April 2024
Eliot, T.S. Prufrock and Other Observations
28-04-24 Filed in: Books
Eliot, T.S. Prufrock and Other Observations & two typed letters signed by Eliot
London: The Egoist LTD (Oakley House, Bloomsbury Street), 1917. First Edition, First Printing. One of only 500 copies. In fine condition in fine original wrappers, which are protected by a glassine wrapper that was probably added later on. Brentano’s Bookseller label at the bottom of the inside of the rear wrapper, some light browning of the paper, but no inscriptions or flaws whatsoever, a split to the spine and weak inner hinges, but still a most beautiful, spectacular, unrestored copy of one of the most fragile books – nowadays it is called a pamphlet – of one of the milestones of Modernism. Housed in a custom clamshell box.
There has been a remarkable change in collectors’ appreciation of this book over the last 30 years: in the 90s you could get one of the 1’000 copies of The Waste Land in fine condition and fine dustwrapper for less than the price of a Prufrock. Nowadays, the price of The Waste Land has skyrocketed, while Prufrock’s has remained stable. Still, we would always prefer Prufrock. It has so many wonderfully memorable lines and worked its way into popular culture much more than The Waste Land.
This copy is accompanied by two typed letters signed by Eliot. Though they are not directly related to the book, they enhance the value of this copy to a great extent since they feature Eliot’s later role as an editor at Faber’s and his affinity to the French (Prufrock is dedicated to “Jean Vernal – 1989-1915” and contains a poem with the French title “Conversation Gallante”):
1. Faber and Faber, London, 13th of October 1943. One page, approximately 350 words, to the art scholar Hartley Ramsden explaining at some length a delay in the publication of her essay, apparently in an anthology: “I have your letter of the 5th October and am distressed to learn the facts which you set before me. […] The delay is entirely due to circumstances arising out of the war. The available printers have limited resources and we have to have those books printed first which are needed first, and after printing there are often similar delays owing to the difficulties of the binders.” The book which took precedence was Education through Art by Herbert Read, with whom Ramsden had been at handbags drawn the previous year in the pages of Cyril Connolly’s Horizon magazine. Folded twice for mailing else in nice condition.
2. Written in Eliot’s capacity as President of the Fédération Britannique des Comités de l’Alliance Française (and on their letterhead which I have not seen Eliot use before), 21st of October 1953. One page, approximately 100 words, to the historian Sir John Pollock: “I have read your letter [...] with much regret, and I know that my feelings will be shared by the other members of the Council. I must submit your letter for their consideration at our next meeting, and will convey their response to you in due course. I must say, however, that your scruples about replying to notices of meetings, and your compunction at having failed to answer owing to your absences abroad, seemed to me exaggerated, and I am sure that our colleagues will agree with me in deprecating your emphasis on this point.” Folded twice for mailing, short closed tear to left margin else in nice condition.
Price: CHF 45’000
Chaparral 2H – Can-Am Riverside 1969 – No. 7 – John Surtees
18-04-24 Filed in: Slot Cars
Chaparral 2H – Can-Am Riverside 1969 – No. 7 – John Surtees
Kit: Phoenix Racecars.
Body: Fibreglass (GFRP) with PET, resin and metal parts.
Chassis: Schöler Striker sidewinder, with 4 ball bearings, 3mm steel axles, custom rims, plastic gears and guide, Fox motor, and PU tires.
Weight: 187g.
Built by: Pit Schwaar to absolute perfection (body and chassis), signed and numbered “Pit 10906”.
Notes: The car is in perfect condition though it has been raced. It is one of the most challenging, detailed and spectacular models ever designed and built. Only 12 kits were produced and, when this model was bought new, it cost well over CHF 2’500 as it took Pit around 80 hours to build it. The 2H is probably the least liked of Hall’s creations hence its “doorstopper” moniker. It was not a success, and the drivers hated it. Still, it is a unique design and looks out of this world.
Price: CHF 2’000
Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato – 24h Le Mans 1961 – No. 2 – Jack Fairman & Bernard Consten
08-04-24 Filed in: Slot Cars
Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato – 24h Le Mans 1961 – No. 2 – Jack Fairman & Bernard ConstenKit: Phoenix Racecars.
Body: Resin with PET, resin and metal parts.
Chassis: Schöler sidewinder, with 4 ball bearings, 3mm carbon axle at the front and 3mm steel axle at the rear, highly detailed spoke wire rims, plastic gears and guide, Fox motor, and PU tires.
Weight: 182g.
Built by: Pit Schwar (body and chassis) to perfection and YGR (very minor details on the body).
Notes: The car is in perfect condition as it was never raced. If you would like to build this car yourself, we still have a mint kit at CHF 200. Again: please note that the colour matches the actual car when seen live.
Price: CHF 1’000
Four rare and beautiful James Bond novels by Ian Fleming
04-04-24 Filed in: Books
Fleming, Ian
1. Casino Royale. London: Jonathan Cape, 1953. First Edition, First Printing. A near fine copy in a near fine second issue dustwrapper (with Christopher Pym's review in the Sunday Times over-printed on front flap and "The Author" on the rear panel). A most collectable copy of this scarce title: no inscriptions or flaws, book and dustwrapper completely original, never ever having been touched by any restorer. Compared to the copies that have been on the market since 2015, this is one of the really desirable ones. Only 4728 copies (plus a few proofs and review ones) of the first edition were printed, 2400 of which came with the second state dustwrapper. Sadly, most collections of James Bond novels in first editions, first printings lack Casino Royale since its initial print-run was pretty low, sold out very fast and a considerable number of the very first edition went to libraries.
CHF 18’500
2. Goldfinger. London: Jonathan Cape, 1959. First Edition, First Printing. A near fine copy in a near fine dustwrapper which is darkened on the spine as usual.
CHF 1’800
3. Thunderball. London: Jonathan Cape, 1961. First Edition, First Printing. A near fine copy in a near fine dustwrapper which is darkened on the spine as usual.
CHF 800
4. The Spy Who Loved Me. London: Jonathan Cape, 1962. First Edition, First Printing. A near fine copy in a near fine dustwrapper which is darkened on the spine as usual.
CHF 500