This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/21/2024
[SOUTH AFRICAN GOLD MINES]. ROBINSON, Frederick A. (1860-1945). South Africa Ephemera Archive of Civil Engineer and Gold Mining Industrializer Frederick A. Robinson. South Africa: Cape Town, Natal, Johannesburg, Durban, East London, Colenso, Ladysmith, 1891 and 1903. Scrapbook of ephemera compiled by civil engineer Frederick A. Robinson, Esq., who was instrumental in bringing industrialization to the South Africa gold mining operations, during two separate visits to South Africa, in 1891 and 1903, also containing newspaper clippings from the 1880s related to economics and developments in the area. Crown Folio. Nineteenth century newspaper cuttings album, olive green cloth boards with black blindstamped borders and detail, gilt titled to front. Ownership signature and bookplate to front pastedown. Volume measures approximately 15 x 10”. Leaves chipped at extremities, otherwise in very good condition. A fascinating and comprehensive archive of ephemeral interest. A primary source glimpse into South Africa’s industry, trade, economics and affluent innovators, before and after the Second Boer War, through a notable civil engineer’s ephemeral collection of his own private invitations to prestigious clubs, a parliamentary paper, transportation passes, restaurant menus, hotel promotions, entertainment programmes, some personal correspondence, news reports, and the original signature of Cecile Rhode’s partner Neville Pickering on an admission to the DeBeers diamond mines. Frederick Arthur Robinson, Esq. (1860-1945) is best remembered for his role in the development of gold mining in South Africa, by initiating and facilitating the export of industrial machinery to the South African mining firms. The export of the firm’s products to South Africa was largely augmented on the inception of gold mining, by the supply of machinery to the mines, in which undertaking Mr. Robinson’s business ability, technical skill, and industrious qualities played an important part. Full description available upon request.