E.W.C.

Catalogue E.W.C. [cover title]. 19th-century flag identification guide [or manufacturer's catalog]

E.W.C., 1888. Leather Binding. Near Fine. Item #668134

This remarkable compendium of maritime and naval flags, pendants, and other signals and insignia comprises some 1200 color images, the vast majority tipped-in, each identified with descriptive text in ink in a fine hand. Of the 1200 illustrations, ca. 600 are original illustrations in ink, watercolor, and gouache. Ranging from the America (the United States) to Zanzibar, the compendium includes naval and yachting flags and signals, but the vast majority are maritime, illustrating the astonish number of cargo, passenger, and other vessels plying English ports in the era (their main ports of call are often identified). Although it may have begun earlier, the work must have still been in progress in 1888 or after. It would seem to us to most likely have been compiled in Liverpool, based on the weighting of the ports of call. An earlier bookseller has this listed as a 'Flag Manufacturer's Catalogue', but we feel it is as likely an identification guide for a port official or shipping agent, or perhaps even a spotter's book from a maritime enthusiast of the era. Bound in full period brown polished calf, titled on front cover, alphabetical tabs, marbled edges and endpapers, expertly rebacked with original spine laid down. A nice copy, with signs of use.

Price: $3,000.00