Books, collectables and more

Many are from the private library of the late Robbie Schilz who was a keen collector of Africana and Anglo-Boer War books.

Collectors should be excited at the many scarce and unusual books to be found among the 281 lots offered in the first session.

The art books include Battiss ’75, a signed copy of Battiss’s Limpopo and the limited edition catalogue Walter Battiss: a private collection; Irmin Henkel and a deluxe edition of The Assassination of Shaka.

Included in the Anglo-Boer War books are a complete set of The Times history of the War in South Africa, a set of Brown’s War with the Boers – bound in khaki – and the Brenthurst Press two-volume set, The Siege of Mafeking. A number of limited edition books by Karel Schoeman are available and in good condition, as are complete sets of the Van Riebeeck Society Series.

Of special interest among the books on exploration and hunting in Africa is The life and explorations of Dr Livingstone, published in 1874 and leatherbound with metal edges and clasps and 20 lithographed plates.

Edwardian children’s books published by TC & EC Jack, and a Van Wyk Louw collection are also worth a look.

Autographs include Nelson Mandela, signed 10.3.97 on the cover of Time International, February 5, 1990; a title deed signed by Paul Kruger on 12.4.1898 and a first edition of My friends the baboons, signed by Eugéne Marais.

The collectables session of 110 lots starts at 1pm and features a variety of European porcelain, ceramics and Victorian glass, including a selection of noteworthy silver items, pre-war Persian and Rorkes Drift rugs and carpets, an early Victorian lady’s silver-mount vanity set, a compendium of games and a myriad of interesting items.

The next session at 4pm of Numismatics, South African coins and estate jewellery, includes a number of gold and silver pocket watches and a Rolex Prince wrist watch.

Among the 200 lots of South African paintings and sculptures on the evening auction are Gregoire Boonzaier’s cubist Still Life of Arum Lilies; Frans Oerder’s Marigolds and a large Bettie Cilliers-Barnard abstract oil, together with works by Iris Ampenberger and Adelio Zagni Zeelie.

Info:

> Download and view the catalogues at bernardi.co.za or call 012-342-3634 or 082-445-1156 for more info