Item 114 is an example of printing on a handkerchief. Evidently, it was intended for children, who carried handkerchiefs in those days. It served as a reminder of an important message. That message was do not drink. It shows two railroad workers talking, with two headings, Waste Not Want Not, and Swallowing a Yard of Land. The smart (i.e. temperate) worker explains to the other that they should not be wasting their money on beer, but instead use their money to buy land. That explains the statement "swallowing a yard of land." £250 (US $405).

 

Item 87 is a particularly elaborate handkerchief printing, from Philadelphia in 1824. It commemorates early, peaceful contacts between William Penn and the Delaware Indians. It depicts their treaty, with an oval picture of Penn meeting the Indians superimposed in the center. £1,500 (US $2,426).

 

Item 69 is a circa 1810 handbill from Edinburg, headed, Ladies and Gentleman, The Contents of this Bill are worthy your Attention. Comfortable Walking. D. Davis… Mr. Davis was an itinerant bunion remover. Or, as the bill explains, he was "The well known Extractor of Hard and Soft Corns, Bunions on the Great Toes, Root and Branch, without the least pain or drawing blood…" One wonders if "without the least pain" meant with the most pain. £250 (US $405).

 

Item 121 is a church pew ticket with a slight American connection. It was issued to one John Hodgson for a church in Whitehaven, England. It is signed by Ebenezer Gale, who, if there is such a relationship, could be described as George Washington's step-Great Uncle. Whitehaven was a source of trade with the Virginia colony, where Washington's grandmother, Mildred Warner, was born. She married Lawrence Washington and moved to England. They had three children, including George Washington's father, Augustine Washington. When Lawrence Washington died, Mildred remarried the signer of this document's brother, George Gale. The Gales brought up Washington's father in England for several years, but he and his siblings were later returned to Virginia after Mildred died. The rest, as they say, is history. £850 (US $1,373).

 

Samuel Gedge Ltd. Rare Books may be reached at +44 (0)1263 722 555 or rarebooks@samuelgedge.com. Their website is www.samuelgedge.com.