Arthur W. Erickson, Inc.

Unwritten History

John Henley — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:39:36 +0000

Unwritten History/ Life Amongst the Modocs by Joaquin Miller, published by American Publishing Company, Hartford, 1874. This copy contains the advertisement for Josh Billing’s new book illustrated by Thomas Nast in the catalog of forthcoming books and according to Jacob Blanck, renders the book as State B of the 1st American Edition. This copy is inscribed and dated by “Joaquin Miller.”

Miller was a controversial character in his own life time and remains something of an enigma in ours. Oregon printer, George Himes, said of Miller: ”He was fully human, and not in the highest sense.” Ambrose Bierce accused Miller of being a pathological liar.

This book chronicles Miller’s youthful adventures among the Indians of Northern California, most notably the Modoc. Though one may question the accuracy of the story telling, it is too early to ignore as a source. Regardless of its veracity, it holds value for its beauty, advocacy for the rights of Native Americans, and because its author was such a character. Three quarter leather bound with marbled endpapers. $750

U.S.S. Wyoming Scrapbook

John Henley — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:11:28 +0000

This scrapbook was assembled by a sailor aboard the Maryland’s Trans-Pacific Cruise in 1924-1925. Of note are the unusual photographs of the sea-plane and photographs of the U.S.S. Maryland at sea, in dry-dock, and in action. There are over one hundred images, including postcards, as well as over 30 photographs of the Maryland’s Trans-Pacific cruise through the Panama Canal. A rare look at the gray lady who survived Pearl Harbor and got to avenge her sisters of the 7th Fleet in the largest naval engagement in history, Leyte Gulf. Many images are damaged and are loose from their paper frames ca 1924. B&W images. $1000.

Photographs of old Nunivak Island

John Henley — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 15:37:58 +0000

68 snapshots and photographs of people and sights of old Nunivak Island circa 1924-1926. Helen C. Bird and her husband, Irving, went to the second largest island in the Bering Sea to build a schoolhouse on the shores of Nash Harbor where they would teach English to the Tulksak and Quiglinguk peoples living there. This collection is the photographic archive of their experience. There are so many cool images: Helen holding a litter of husky puppies; Irving holding up a freshly caught seal; men in kayaks going out to meet an incoming ship; Helen with a reindeer team pulling the sleigh; the construction of the schoolhouse, but most of all, the beautiful men and women, and their children, living on the island. The photos are mostly 5 1/2″ by 3 1/2″ with some as large as 7″ by 5.” There are about eight duplicate images. The condition varies, but is generally good. $1000.

A Gold Coin for Being Physically Fit

John Henley — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:57:39 +0000

Only in Sweden! A gold medallion coin awarded for Physical Fitness and awarded by King Gustaf V to his physically fit subject, Erik Axel Nylen. The large coin is 22.5 ct. and is not attached to the larger ribbon. The smaller ribbon has a tiny gold medal for physical fitness and enamel inlaid on a golden cross. The small ribbon’s threads have come undone and the small medal, though present, has become detached. The large coin is 1/34″ diameter. The small medal is 3/4″ diameter. The reproduced photographic image is of Axel, who is indeed very fit to be tied with his ribbons. A must for any University of Oregon Duck Fans! Cons EL # 1 $2,500

Moorhouse Photograph

John Henley — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 18:27:52 +0000

A colored photograph of unidentified Native American man in war-bonnet and posing with his bow and arrow. The print is 10 1/2″ by 13 1/2″ and is glued at the top to a framing paper. Moorhouse’s studio stamp is quite visible and at an unusual angle. Moorhouse (1850-1926) had a photography studio in Pendleton and as the Indian Agent for the Umatilla Indian Reservation had a unique opportunity to capture history. From the late 1880′s and up to 1916, it is believed that he photographed over 9,000 images of Native Americans in the Columbia River basin. He is also famous for capturing images of the early Pendleton Round Up. In frame, the dimensions are 13 1/2″ by 16″. $800.

A Scarce Gene Stratton-Porter Title

John Henley — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 18:06:35 +0000

The Fire Bird, by Gene Stratton-Porter. Doubleday, Page & Company, 1922, stated first edition. Inscribed by Ms. Stratton-Porter to a fan: ”A trail in the star country, a sheltered campfire, a vision of high magic.” Dated 1923. Former owner’s name stamp beneath inscription. The endpapers are lavishly decorated by Lee Thayer and the illustrations are by Gordon Grant. A long poem, approximately 71 pages, of the adventures of Princess Yiada and her people. The book is dedicated to Edward Curtis, who she might well have met in Hollywood whens he set up her movie studio. Very scarce and good condition with minor bumping to edges and lacking jacket. $750.

Golden Age of Radio Scrapbooks

John Henley — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:57:40 +0000

Two fascinating scrapbooks from the Golden Age of Radio in Portland, Oregon. 20 photographs of Lyle Lewis, the banjo picking director as well as Cole McElroy’s band, The Oregonians. The scrapbooks contain many newspaper clipping about the band’s performances in the Portland area and letters of recommendations from prominent Portland hotels. Also of interest are items relating to early radio broadcasts featuring the Oregonians. The band had one popular song in the late 1920′s – “Dangerous Road.” Included in one of the albums is a picture of the band playing this song while members of the band fix a flat on one of the band’s touring cars. The scrapbooks give you an glimpse into regional history. Album one, black: 9″ x 12′; album two, blue 9″ x 10 3/4″ cons JW $350.00

Eskimo Net Gauge

John Henley — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 18:37:06 +0000

Eskimo excavated bone net gauge of unusual design. Four carved gauges, rather than the more common single gauge, allows for a broader range of measurement using the key-shaped, curving tool. Length 5 ¾ in. DA #11 $150.

Rare Far West Map

John Henley — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 18:20:26 +0000

We are pleased to offer a rare map of the Oregon Territory and Upper California, by S.A. Mitchell. California was at the time of the map’s creation still a part of the Mexican Republic and this portion is shaded by the publisher in an appropriate avocado. Of special interest are the designation of first nations living in the territories. The map itself is 81/2″ x 11″, and in the frame measures 14 1/4″ x 17.” Dated 1846. 40-151. $500.

Plateau Belt Pouch

John Henley — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:00:24 +0000

A “U” shaped plateau belt pouch with a red star outlined in two rows of blue beads in the center against a light blue background with a forest green beaded border around it. The red beads used in the star are very small red faceted beads. The flap is beaded on a thick brown cloth and is attached to a canvas pouch which is reinforced with a commercial leather band around the sides and bottom. The same leather is used to make the two belt loops on the back. 1910. (length 5 5/8″; width 6″) 40-143RLX $785.