garnier, Edouard [with historical Introduction by]. The Soft Porcelain of Sevres - 10 Parts in 1. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1891. Elephant Folio - over 15" - 23" tall. Ex-Library. Very Good condition. LIMITED TO 283 EDITIONS, this being #21. 32pp text, 50 chromolithographic plates enhanced with gold, & captioned tissue guards. Plus 250 water-colour subjects after the originals. Ten parts in one, unbound in cloth portfolio with ties. EST: $2500.00 - $3,000.00

[000056] Bull-Us, Hector [pseudonym for Paulding, James Kirke]. The Diverting History of John Bull and Brother Jonathan. New York: Inskeep & Bradford, 1812. First Edition. 24mo - over 5" - 5 3/4" tall. Ex-Library. Good condition. 135pp bound in 3/4 leather and marbled paper. Cover show wear, front cover detached, light foxing. SCARCE. EST: $400.00 - $600.00