Fortnightly House Clearance Auction

Fortnightly House Clearance Auction

Catalog

Lot 328: A Personal Mid-20th-Century Photo and Memorabilia Album of British Military and Naval Interest in India and Pakistan

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Start price: £5

Estimated price: £5 - £10

Buyer's Premium:

String-bound personal album with a textured grey-green cover, containing silver gelatin photographs, colour prints, and hand-drawn illustrations mounted on heavy cardstock. The content documents British military life and naval ceremonies in the mid-20th century, specifically within the Indian subcontinent. Notable subjects include military parades featuring the Baluchi and Punjab Regiments, the Armistice Parade at Karachi (referenced as November 1918/19), and architectural landmarks such as the Cenotaph in Karachi, the Hardinge Memorial in Madras, and a tomb in the Nilgiri Hills. A significant naval section details a pre-commissioning inspection by Admiral Sir Mark Pizey R.N., who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Navy between 1951 and 1955. Technical maritime photographs include a paravane mine-protection device. The album also contains two colour lithographic prints after the American illustrator Adolph Treidler, depicting the Bermuda Aquarium and another coastal scene, complemented by original hand-drawn maritime sketches in white ink. Each page is extensively captioned by hand.


Condition report:

Overall good vintage condition. The exterior cover exhibits minor shelf wear, age-related scuffing, and a small white auction lot sticker. Internal pages remain secure with expected edge wear and light toning. Photographs are generally well-preserved, though some show typical minor silvering or fading consistent with age.