World War I English Sketch, Autograph, and Memory Book of Miss Ethel E. J. Clarke with original Art
40, Stationary Hospital, Harfluer, France/ Ward 8 St. John Military Hosp. Woking, Surrey, England: n.p., 1918-1924.
Autograph Album. Oblong autograph album. Approx. 9" x 7.5". Album has dark colored soft padded leather covers with "Autographs" signed in gilt on the front cover. Leather dentelles inside. Decorative end sheets. The right front end sheet was mostly removed. Repaired. New dark blue mulberry paper spine added. Front and rear hinges repaired with tissue. The owner worked as a Nurse in the hospital ward at 40, Stationary Hospital, Harfluer, France and at Ward 8 St. John Military Hosp. Woking, Surrey. Her inscription is written on the front paste down - "Miss Ethel E. J. Clarke "The Grove" 41 Moore St. Worcester." 56 pages of this album were used for original art, inscriptions, autographs, and verse. 27 of the pages have illustrated with original art. One page has cut out cartoon racist characters of black children. Another page has a photograph of a soldier in uniform. The majority of the inscriptions and art work are dated 1918 and 1919. A handful of 1924 inscriptions located towards the back. No other dates recorded. Several inscriptions from soldiers include their home place and regimental unit inside. Good. Item #25582
Some of the names, regiments inscribed include:
"L.C. Tearae "Tank Corps";
"Pte. R.C.J. Hervey 21035 23. ?? Batt. Bisley Camp?;
Pte. B. Anderson South African Scottish ? Barracks Woking Surrey";
"Pte R. Patience 3rd South African Reft..";
autographs from the 4th, 38th, 25th, 42nd, 50th Canadians in Ward 8 St. Johns Military Hospital Woking;
"WE Ryan 22nd Australians";
"R.F.A. R.H.A. R.C.A. Sons of Guns" drawn by Dr. T. Stretton;
"Best Wishes "From" Guardsman Duncan McVey 1st Batt. Grenadier Guards" with a photograph;
a drawing titled "A Medical Armistice" at 40th Stationary Hospital. (Harfluer, France) by Henry G. Bredle 324 Siege Battery R.G.A.;
Several more names and places are recorded inside. Several of the original sketches are very good. The interior of the Album is in very good condition. This is a nice example of exceedingly scarce collection of autographs and art work from the World War I era.
Price: $600.00