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Gutzon Borglum-inscribed original gelatin silver photograph of the construction of Mount Rushmore, est. $1,000-$1,500

American visions and vistas abound at PBA Galleries, Aug. 11

Sheila Gibson Stoodley
Sheila Gibson Stoodley
Gutzon Borglum-inscribed original gelatin silver photograph of the construction of Mount Rushmore, est. $1,000-$1,500
Gutzon Borglum-inscribed original gelatin silver photograph of the construction of Mount Rushmore, est. $1,000-$1,500

BERKELEY, Calif. – On Thursday, August 11, PBA Galleries will host a sale of more than 450 lots of material showcasing the history of the Americas and of the vast expanses of the globe. Early exploration and colonization, along with the political conflicts, economic developments and societal clashes that accompany them are revealed in the lots on offer. These include written accounts, drawn and photographed prints, scarce ephemera and maps that chronicle the unknown lands’ gradual reveal. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

The deluxe manuscript edition of The Writings of John Muir is a highlight from the Americana section of the sale. Consisting of 10 volumes in original half morocco and cloth, it is one of 750 sets and contains a manuscript leaf from The Mountains of California bound into Volume I. The set is estimated at $5,000-$8,000.

‘Writings of John Muir’ in 10 volumes, with manuscript leaf, est. $5,000-$8,000
‘Writings of John Muir’ in 10 volumes, with manuscript leaf, est. $5,000-$8,000

An original gelatin silver photograph of workers on scaffolding, carving the portraits of Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln into Mount Rushmore, also graces the auction. A signed inscription by sculptor Gutzon Borglum, who masterminded the project, is found at the bottom center. The photograph carries an estimate of $1,000-$1,500.

Commodore Perry’s expedition narrative on China and Japan, signed, with scarce nude bathing plate, est. $2,500-$3,500
Commodore Perry’s expedition narrative on China and Japan, signed, with nude bathing plate, est. $2,500-$3,500

An exploration highlight is the first edition of Commodore M.C. Perry’s Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan. The three volumes are illustrated with tinted lithograph plates, engraved maps, woodcut star charts, a scarce nude bathing plate and also a signature of Perry. It is estimated at $2,500-$3,500.

Lithographed 1881 birds-eye view of Asbury Park, New Jersey, the birthplace of Bruce Springsteen, est. $2,000-$3,000
Lithographed 1881 birds-eye view of Asbury Park, New Jersey, the birthplace of Bruce Springsteen, est. $2,000-$3,000

Other notable offerings include a compilation of writings by Thomas Jefferson containing a facsimile of the draft of the Declaration of Independence, estimated at $5,000-$8,000, as well as a lithographed 1881 bird’s-eye view of Asbury Park, New Jersey by T.M. Fowler, with five inset views of buildings and other features of what is most famous as the birthplace of Bruce Springsteen. The antique lithograph is estimated at $2,000-$3,000.

For more information about upcoming sales, to schedule a Zoom preview or phone bidding for a future auction, please contact PBA Galleries at 415-989-2665 or pba@pbagalleries.com.

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