1904-17 pair of small WW1-era albums signatures illustrations + ditties INDIA
CHARMING ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATIONS AND SENTIMENTAL MANUSCRIPT DITTIES. A British nurse's WW1-era (and before) commonplace albums containing many contributions in the way of amateur sketches, sentimental ditties, signatures, many by soldiers recovering at a hospital in the Indian hill station of Mussoorie, 1904-19 (one album from 1904 to 1916, the other mainly 1916-17). Two small albums / commonplace books. Numerous manuscript ditties and original artwork/sketches in many different hands on thin card leaves, recto and/or verso. The majority signed by the contributor, and often with place and date e.
Second (slightly larger) black leather album with contributions dated mainly 1916-17, and many done by soldiers recovering at the war hospital in Mussoorie. Both albums with gilt lettering on upper covers ('Album' and Autographs' respectively), and gilt edges to page blocks.First album with contributions on 65 pages, second album on 46 pages, Remaining leaves left blank in both albums. Illustrations in a variety of mediums, inc. Pen and ink, graphite, Two photographs of a nurse laid loosely into one album. Larger album with nurse's ownership inscription'Florence Sheard / 7th Hussars / Sept.
[19]16' and a page by her inviting contributions. Size: one album 15.5cm x 12.5cm, the other album (oblong) 16cm x 19.5cm. Bindings in shaken and only fair condition. Contents in generally good condition.
The spine of the smaller album is perished and the upper cover detached. Spine of the larger album damaged at foot with loss to the leather. Front hinge strengthened with tape inside. Some leaves working loose in both volumes, one page loose in the larger volume.Pages generally quite clean and without any serious blemishes. Please ask if you require a more detailed condition report, or view gallery images. An interesting pair of albums, one compiled by a nurse called Florence Sheard attached to the 7th Hussars in Mussoorie, India during World War One, and the other album (with dates from 1905 through to WW1) probably compiled by her as well (they came together from the same estate). As typical of these types of commonplace albums, they both include manuscript ditties and quotes, original sketches, and signatures by many different contributors.
The majority of these entries are signed and dated. The artwork ranges in quality from distinctly amateur to quite accomplished. Many leaves are left blank in both albums. The larger album has contributions on approx.
46 pages, and the smaller one on 65 pages.