San Francisco ephemera charted historical path to success at PBA Galleries

‘Vue de San Francisco en 1860,’ published by Henry Payot, $10,625
‘Vue de San Francisco en 1860,’ published by Henry Payot, $10,625
‘Vue de San Francisco en 1860,’ published by Henry Payot, $10,625

BERKELEY, Calif. – On April 21, PBA Galleries offered a small but highly important group of maps, views, and pictorial letter sheets relating to the early history and later development of the city of San Francisco. The assemblage of graphic and cartographic material from the Charles Fracchia collection was gathered during half a century by one of the leading historians of the city. The results often exceeded the published presale estimates, but many of the items were of such rarity, even unique, that the estimates mostly served as starting points. In the end, all 134 lots sold – a white glove auction, the first in the 30-year history of PBA Galleries.

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SFO Museum focuses on ‘Antique Scientific Instruments’

Geissler tube rotator [with modern tube], late 19th century. James W. Queen & Company, Philadelphia, brass, mahogany, lacquer, glass, resin, iron, wire. Courtesy of Mark McElyea. L2021.1301.004a–b

Geissler tube rotator [with modern tube], late 19th century. James W. Queen & Company, Philadelphia, brass, mahogany, lacquer, glass, resin, iron, wire. Courtesy of Mark McElyea. L2021.1301.004a–b
Geissler tube rotator [with modern tube], late 19th century. James W. Queen & Company, Philadelphia, brass, mahogany, lacquer, glass, resin, iron, wire. Courtesy of Mark McElyea. L2021.1301.004a–b
SAN FRANCISCO – Curiosity & Discovery: Antique Scientific Instruments explores the beauty and allure of the tools scientists have used to learn more about our world. The exhibition mounted by the SFO Museum will run through April 3, 2022.

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