Description:

World War I

WWI Photographer's Archive: His War Work Earned Him an Honorary Military Appointment

 

Small archive relating to wartime photojournalist and filmmaker Ariel L. Varges (1890-1972). Items include: a black and white photograph signed by Varges; a World War I broadside dated October 1, 1918; documents dated November 24, 1919 and June 26, 1920 relating to Varges's honorary military appointment; and Varges's custom seal. Accompanied by extensive research compiled between 2004-2009 by a previous owner. The archive is in very good to near fine condition, with expected wear.

 

1. Black and white photograph of Ariel Varges in suit, hat, and trench coat, ca. 1914-1918, signed "Sincerely yours, Ariel Varges / New York American / Staff" in the lower right corner. Mounted on board with corner loss (detached pieces included.) Photograph has isolated speckles, measuring overall 7.125" x 11.5".

 

2. Printed broadside, "Dunsterforce Order of the Day, No. 1," Baghdad, October 1, 1918, in which Major-General L.C. Dunsterville, C.B., Commanding Dunsterforce, announced his imminent resignation. In very good condition, with expected wear, chipped edges, and residual tape marks verso, 8.375" x 13.5".

 

3. 2pp printed document on bifold paper with embossed seal and stamped signatures of George V and Grandmaster, Court at Saint James's, November 24, 1919, announcing Varges's appointment as "an Honorary Member of the Military Division of Our said Most Excellent Order of the British Empire." A typed label, ca. December 8, 1919, lists Varges as Honorary Member No. 52. In very good condition.

 

4. 1p TLS with embossed seal mounted on board, British Embassy, Paris, June 26, 1920, transmitting the warrant of the honorary membership described above. Isolated stains, 7.5" x 9.5".

 

5. Ariel Varges's personalized seal, brass circular plate engraved with Varges's name and Fleet Street, London address, fitted on turned mahogany handle, 3.75" long. Some verdigris and past repair to handle.

 

Research compiled by a previous owner includes: census information; copies of Varges's death certificate, tax certificate, and land deed; newspaper clippings and obituary notice; museum correspondence with the National Archives in Kew, England; and catalog descriptions of some of Varges's photographs in the collection of the Imperial War Museum.

 

Ariel Lowe Varges was born in Chicago and educated at the Illinois Institute of Technology. He first worked as a newsreel cameraman for Hearst publications around 1910, later gaining considerable experience in the field photographing and filming the Mexican Revolution, World War I, Chinese War, Italo-Ethiopian War, and World War II. In addition to his documenting the Mesopotamian Theater during World War I, Varges also photographed Mount Kilauea and filmed the pyramids. The world-traveling foreign correspondent retired in 1952 and lived until his death in Preston, Connecticut.

 

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