Oblong Quarto (ca. 27 x 19 cm or 10 ½ x 7 ½ in). 26 cardstock leaves (one blank). 66 mounted gelatin silver photographs from ca. 23.5 x 17 cm (9 ¼ x 6 ¾ in) to 6 x 4 cm (2 ¼ x 1 ½ in); one gelatin silver photograph loosely inserted ca. 20 x 14 cm (7 ¾ x 5 ½ in). Over 50 images with period ink captions on mounts; one image captioned in negative. Period green cloth album; both boards with gilt-tooled borders. Spine with crack on rear hinge, edges of spine and boards mildly rubbed; mounts slightly waved, one mount partially detached; a couple of photos mildly faded, but overall a very good album of interesting strong photos

A collection of photographs showing Africa in the 1920s, including British East Africa (Kenya), Angola, Mozambique, St. Helena, and Tanganyika (Tanzania), as well as the British Protectorate of Aden (Yemen). The compiler of the album was likely affiliated with the Eastern Telegraph Company (ETC). Founded in London in 1872, it operated several undersea telegraph cables connecting India and North and South America to the United Kingdom. It also operated several undersea cables along the African coast, connecting British colonies in East Africa, Mozambique, and Angola. ETC still exists as a subsidiary of Cable & Wireless Communications.

Over 30 photographs are of places in Africa. They show British East Africa, including Mombasa and nearby Kilindini Harbour (a golf club, a beach on Kilindini Harbour, a group portrait in front of a sign detailing “Harbour Boat Tariffs,” etc.), and the town of Gilgil (rural views). They also show Mossamedes in Angola, including group portraits from a Republic Day (Portugal) celebration, the “ETC Quarters” and “cable staff,” the “Customs House,” a pier, and a series of photographs from a safari. There are also several photographs showing Mozambique (a café and fishing trip in Delagoa Bay), Tanzania (a fountain in Zanzibar), and the island of Saint Helena (The Briars, Governor’s House, bird’s eye view of a town, etc.).

Six photographs show Aden, a port under British administration (1839-1967) on the Arabian Peninsula. They include views of water tanks servicing the port, a signal station, “[Hedjuf?] Pass,” and a camel caravan resting.

Other photographs in the album show El Cobre in Spain and snapshots of the compiler and family and their friends..

Overall, an interesting album showing Africa in the early 1920s.