Chongqing--Carruthers, A.G.H.

4to (288 x 178mm.), 45 gelatin silver prints (mostly 107 x 146mm., one larger), corner mounted on card, nearly all images captioned in pencil on the mount, the whole folding concertina-style, contemporary patterned silk boards, occasional minor fading, binding slightly rubbed

A.G.H. Carruthers (pencil note on inside cover), inscribed in ink 'Chungking, 1896'

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."

UNCOMMON IMAGES. The album shows views and formal group photographs in and around Chongqing (Chungking), which by 1896 was already an open port and Customs station. A note in the album states it was owned by Carruthers, who presumably took the photographs, and who had joined the Chinese Maritime Customs service as a 4th Assistant B, in June 1889; he was invalided out in January 1921 from Shanghai, by which time he was a deputy commissioner. The album also includes images of F.E. Woodruff, an American, who joined the Customs service in August 1865 as a 4th Assistant, and who resigned in March 1897, with the rank of Commissioner from Ichang.