POONA. A rare guide to Poona & Kirkee 1887

Watson’s Guide and Directory of Poona and Kirkee, containing Plan of Cantonments, Illustrations of Principal Views, List of Residents and Bungalows, and Postal, Telegraphic, Rail, Steam, and other Tables, and General Information for the Season of 1887. Watson & Co. [Bombay & Poona] 1887 small 8vo [7 x 5 ins].

xvi ads, [xxiv unpaginated pages of further ads interspersed with illustrated pages of places of interest], 61pp, [iii unpaginated ads], xvii-xxxi further ads. Lacks the plan of Cantonment. Original printed thin card covers, stapled as issued, some marks to covers but generally surprisingly good condition for such an old ephemeral item, faint central fold mainly noticeable on the front cover. A fascinating source of local information including useful lists of military and civil residents, timetables for trains on the G.I.P. & Matheran Railways to Bombay, Jabalpur, Nagpur, etc. in many ways the advertisements are as revealing and interesting as the more official information, with illustrations of watches, helmets and Terai hats, pianos, shirts, etc. This is the first time in thirty years that we have come across an original copy of this guide. Watson & Co. were military equipment suppliers in Bombay.  oct21/1