China National Aviation Corporation

Oblong folio (283 x 340mm.), LIMITED TO 20 NUMBERED COPIES, THIS COPY UNNUMBERED, PRESENTATION COPY TO THE DUTCH AMBASSADOR TO CHINA, 4 leaves of letterpress, 37 matt silver prints (average 190 x 240mm. (two 120 x 190mm.), or the reverse), mounted on thick card, recto and verso, printed captions in English and Chinese on the mount, 2 tables, and 2 maps, publisher's black calf, upper cover with gilt emblem of the China National Aviation Corporation to centre, flat spine, binding slightly rubbed

Willem J.R. Thorbecke, Dutch ambassador to China (presentation note signed by the head of China National Aviation Corporation, and Thorbecke's name stamped in gilt on upper cover; Thorbecke's initials mis-spelt as 'W.J.A.')

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."

A RARE ALBUM, presented to the Dutch ambassador Willem Thorbecke, who was in China in the 1930s; his wife, Ellen (née Catleen), wrote a number of books about the country. The album's preface states that the photographs were supplied by Mr A.M. Chapelain, postal commissioner at Shanghai 'from a collection assembled over a period of 30 years.' The images show unusual views taken throughout China including scenes of Guizhou, the rapids on the Yangtze, Henan province, Sichuan and elsewhere. They depict the wide variety of methods of transporting mail, including by boat, animal, air, and on foot; one image shows a courier being hauled by rope over a city wall, another with a courier on a donkey, another shows a camel train. The images also depict a large number of different aircraft and aerodromes in China. The photographs also show Pan-Am aircraft in the U.S.A., including a plane over Washington D.C., another over New York, and a view of the Pan American airport at Miami, Florida.