An impressive 366-page military manuscript, written entirely in purple ink, compiling the battalion lectures held at the 161st Infantry Regiment between December 1903 and March 1904. Each lecture, signed by the lieutenant who presented it, addresses a specific topic: physical education, individual and collective marksmanship, topography, fire discipline, tactical instruction, and so on. The entire manuscript is meticulously calligraphed, occasionally illustrated with small explanatory diagrams, demonstrating a remarkable pedagogical approach. This manuscript reflects the spirit of rigor and innovation of the French army on the eve of the Great War. Bound later in blue half-cloth and marbled paper, with a gilt title on the spine, it is in excellent overall presentation.
✦ Origin: 161st Infantry Regiment (France) ✦ Estimated period: 1903–1904 ✦ Dimensions: 32 × 21.5 cm ✦ Contents: 366 handwritten pages and diagrams ✦ Support: flexible, slightly transparent paper ✦ Condition: very good overall condition, some foxing at the beginning of the volume, binding is sound and clean
Rare testimony of the training of French officers and non-commissioned officers at the turn of the 20th century – ideal for collectors of military manuscripts or army history museums.
