Antiquarian Auctions

Auction #131 begins on 21 May 2026

[Pinney (Francis Bertrand)]

REPORT OF THE ACTION INSTITUTED BY MR PINNEY

Resident Magistrate and sub-collector of Customs, Simonstown against the Cape Monitor newspaper, heard in the Supreme Court of the Cape of Good Hope FOR LIBEL on 28th of February, and the 1st of March 1856, before Mr Justice Bell, Mr Justice Cloete and Mr Justice Watermeyer

Published: "Monitor" Office, Castle Street, Cape Town, 1856

Edition: First Edition

Reserve: $75

Approximately:

Estimate: $100/125

Bidding opens: 21 May 16:30 GMT

Bidding closes: 28 May 16:30 GMT

Ships from: South Africa

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First edition: iv, 103 pages, original paper wrappers bound into grey cloth boards, with title on the spine, the preliminary and end pages have been reinforced with tape, a good copy.

3 copies listed in A South African Bibliography vol 3, page 689.

A rare and detailed record of one of the most prominent colonial libel cases of the 1850's. The dispute centered on allegations made against Pinney in his official capacity as sub-collector of Customs at Simon's Town, involving the Cape Monitor newspaper. The testimony provides significant insight into the local governance of the Simon's Town naval base and the legal standards for defamation in the time. The court dismissed Pinney’s claim with costs, finding that the newspaper’s report or commentary did not meet the legal threshold for actionable libel.  

  • Overall Condition: Very good
  • Size: 12mo (190 x110mm)


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