PORTUGUESE TIMOR, INCLUDING VIEWS OF THE CITY OF DILI. A COLLECTION OF 6 PHOTOGRAPHS, [C.1902]

6 gelatine silver prints, all mounted on thick card with decorative red border, (photographs, 145 x 205mm., mounts, 240 x 330mm.), housed together in brown portfolio, mounts slightly spotted 

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."

RARE VIEWS OF PEOPLE AND LANDSCAPES FROM PORTUGUESE TIMOR (Timor Leste), including the town hall and lighthouse of the capital, Dili. One photograph inscribed on verso "Dilly (Timor) 20. April 1902". Five signed "B. Marcal" in the negative. The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, was formerly known as Portuguese Timor. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in the area in 1515, and shortly after Dominican friars settled there. It was officially declared a colony in 1702. Some 270 years later in 1975, the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor declared its independence. Only nine days later, it was invaded by Indonesia. This started a long period of violent struggles for independence, something the country finally achieved in 2002.