FR EN
an old drawing of a train with smoke coming out of it ' s engine
Premium Jeschke Jádi Auctions Berlin

Estimate €700 - €1,000
Sale commission
Description
Railways Ghega, Carl Ritter von Atlas of 8 plates illustrating the main developments in the railway network during the decade 1840–1850 and the results of the trial runs with the competing locomotives on the J. R. railway line over the Semmering in Austria. Second, corrected and expanded edition. With lithographed title page, 1 folded map, and 7 further plates on 8 sheets. Vienna, no printer’s mark, 1852. Quarto folio (30 x 44 cm). Contemporary half-leather binding in a modern leather slipcase (slightly rubbed). Wurzbach V, 168. Cf. Nebehay-Wagner 1060. - A rare second, revised and expanded edition of the large-format atlas of plates illustrating Carlo Ghega’s account of the progress of the railway system in the decade 1840–1850, as well as the test runs conducted as part of the famous Semmering locomotive competition. The work documents a decisive moment in European transport history: the technical testing of locomotives for a railway line whose challenging topography—with tight curves, steep gradients and alpine terrain—exceeded the previous standards of railway construction. Carlo Ghega (1802–1860), Knight of Ghega from 1851, was the chief engineer of the Semmering Railway. The line from Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschlag, built between 1848 and 1854, ran for around 41 km through high-Alpine terrain and is regarded as one of the most significant engineering projects of the early railway era. Its route proved that high-performance adhesion railways could be built economically and reliably even in mountainous regions without the use of rack-and-pinion technology. The atlas is particularly fascinating due to its pictorial documentation of the locomotive competition announced in 1851. The Imperial and Royal Administration sought suitable engines for future operation on the Semmering line; the results of the trials provided essential foundations for the development of high-performance mountain locomotives. Maps and plates illustrate Ghega’s engineering, statistical and operational reasoning and are, at the same time, important sources for the history of early locomotive construction. A significant and rare work on Austrian railway and technical history, on the development of European mountain railway construction, and on the planning history of the Semmering Railway, which was later designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. – Slight fingermarking and inconspicuous brown staining. Book block almost detached from the spine. Overall, a good copy. With a lithographed title page, 1 folded map, and 7 additional plates on 8 sheets. - Rare second, revised and expanded edition of the large-format atlas of plates accompanying Carlo Ghega’s account of railway advancements during the decade 1840–1850 and the trial runs conducted as part of the famous Semmering locomotive competition. The work documents a pivotal moment in European transport history: the technical testing of locomotives for a railway line whose challenging topography—characterised by tight curves, steep gradients and alpine terrain—surpassed the prevailing standards of railway construction. Carlo Ghega (1802–1860)—knighted as Ritter von Ghega in 1851—was the chief engineer of the Semmering Railway. Built between 1848 and 1854, the line running from Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschlag traversed approximately 41 kilometres of high-alpine terrain and is considered one of the most significant engineering projects of the early railway era. Its route design demonstrated that high-performance adhesion railways – relying on wheel-to-rail friction rather than rack-and-pinion systems – could be built economically and safely even in mountainous regions. The atlas is of particular interest due to its visual documentation of the locomotive competition announced in 1851. The Imperial-Royal administration sought suitable engines for future operations on the Semmering line; the test results provided essential data for the development of powerful mountain locomotives. The map and plates illustrate Ghega’s engineering, statistical and operational arguments, whilst serving as vital sources for the history of early locomotive construction. A significant and rare work on the history of Austrian railways and technology, the development of European mountain railway construction, and the planning history of the Semmering Railway – later designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. – Minor signs of handling and faint brown spotting. Text block almost detached from the spine. Overall, a good copy. This lot is subject to standard tax. A 24.95% buyer’s premium is payable on the hammer price, and 7% (Books and Art) or 19% VAT (Manuscripts, Screenprints, Offset Prints, Photographs) is payable on the final invoice amount within the European Union. This lot is subject to the standard margin scheme. A 24.95% buyer’s premium applies to the hammer price, and 7% (books and art) or 19% VAT (manuscripts, screen prints, offset prints and photographs) applies to the final invoice amount within the European Union.
See original version (German)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale Valuable books, prints, historical photographs
Auction location
Auction time 10/24/2026 at 10:00 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
You may also like