Private libraries and kleptobibliophilia

“Bibliothecae” – library or collection of books.  Kleptobibliophile – sadly not a real word but one that appears in the Wikipedia entry on Private Libraries, and a great way to describe some of the collection habits in the past.

Brass holder for chalk or Conté crayons

First item from the 19th Century box is this chalk/Conté crayon holder.  Although from the 1800s, I love the style of this, almost like a 1920s cigarette holder.

Nineteenth Century writing and draftsman’s kit

I picked up this gem for NZ$65.00 in an opportunity shop, in a small town in the North Island!!