When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
100% response ~ 26 YEARS ON ~ 5-STAR SERVICE ~ FREE SHIPPING
Recently relisted due to listing error - all details unchanged.
Antique Naval Photo Albums 1904 China Korea Hong Kong Shanghai Warships
Two original photograph albums compiled c.1904 by a naval officer (“F.G.C.”), documenting East Asia during a period ofintense imperial and naval activity.
Featuring amajor naval imageof the Russian flagshipTsesarevichafter the Battle of the Yellow Sea (1904), alongside Chinese cruiserHai Tienwrecked on rocks, Royal Navy presence including H.M.S.Terrible, and harbor scenes atShanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Also includesstriking cultural views—Chinese punishment, Chinese junks, Queen’s Road Hong Kong—and a compelling image ofRoyal Marines assembled celebrating H.M. the King’s birthday.
Two albums, approx.127 original photographs.
Condition: wear to bindings, one volume with binding broken, edge wear; photographs generallystrong and clear.
Arare, cohesive naval travel archivespanning China, Korea, and Southeast data-start="582" data-end="671" style="font-family: Arial;">100% response ~ 26 YEARS ON ~ 5-STAR SERVICE ~ FREE SHIPPING
Two Photograph Albums, c.1904
Compiled by a naval officer identified within the album as “F.G.C.”
East Asia: China, Korea, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Wei Hai Wei
Recently relisted due to listing error - all details unchanged.
A substantial and visually rich naval travel archive, comprising two original albums containing approximately127 mounted photographsdocumenting East Asia at the height of early 20th-century imperial presence and naval movement.
The albums are internally captioned in period hand and present acoherent narrative of movement through key ports and stationsincluding Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Wei Hai Wei, with a strong emphasis on naval life, harbor traffic, and regional observation.
Highlights from the Albums
Among the most striking and historically resonant images:
Amajor naval image—used here as the primary (hero) photograph—shows the Russian flagshipTsesarevichfollowing the Battle of August 10, 1904 (Battle of the Yellow Sea, outside Port Arthur). The contemporary handwritten caption records that the ship was “severely damaged” and fled to Tsingtau, which aligns with the historical outcome of the engagement. The same caption notes that “the admiral losing one arm in the fight; casualties 400 men and 50 officers”—a vivid example ofperiod reporting, though historically the fleet commander Admiral Vitgeft was in fact killed outright when the bridge was struck. This combination ofaccurate observation and contemporaneous misreportingadds a compelling documentary dimension to the image.
Chinese cruiser “Hai Tien” wrecked on the rocks off Elliott Island (dramatic full-view wreck; used as the primary image)
H.M.S. Terrible, captioned as bringing out relief crew (August 1904)
Russian gunboat “Koreetz” at Chemulpo, partially submerged wreck
Sampans lying up (dense harbor scene)
Pier at Shanghai
Chinese junks, Hong Kong
View at Singapore
Queen’s Road, Hong Kong (strong architectural street scene with rickshaws and signage)
Railway to the Peak, Hong Kong
Koreans inviting themselves aboard (intimate deck-level interaction)
Gentlemen of Korea (formal group portrait)
Chinese Punishment
Bathing stage at Singapore
A particularly important ceremonial image shows:
Royal Marines assembled and cheering H.M. the King on his birthday
This image adds a clearimperial and ceremonial context, reinforcing the dating and naval framework of the albums.
Naval & Maritime Content
The albums contain a strong naval component, including:
British, Russian, Chinese, and other international vessels
Harbor traffic and fleet presence across multiple ports
Wreck imagery and working vessels (including dredgers)
Officer life and shipboard interactions (including sextant observations)
Cultural & Regional Documentation
Beyond naval material, the albums provide a broad visual record of daily life and environment across East Asia:
Korean figures and boarding scenes
Chinese labor and village imagery
Harbor economies and sampan life
Colonial streetscapes and infrastructure
Early tourism and vantage points (Peak railway, waterfronts)
Additional Images Not Shown
A substantial number of additional photographs are not included among the 24 listing images but are present in the albums. These include:
Camp scene in Korea
Picnic scenes at Wei Hai Wei
Village scenes and rural life
Japanese temple entrance
The Peak Hotel, Hong Kong
Houses at Singapore
Sailing scenes from the 1904 regatta
Additional naval vessels including Japanese, Italian, German, and U.S. ships
Chinese elaborate grave site
Chinese refugees
Officers taking measurements with sextants
The United Service Club at Wei Hai Wei
These reinforce the albums as abroad documentary record rather than a narrowly curated selection.
I have a second group of images prepared and am happy to share additional photographs upon request.
Physical Description & Condition
Two original albums, lacquer-style boards with decorative scenes (figural landscape motif).
Bindings show wear, rubbing, and edge loss; one volume with binding broken.
Photographs generally well-preserved withstrong contrast and clarity.
Some age toning and minor wear to mounts as expected.
Taken together, these albums form acohesive early 20th-century naval travel archive, combining warship documentation, colonial port life, and regional observation across China, Korea, and Southeast Asia. The inclusion of identifiable vessels, captioned locations, and ceremonial military imagery—especially the Royal Marines celebrating the King’s birthday—anchors the collection firmly within its historical moment and greatly enhances its documentary and collector value.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
100% response ~ 26 YEARS ON ~ 5-STAR SERVICE ~ FREE SHIPPINGPackedTight ~ ShippedFastInternational Buyers Welcome
PAYMENTPaypal ispreferred.Also accepted are Venmo, G Pay, Visa,
MasterCard, Amex and Discovercard.Please pay at time of purchase.
SHIPPINGUSA- -FREE!WORLDWIDE- -YES!Calculated at checkout.RETURNS100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEENo-quibble100%refund of the purchase price when returnedin original condition within 30 daysof receipt.A SAMPLE OF RECENT response"Priced right. Quick shipping.Thanks!"
"Absolutely brilliant. Exactly as described. Immediate shipment."
"Great book. This seller is the best. A highly recommended 5 star seller."
"A true pleasure to trade with. Could not ask for more and highly recommend!"
"Exceptional communication and superb service!!! Strongly recommend this seller.?
"Seller was very honest - I discovered I already had book and he issued refund immediately."
"The quality is better than I expected."
"First class."
