The most expensive lots in an offering of books ilustrated by Neville W. offered at the sale were purchased by Melbourne rare bookseller Peter Arnold in the auction room for fellow Melbourne book dealer, and bird illustration specialist, Andrew Isles against the telephone.
Isles secured Neville's watershed publication. What Bird is That? A guide to the birds of Australia, published by Angus and Robertson Ltd. Sydney, in 1931 for $8845, our special correspondent reports..
Isles also paid $4368 for Australian Parrots in the Field and Aviary Habits published by Angus and Robertson in 1938.
Both books had their inside covers signed inscribed "to W.Cousins" the books' publisher in chief.
What bird is that? was Australia's first fully illustrated national field guide to birds and number one reference book on the subject for nearly 40 years. .
Neville W. Cayley was the son of Neville P. Cayley both of whose bird paintings have a long history of collecting.
The record price for the son's watercolours is $18,000 paid for Kookaburras at Bonham's Owston sale in Sydney in June 2010.
The prices continue the high flying bids made for the work of Australia's most popular ornithologist seen at an auction held by Bay East Auctions, part of Sotheby's Australia in June
A watercolour of the former by the latter estimated at just $400 to $600 has sold for $11,000 hammer ($13,200 including 20 per cent buyer's premium) at an art and book sale.
Isles said that he had paid "a ridiculous price" for the books. But he was not buying for stock. He was largely buying for himself because of the watercolours and their associational value. They were also in pristine condition.
The record for an Australian book with watercolours pasted in was paid in Canada in October.
Colonial soldier James Wallis's own copy of his book of views of NSW published in 1816 with watercolours by Joseph Lycett and other early colonial artists made nearly $2 million when auctioned in Canada in October.
The Cayley lots were included in a twice year sale of Australian History, Books and War Memorabilia held on the 11/11/11.
William M.Hughes was Prime Minister when the Armistice was declared so the inclusion of a silver cigar box and framed ceremonial certificate presented to Hughes, albeit in 1922, was a very topical inclusion.
The box was inscribed "The Right Honourable William Morris Harris, K.C.P.C. Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia. We the Mayor Aldermen and Councillors of the City of Westminster, desire on behalf of the Citizens to offer you a most hearty welcome on your return to this ancient City
"We feel it a signal honour that one who has passed so many of his early years here, should re-visit Westminster as Prime Minister of the great Commonwealth of Australia
"We recognise the leading part you have taken in calling to the aid of the cause of Liberty and Justice the splendid manhood of the Commonwealth, whose deeds in the defence of the Empire have gained undying fame.
"We believe that your courage and statesmanship are destined to have a powerful influence on the future welfare of these realms."
The inscription thanked him for his patriotic work and wished him health and strength.
The box and certificate which made $15,860 is whispered to have been sold to a NSW Regional Museum.
