SPRINGFIELD ILLUSTRATED. :Photolithographs by James Dwyer Gill, early Publisher and Art Dealer in Springfield, Massachusetts.

A portfolio of 31 photolithograph plates (of 32 - lacking the last plate), each with a 6.5x8.5 inch image printed on a 11x14 heavy-stock sheet, and each with a protective tissue guard. Below each photolithograph image is printed "JAMES D. GILL. SPRINGFIELD, MASS." on the left side, and "LINOTYPE PRINTING CO., NEW YORK." on the right side. Someone (perhaps James Gill) has hand numbered each plate at the bottom right corner. In addition to the 31 photolithographs there are two introductory text sheets: a Preface sheet and an Index sheet. The plates are loose as issued and are held between a front and a rear cloth covered board. The boards' original string ties are lacking.

Condition: The boards holding the plates have spotting and wear, and are lacking their ties (as noted above), but are original and the gilt on the front board is bright. The two prelim text sheets have edge chips, a few small spots, and one has a two inch closed tear at the top. The 31 lithograph sheets are solid with just a bit of edgewear and a spot here and there (one has a small edge chip) All the sheets are lightly age toned, as normal. A few of the tissue guards are creased and one has tears and is laid-on loose. Most important, the IMAGES OF SPRINGFIELD ARE ALL LOVELY, clean, sharp and clear.

From the Preface sheet:

"This portfolio of thirty-two views [was] taken in the city of Springfield. // In preparation and execution of this work great care has been taken to have it of such excellence as to deserve the unqualified approbation of the most critical. // Judicious selections of subjects were made, embracing singly or in agreeable groups many of the important buildings and points of interest of the locality. The aim being to produce a series of views in every way reliable, whether in respect to fidelity of portraiture, artistic arrangements, or quality of finish. The aim I believe has been obtained. // "Springfield Illustrated" is published to meet a demand for local views of much higher order of artistic merit than have heretofore appeared. The process is that of Photolithotype... // Respectfully, James D. Gill, 1882."

RARE. Copies hardly ever show up for sale. OCLC only lists two holdings, one at the State Library of Massachusetts, and one at the Western Reserve Historical Society Library.

About JAMES DWYER GILL (from the Smithsonian Institution and Frick Collection websites):

******James Dwyer Gill, b.1849 d.1937, was a Springfield, Massachusetts, art dealer, collector, stationer, bookseller, and publisher. He was one of the first dealers to specialize in American art and sold paintings, engravings and photographs. He exhibited work by, among others, Col. James Fairman, Frederick E. Church, James M. Hart, Walter Shirlaw, Edgar M. Ward, J. G. Brown, A. F. Bellows, A. H. Wyant, M. F. H de Haas, Winslow Homer, F. A Bridgman, and George Inness.

He published a number of city "view" books, the most notable being that of his home town, Springfield, Massachusetts, titled: "Springfield, Illustrated", published in 1882.******

INTERNATIONAL BUYERS PLEASE NOTE: This portfolio of plates will require additional shipping charges. After placing your order you will be notified of the charges and be able to accept or reject them before payment is taken. Thanks!

WOUNDED SOLDIER'S WWI FRENCH HOSPITAL PHOTO ALBUM - YVETOT HOPITAL DE L'ALLIANCE c.1914. Likely the album of JOSEPH BROSSARD, 7th ZOUAVE BATAILLON, 6th Compagnie, who apparently spent time at the hospital recovering from wounds. There are two handmade cards related to him in the album.

Flexible covers, decorated cloth, cord bound, 7x9 inches (18x23.5 cm) oblong, photos mounted on heavy stock leaves, most with tissue guards, approximately 24 leaves (48 pages). There are 18 photographs plus two handmade cards. Most of the photos are glued-in, the cards are laid-in. Twenty of the album's pages have photos or cards, the rest are blank.

There are twelve (12) photographs of nurses, patients and various other shots taken inside the hospital, varying in size from 2.75x4.75 to 4.75x5.75 inches. There are also six (6) other photographs of people who appear unrelated to the hospital, a man sowing seeds, a mother and child, two men in old traditional garb, a portrait of a woman who appears to be a matriarch of some sort, etc.

There are also two handmade cards laid-in. One card has the name of a soldier: Joseph Brossard, 7th Zouave, 6th Battalion, along with a bit of writing in French; and the other card - somewhat tattered - also has the name Joseph Brossard, and a decorative title: "Souvenir de 1914-1915".

These are unique photos of the Nurses and Patients at the Yvetot Hospital during WWI, plus two "I was there" handmade cards of one of the wounded soldiers whose album this likely was. Though real photo postcards of the Yvetot hospital can be found, these original photographs are unique.

GOOD condition: A few of the photographs are lightly faded, most are bright and sharp. The loose photo of two men in traditional garb has some tears. One of the handmade, hand colored, personal cards is in GOOD condition, solid but showing some age, the other card is torn and ragged along the edges but still lovely and informative.

A unique item related to the important WWI Yvetot Hospital, and Joseph Brossard of the infamous Zouave Battalions.

1891 Photo Album with 26 Original Albumen Photographs Depicting Two Significant Mountaineering Expeditions Summiting both Mount Rainier in 1890 and Mount Baker in 1891, and Early Images of the Cascade Mining District circa 1890. The pioneering photographers were William Oscar Amsden (1862-1942) and Hobart Clark of Seattle. These photographs are of historical importance for a number of reasons: the Mount Baker Series were the first photographs taken at the top of the summit; The Mount Rainier Series was crucial in marshaling support for establishing Mount Rainier as a National Park (this expedition included Fay Fuller who was the first woman to summit Mount Rainier); the Cascade Mining Series depict one of the oldest mining districts in Northern Washington, discovered by the Rouse brothers who made the first major discovery of ores on the edge of Doubtful Lake.

Photograph Album. Oblong, textured brown cloth covered boards, 12.75" x 10", lace bound, embossed gilt printing on the cover, 26 board leaves, the photographs range from 9" x 7" to 9.75" x 7.5", mounted on 11.5" x 9.75 cream board, 25 of the photographs are mounted on one leaf, one is mounted on a verso. Captions at the bottom in the negative. GOOD CONDITION: wear/staining to the covers, spine covering tearing at the margins but still holding, gilt remains bright, internally, waviness, light shorelining and light foxing to the boards. The photographs are mostly clean, clear and legible, some toning, fading, a few small stains/abrasions. Scarce.

MOUNT RAINIER SERIES: Photographs documenting the glaciers, summit, and natural scenery of the 1890 Mt. Rainier summit bound expedition led by Reverend Ernest C. Smith. The party included Fay Fuller, Leonard Longmire, William O. Amsden, and Robert R. Parrish. Fay Fuller was the first woman to ascend Mount Rainier. Amsden had a heavy 8x10 camera. Shortly after the climb Amsden produced his series of Mount Rainier photographs. Expedition leader Smith wrote of the series "Amsden's photographs have a historic interest. Without them there would have been no illustrated lecture in Washington at the crucial time for the proposed park."

this underscores how the Mount Rainier National Park idea was rooted in the physical and aesthetic experience of climbing the mountain. The arguments that were marshaled in support of Mount Rainier National Park during the 1890s helped shape the national park idea at a crucial time.

CASCADE MINING DISTRICT SERIES: Photographs document the mines, miners, and natural scenery of the mining district. The Cascade Mining District is one of the oldest mining districts in northern Western Washington, dating its formal organization to September, 1889. Prospectors George Rouse and John Rouse, traveling from the west over Cascade Pass made the first major discovery when they located ores on the edge of Doubtful Lake.

MOUNT BAKER SERIES: Photographs document the ascent of Mt. Baker led by Valentine V. Lowe in June-July 1891. Photos include: men with alpenstocks amongst trees; men waving flag and hats on summit. The expedition party included photographer William O. Amsden, Henry Lowe, Ed. Whitstruck, Percival J. Parris, G. W. Smith, Tom Scatbo, and photographer Hobert Clark. These photographs are the first ever made with a camera on the top of Mt. Baker.

SHOWA SHASHIN ZENSHIGOTO (PHOTOGRAPHY of the SHOWA ERA).

15 MONOGRAPHS presenting the work of 15 noted JAPANESE PHOTOGRAPHERS of the Showa Era 1926-1989. A complete set of this important Japanese photography monograph series.

Published by Asahi Shimbun Sha, Tokyo, Japan, 1982-1984. First editions. TEXT in JAPANESE.

15 volumes. Softcovers / Wrappers with pictorial dustjackets, 9.5 x 11.75 inches (24 x 29.5 cm), approximately 125-150 pages per volume. Original obi bands are on 14 of the 15 monographs. FULLY ILLUSTRATED with b&w and color photographs.

The 15 monographs are:

Monograph (Series) 1: Shotaro AKIYAMA. Monograph (Series) 2: Yoshikazu SHIRAKAWA. Monograph (Series) 3: Tadahiko HAYASHI. Monograph (Series) 4: Shoji OTAKE. Monograph (Series) 5: Ken DOMON. Monograph (Series) 6: Yoichi MIDORIKAWA. Monograph (Series) 7: Jun MIKI. Monograph (Series) 8: Masaya NAKAMURA. Monograph (Series) 9: Ikko NARAHARA. Monograph (Series) 10: Shoji UEDA. Monograph (Series) 11: Shiro SHIRAHARA. Monograph (Series) 12: Takamasa INAMURA. Monograph (Series) 13: Shinzo MAEDA. Monograph (Series) 14: Taikichi IRIE. Monograph (Series) 15: Shomei TOMATSU.

CONDITION: The issues and their dustjackets are all in VERY GOOD condition, the inner hinge of a few issues has split where the issues were over-opened but the signatures are sewn bound and always holding well; otherwise the issues are bright, clean, clear and unmarked. The obi bands are all in GOOD condition, with some general wear and a few creases and closed tears here and there; one obi band is lacking as noted above. Overall a lovely, complete set.

INTERNATIONAL BUYERS PLEASE NOTE: This collection of 15 monographs is very heavy and will require substantial additional shipping charges. After placing your order you will be notified of the additional charges and be able to accept or reject them before your payment is processed. Or you can contact us ahead of time to find out the shipping charge to your country. Thanks.

LOS QUE VIVEN EN LA ARENA [Those Who Live In The Sand]. PHOTOGRAPHS by GRACIELA ITURBE with TEXT by LUIS BARJAU. This is the second book of photographs by Graciela Iturbe, following "Avándaro" in 1971. Text in Spanish.

MEXICO: Instituto Nacional Indigenista (INI-FONAPAS), 1981. First and Limited Edition, one of 2000 copies, as stated on the Colophon page (the last page). ISBN: 9688220159.

Softcovers, 8x10.5 inches (20x27 cm), 74 pages. Illustrated throughout with Iturbe's b&w photographs.

VERY GOOD condition: The covers have shelf rubs, light edge toning and signs of handling, otherwise tight, bright, clean and unmarked. A solid, nice copy.

SCARCE - This early and important work by Graciela Iturbide has become very difficult to find.

About GRACIELA ITURBIDE (extracts from Wikipedia and Other Internet Sites):

******Graciela Iturbide, b.1942, is a Mexican photographer. Her work has been exhibited internationally and is included in the permanent collections of many major museums, including MOMA, LACMA, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the J. Paul Getty Museum, and the Centre Georges Pompidou.

In 1978, Iturbide was commissioned by the Ethnographic Archive of the National Indigenous Institute of Mexico to work on a series about Mexico's Seri Indians who lived in the Sonoran desert along the Arizona/Mexico border. She was in Punta Chueca for a month and a half working on the series. There were about 500 people within the community. It was while working for this series that her photograph called "Mujer Ángel" was taken. The image depicts a Seri woman walking towards a cave carrying a boombox, looking as if she could fly off into the desert sky.******

METAL-CLAD BLIMP ZMC-2 One of Only 4 Metal Hulled Blimps Ever Built

One of Only 2 Metal Hulled Blimps Ever Flown

METALCLAD AIRSHIPS. Presentation book promoting the first Metal-Clad blimp, with photographs showing the development, production and test flight of the ZMC-2 "Metalclad". Includes THIRTY-FOUR (34) ORIGINAL, GLOSSY, LINEN-BACKED 8x10 PHOTOGRAPHS of the ZMC-2 "METALCLAD" BLIMP as it was being developed and tested as a prototype for the U.S. Navy, which was expected to order a fleet of ZMC-2 blimps for military purposes. However, only ONE ZMC-2 metal-clad blimp was ever built. This one.

Presentation book, flexible leather boards, with title page, information sheet, and 34 linen backed photographs bound in. Each photograph is stamped on the linen backing "KALEC INC. / DETROIT". Kalec was an early Detroit photography company.

An 8x10 inch metal sample of the "Alclad Sheet" used on the hull of the ZMC-2 is laid in loosely at the front (it was bound in at the front but became disbound at some point).

Published by the Detroit Aircraft Corporation, circa 1929 for the purpose of promoting its metalclad blimps.

GOOD Condition: A few of the photos and the title page have some soiling, the metal sample of the hull is disbound, as noted above, overall a complete and amazing look at the production stages of a metal clad dirigible.

About METAL-CLAD AIRSHIPS (from Wikipedia):

******Metal-clad airships are airships which have a very thin airtight metal envelope, rather than the usual fabric envelope. Only four ships of this type are known to have been built, and only two actually flew: Schwarz's aluminum ship of 1893 collapsed on inflation; Schwarz's second airship flew at Tempelhof, Berlin in 1897, landed but then collapsed; the ZMC-2 that was ever manufactured flew 752 flights between 1929 and scrapping in 1941; while the Slate City of Glendale, was built in 1929 but never flew.

From the Presentation Book's Information Sheet:

******U.S. NAVY ZMC-2 // The photographs which follow describe the progressive steps in the construction of the world's first METALCLAD AIRSHIP, built at Grosse Ile Airport, Detroit, Michigan, for the U. S. Navy by the Aircraft Development Corporation, division of Detroit Aircraft Corporation. This first successful application of all metal construction to rigid airships is the result of the cooperation of the Federal Government with private initiative.

The first rivet was driven in the bow section of the hull on March 7, 1928, and the ship was completed and inflated with helium seventeen months later. On August 19, 1929, the ZMC 2 made its first test flight of 49 minutes and 55 seconds.

Included with these photographs is a sample of the machine riveted ALCLAD sheet with which the hull of the ship is covered. The diffusion of helium through the riveted seams is considerably less than through goldbeater skin. Its resistance to fatigue from vibration has been successfully demonstrated.

The METALCLAD ZMC-2 is the first all American conceived, American designed and American built rigid airship. As an experimental unit, it has a displacement of only 200,000 cubic feet and is too small for extended military and commercial uses. In its larger sizes [which were in development by the Detroit Aircraft Corporation but later abandoned], it is destined to play an important role in the general advancement and prosperity of our country.

Compliments of DETROIT AIRCRAFT CORPORATION [no relation to the Detroit Aircraft Company incorporated in 2011].******

EXHIBITION POSTER featuring a RISQUE ROARING 20s PHOTOGRAPH by ALBERT ARTHUR ALLEN. The photograph shows a line of NUDE WOMEN in a stylized pose. The photograph was likely taken in the midst of the Roaring Twenties when Albert Arthur Allen was most active (and at his most scandalous).

Poster, 20x24 inches, mounted onto stiff card backing. Will be mailed flat. Ready to be framed.

Published in 1978. The bottom right corner of the poster states "Copyright 1978 Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Titelman". It is presumed this was a poster announcing an upcoming exhibition of Allen's photographs that took place in 1979.

VERY GOOD condition, there is a very light 1x2 inch water stain at the bottom margin, otherwise bright, clean and clear.

This poster is much more uncommon than the "Chorus Line" poster that appears for sale from time to time.

About ALBERT ARTHUR ALLEN (from Wikipedia):

******Albert Arthur Allen, b.1886 d.1962, was an American figure photographer and film director known for nude portraiture.

Allen was born to a wealthy New England family in 1886, and was educated in Boston. At the age of twenty-one, he moved to California and spent years traveling and studying art. In 1916, he opened the Allen Art Studios in Oakland, California. The studio later became known as the Allen Institute of Fine and Applied Art, before it was destroyed by a fire in 1925. The following year, Allen rebuilt the studio and called it the Classic Motion Picture Corporation, a venture that lasted two years before declaring bankruptcy.

A motorcycle accident in 1923 left Allen permanently disabled, but he continued to work. His nude photographs were considered scandalous by American standards during the Roaring Twenties. He was indicted for sending obscene materials through interstate mail, and spent years in litigation.

Little is known about Allen's later life. His first commercial exhibition did not take place until 1979, seventeen years after his death. Allen died in Hayward, California, at the age of 75.******

Scarce 1949 Vintage Photograph HAND SIGNED By OSCAR PETTIFORD in black ink directly on the image " 1944 / Oscar Pettiford / 1955 "

This striking photograph of renowned Bebop Jazz Bass Player Oscar Pettiford is from the iconic 1949 record album THE JAZZ SCENE (Mercury Records, Limited to 5000 copies) and shot by noted Photographer and Filmmaker Gjon Mili (Jammin' The Blues). Printed black & white photo off-set lithograph, 12" x 13.25", upper white margin with binding holes as issued (the Jazz Scene album was made in a notebook style binding allowing the owner to move or rearrange the records, artwork, photos and text.) ALSO INCLUDED are FOUR ADDITIONAL RARE PHOTOGRAPHS (unsigned) from the Jazz Scene Album and shot by Gjon Mili: LESTER YOUNG, RED CALLENDER'S hand on his double bass, and two photographs of CHARLIE PARKER. The Five Photographs are all in VERY GOOD CONDITION: some light wear, a touch of age toning, otherwise solid and bright, and Oscar Pettiford's original signature is bold and bright.

OSCAR PETTIFORD (1922-1960) legendary American Jazz Bassist, Cellist and Composer was only 37 years old when he died. Pettiford remains a unique and eminent figure whose musical influence resonates even more today. Born on a reservation in Oklahoma to a Choctaw mother and African American Cherokee father, he came of age during the bebop era becoming a leading innovator of the newly emergent avant-garde jazz scene.

Gjon Mili (1904-1984) Important Jazz Photographer and Filmmaker whose work changed the history of jazz on film.

Two historic circa 1880 photographs of an early and notable HAYWARD, CALIFORNIA settler, OTIS HILL, and what appears to be his young daughter, in front of their house at "Willow Tree Farm" in what was then called HAYWARDS, California.

Two photographs, one 6.5x8.5 inch and one 6x8 inch, both mounted on 11x14 inch card mounts. Written on the backside of each mount is: "WILLOW TREE FARM / OTIS HILL / HAYWARDS / CAL." The fact that the photograph identifies the town as "Haywards" allows the photograph to be dated from between 1876 and 1880. (The town was incorporated in 1876 and given the official name HAYWARDS, but a few years later, circa 1880, the "S" was dropped and the town became HAYWARD.)

VERY GOOD condition: The mounts are lightly soiled, have some edge and corner wear, and a few smallish stains to the backsides; one mount has a clipped corner. The photographs are lovely with just a few light rubs and a couple small superficial scrapes.

How HAYWARDS California became HAYWARD California (from the City website):

******Hayward was originally known as "Hayward's", then as "Haywood", later as "Haywards", and eventually as "Hayward". On his way from gold country to San Francisco in 1851,a failed prospector named William Hayward passed through what is now downtown Hayward. He liked what he saw and bought some land. In 1852, Hayward set up a small general store at the corner of A Street and Mission Boulevard. The store became a major stop on the road from Oakland to San Jose. Hayward expanded his business, erecting a lodging house that grew to become the famous Hayward's Hotel. When the town was incorporated on March 11, 1876, it was officially named "Haywards" after the landmark hotel. The "s" was dropped several years later.******

About OTIS HILL of HAYWARDS, California (from History of the State of California & Biographical Record of Coast Counties, California, Pages 1189-1190. The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904.):

******Prominent among the pioneer residents of Alameda county is OTIS HILL, a venerable and highly respected agriculturist, whose ranch is located about one mile from the city of Hayward. In the development of this section of the county, and in the advancement of its welfare, he has been an important factor. Coming here a full half century ago, he, with the other early settlers of this locality, bravely endured the hardships and privations of pioneer life. Mr. Hill was born, September 21, 1827, in Lockport, N.Y., a son of Orson Hill.

Coming to California by the Nicaragua route in 1855, he located in Hayward's, where he had a brother living. In 1856 Mr. Hill bought, for $900, one hundred and thirty acres of land in the Castro valley. Some time during the sixties he got the Spanish grant title to two hundred acres. He has now in his home ranch many acres of valuable land, supplied with water from a spring, and lying on the line of the Haywards and Oakland Electric line, a most favorable location. He carried on general farming, paying special attention to the cultivation of fruits, and is quite successful. He also has a valuable gravel pit, which is a source of considerable revenue.******

Album Filled with Candid Snapshots of Movie Stars and Directors On Set. Ann Baxter, Brad Dexter, Henry Fonda, Victor Mature, Gene Tierney, Robert Stack, Tyrone Power, Bob Adler, Bob Arthur, Robert Mitchum, Clark Gable, Dana Andrews, Caesar Romero, Dean Stockwell, Anne Revere, Richard Widmark, Jean Peters, Etc. 1940's - 1950's.

88 PHOTOGRAPHS, many with some information handwritten on the bottom edge or sometimes on the photo itself, most measure 3x4 to 3.5x 5 inches, a few smaller. The photos are glued onto the black photo album pages.There are also two loose 8x10 photos.

Condition: The photographs in the album are bright and clear, except for a couple that are age toned. Both of the loose 8x10 photos have creases, one has a stiff crease where it was folded in half and has a coffee stain to its top edge. All the photos have been glued onto the black album pages.

Rare and Unique collection of candid snapshots of Hollywood Stars of the 40s and 50s on set.