Bernhardt Otto Holtermann Samoan photographs, ca. 1879

PXB 751

fonds

ca. 1879

Graphic Materials, Photographs

1094424

18 photographic prints - 19 x 23 cm or smaller - gelatin silver, albumen
12 photographic prints - 10.5 x 14 cm or smaller - gelatin silver, albumen

30 photographs, some titled in German, showing views and group portraits including images of Apia, International Hotel, Apia; Prisoners from Savoi / Lavoi ?; Views on board the Bismarck; Catholic Mission … [group portrait] and Pago Pago Harbour

Out of copyright: Created before 1955
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

"Photographs given to Bernard [i.e. Bernhardt] Otto Holtermann by his friend the Captain of the German warship Bismark, probably 1880" -- on envelope

The pencil inscription stating that the photographs were given to Holtermann by the Captain of the Bismarck (Capt Deinhardt) is entirely possible. The photographs of Samoa were probably by Apia photographer John Davis.
The German warship HIMS Bismarck arrived in Sydney from Samoa on 24 August 1879. Co-incidentally, B.O. Holtermann and his family arrived the following day from London. According to the Sydney Morning Herald 15 March 1880 p15:
‘The officers of the German war-ship Bismarck have been treated, ever since the vessel came into port, with that hospitality which makes Sydney such a pleasant station for foreigners, and on Saturday one of the most agreeable parties given in their honour took place at St. Leonards Lodge, North Shore, the residence of Mr. B.O. Holtermann. There were in all nearly eighty guests, among whom were eight of the Bismarck's officers. The pleasant fete lasted from the afternoon until nearly midnight. Captain Deinhardt had kindly lent his band, and with plenty of good music to dance to, and spacious grounds to roam in, people could scarcely fail to enjoy themselves. After supper a number of toasts were drank, notably those of "Australia” proposed by Mr. Slack; and "The officers of the Bismarck," proposed by Mr. B. O. Holtermann, and responded to by Herr Croll, second officer of the vessel.’