Lot 192
  • 192

# - South Africa--the first batallion Scots Guards.

bidding is closed

Description

  • A large collection of photographs and a related book illustrating the campaign of the first batallion Scots Guards in South Africa, 1899-1902.
352 photographs in 10 photograph albums (plus some duplicates) illustrating the campaign in South Africa, with identification numbers on most



together with 49 loose photographs (27 duplicates) replicating images from the albums, closed tears to several photographs



Cuthbert, J.H. The 1st battalion Scots guards in South Africa 1899-1902. London: Harrison & Sons, [1903], oblong 4to (248 x 303mm.), numerous plain photographic illustrations, loosely inserted large coloured folding map showing the batallion's route, original dark green boards, upper cover gilt, a few pages creased, spine and lower cover detached

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Cuthbert's considerable achievement with the book of photographs was to gather together numerous images from seventeen different officers, largely from the Scots Guards, whose amateur photographs illuminate the campaign from the day of departure from Chelsea Barracks on 21 October 1899 through the battle of Modder river, and the daily routine in camps such as those at Magersfontein, Ferreira, Germiston, Silverton and Donkerhoek, and lengthy treks to such varied locations as Bloemfontein, Komati Poort and Pretoria until the Guards' review on Horse Guards' on 27 October 1902. As Cuthbert states in his brief introduction the photographs do not reveal the whole picture as they were largely taken on sunny and comparatively relaxing days. However, it is these moments of relaxation, with officers playing "Eton football" (actually what looks like a variation on the Wall Game), shaving and larking about whilst nude bathing, that are particularly interesting.

The images contained within the ten photograph albums, presumably part of a complete portfolio of campaign photographs available for perusal by potential buyers, possibly specifically members of the regiment, contain numerous photographs included in Cuthbert's published selection as well as many extra, unpublished, photographs of the various activities and deeds by the officers who counted amongst their number the iconic and controversial Robert Baden-Powell, in evidence here both as photographer and photographic subject.