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Original early twentieth-century British political and municipal autograph collection featuring Captain A. E. Martin, Member of Parliament, together with three local government officials, including the chairman of Barking Urban District Council, Essex.
Four original handwritten signatures mounted on both sides of a single vintage autograph album leaf, with identifying captions supplied by an earlier collector.
Captain A. E. Martin, MP — British Member of Parliament
A bold ink autograph reading “A. E. Martin,” identified by the collector as “Capt. A. E. Martin M.P.”
The signature provides a connection to British parliamentary and political history. The collector's identification indicates that Martin held both a military rank and parliamentary office, although his constituency and dates of service have not been independently established.
Councillor A. Edwards — Chairman, Barking Urban District Council
A mounted pencil autograph reading “A. Edwards,” identified by the collector as:
“Councillor A. Edwards — Chairman Barking U.D.C.”
Barking Urban District Council administered the growing Essex community of Barking before its subsequent development into a municipal borough.
The autograph represents a local government official associated with the administration of Barking during a period of substantial suburban and industrial growth.
Alderman W. W. Glenny
A mounted pencil signature reading “W. W. Glenny,” identified by the collector as “Alderman W. W. Glenny.”
The designation Alderman indicates a senior municipal officeholder. The precise council and dates of service have not been established.
Councillor W. B. Reidie
A bold mounted ink autograph reading “W. B. Reidie,” identified by the collector as “Councillor W. B. Reidie.”
The signature provides another example of British municipal and local government history from the period.
Historical Context
The album leaf brings together individuals identified with parliamentary politics and local civic administration in early twentieth-century Britain.
Of particular interest is the connection with Barking Urban District Council, which administered Barking during its transformation from an older Essex community into an increasingly urbanized part of Greater London.
The original album sheet retains the four mounted signature slips and handwritten purple-ink identifying captions, preserving their historical collecting arrangement.
The collection is provisionally dated circa 1900–1920. No specific date appears on the sheet, and the individual identifications have not been independently authenticated.
Offered as one complete, intact, double-sided autograph album leaf. The mounted signatures have not been separated.
An interesting historical item for collectors of British parliamentary history, Edwardian politics, Essex local history, Barking genealogy, municipal government, and antique autograph albums.
Condition
Good vintage condition.
Original double-sided autograph album leaf with four mounted handwritten signature slips.
The Martin and Reidie signatures are boldly written in dark ink. The Glenny and Edwards signatures are in lighter pencil but remain legible.
Light age toning, scattered small spots, mild mounting discoloration, and occasional handling marks. The album sheet appears structurally sound, with minor edge and corner wear.
Purple-ink captions were added by an earlier collector.
Please examine both photographs carefully for condition and handwriting.
Captain A E Martin MP, British Member Parliament autograph, Barking Urban District Council, Barking Essex history, Alderman W W Glenny, Councillor W B Reidie, Councillor A Edwards, Barking UDC chairman, British local government, Essex municipal history, Edwardian politics, British political autographs, antique autograph album, early 1900s signatures.
