Lot 1326

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

A fine set of four original and period second-generation photographs, each 8" x 10" b/w, all depicting a colonial school in Dar es Salaam, then the capital of German East Africa and currently the capital of modern Tanzania. The first photo offers a fine view of a classroom full of students seated in ranks of desks with their backs to the camera, with their white teacher at the head of the class. A student at the front of the room appears to be leading a language lesson, most likely in Swahili, while a blackboard beside the teacher conveniently gives the date in German "am 31 Marz 1903", and the location "Dar es Salaam" and "D.O.A." ("Deutsch-Ostafrika" or German East Africa). Portraits of Kaiser Wilhelm II and Empress Augusta Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein look over the scene. The stamp of Dar es Salaam photographer "Vincenti" appears at bottom right within the plate, with the date "1903", while the label "Reg. Schule" ("Regular School") appears at bottom left. This photo is mounted to a 12" x 9 1/4" album page, on the verso of which is affixed a second photo, an outdoor scene showing the white teacher standing beside his wife, who is seated at a table reading from a periodical. They are surrounded by their east African students, many of whom hold lesson books or small chalkboards, with a drum positioned at the center of the group. The third photo, affixed to a second album page, shows the teacher reviewing his students in ranks amongst a grove of palms. A group of students at left is outfitted as a fife and drum corps, smartly dressed in fezzes and epaulets, with a drum major at far left. The final photo, mounted to the reverse of the second album page, shows the teacher alone in a whitewashed room, surrounded by various souvenirs including skull and antler mounts, locally-made baskets, spears, clubs arrows and more. He reads the "Deutsche Ostafrika Zeitung" ("German East Africa Times"). This first photo, depicting the classroom, shows some small tears to the edges and slight silvering, while the album pages show chips overall, else very good. The photographs are accompanied by the skullcap of an Oryx, retaining its approx. 26" long ringed horns. The skullcap is mounted to an 8 1/4" dia. circular wood plaque, inscribed on the reverse: "18M Speissbock oder Sabilantilope [Oryx or Sable Antelope] H. Sch. No 4. 1895." While this display does not appear to match any of the teacher's trophies in the photo described above, it is likely a part of his collection. Also present is a 4" x 6 1/2" sepia cabinet card depicting a German colonial officer in uniform with rifle and binoculars, bearing the stamp of a Berlin photographer, with a slightly later book, "Deutsche-Sudwest im Weltkrieg 1914/15" ("German-Southwest in the World War 1914/15"), by Dr. Walther Suchier (Berlin: Ernst Siegfried Mittler und Sohn), 1918, 138pp. 8vo., a chronicle of World War I in Namibia, then the colony of German South West Africa. Shows many pencil notations within, with expected wear to the exterior, else very good. A fine colonial grouping.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

July 31, 2019 10:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000