Americans aren't the only people who hate paying taxes, particularly when used to fund what they consider an oppressive government. British radical Henry Berthold figured he had a way around the tax on paper in 1831. He strenuously objected to having to pay a paper tax to spread his message of condemnation of the aristocratic government and promotion of universal male suffrage. So, he cleverly printed Berthold's Political Handkerchief on a handkerchief made from cotton. Wrote Berthold, “...we intend to advocate the interest of the working people and consequently do not intend to pay any tax for our knowledge to the tyranny that oppresses us...” The Stamp Office was not amused, declaring cloth printed with text subject to the same tax as paper. Two years later, Berthold was convicted of shoplifting and the authorities got rid of the man by transporting him off to Australia, where he died in 1838. Item 16. £650 (US $1,018).
The second brightest comet of the 19th century lit up the evening skies in October of 1858. It was known as Comet Donati, for the Italian astronomer Giovanni Donati, who discovered it in June. Comet Donati was the first comet to be photographed. Item 9 is a watercolor by Edward Backhouse as viewed from Hexam, Northumberland, on October 11, 1858. It's long, bright tail illuminates the sky. If you wish to see Comet Donati you will have to view an image such as this, as it is not expected to return until after the year 4000. £1,250 (US $1,957)
Samuel Gedge Ltd. Rare Books may be reached at +44 (0)1263 768 471 or rarebooks@samuelgedge.com. Their website is www.samuelgedge.com.
