1893 Steamship journal with original illustrations

Updated September 24, 2026

[STEAMSHIPS.] Manuscript notebook, titled “Shipping Notes. No 1. H.W. Summers. M.A. 1893”, 8vo (170 x 230 mm), 51 leaves, filled recto and verso with handwritten notes, mounted engravings and photographs of ships, clipped sailing notices, fleet rosters, and other nautical ephemera relating to the Cunard, Penninsular and Oriental, Castle, Anchor, Natal, Orient, Beaver, and other Lines, as well as handwritten tables of the Royal Albert Victoria, Bristol, Cadiff & Barry, and Southampton Docks, a list of Flag Signals, numerous additional printed and manuscript inserts, and with 3 FULL-PAGE GOUACHE ILLUSTRATIONS of ships including the “Havel”, the “P.+O. S.S. ‘Parramatta’”, and one untitled, as well as thumbnail color sketches of steamstacks, flags, etc., throughout. Contemporary boards with later leather spine, hand-colored flag, signal chart, and manuscript labels pasted to upper cover. A compelling relic from the steamship era. We have been unable to identify H.W. Summers, the journal's creator. Condition Edges of leaves brittle, some tape repairs, a few leaves loose or working loose, boards worn, overall good condition.

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