Antiquarian Auctions

Auction #129 begins on 26 Feb 2026

Cape Town:

CAPE TOWN UNDER WATER

A Series of Realistic Photographs, with a complete description of the effects of the Great Storms of June 23rd and 25th,1904

Published: Cape Times Limited, Cape Town, 1904

Edition: First Edition

Reserve: $40

Approximately:

Estimate: $60/70

Bidding opens: 26 Feb 16:30 GMT

Bidding closes: 5 Mar 16:30 GMT

Ships from: South Africa

Lot 205 preview

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16 pages, 5 pages of text and numerous black & white photographs (the photographers are not identified other than being from the Cape Times and The Argus) , original printed light green card wrappers, a very good copy.

In late June 1904, Cape Town was battered by two massive North-Westerly gales in quick succession on the 23rd and 25th. The city’s drainage systems, still largely based on old Victorian infrastructure and the grachte (canals) that had been covered up, were completely overwhelmed. The storm turned major thoroughfares like Adderley Street and St. George’s Street into rushing rivers. cellars were flooded, foundations were undermined, and the newly reclaimed Foreshore area faced significant battering from the sea. The photographs show horse-drawn carriages struggling through deep water, shopkeepers standing outside flooded their flooded shops and damaged buildings and roads in the suburbs.

  • Overall Condition: Very good
  • Size: Oblong 4to (320 x 250 mm)


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