French Military Artillery and Fortification Manual.

$15,000.00

Item Number: 109852

Metz: Ecole Royale de l'Artillerie et du Genie, 1818-19.

Rare early 19th century French military manual created in manuscript for the Ecole Royale de ‘Artillerie et du Genie (School of Application of Artillery and Engineering of Metz) containing lessons and technical drawings in the mechanics of artillery and construction of temporary and permanent military fortifications. Quarto, ten volumes bound in three quarters morocco over marbled boards with gilt titles to the spine and front panels, text in manuscript with technical drawings throughout. In near fine condition, internally exceptionally clean. A rare and desirable piece of 19th century French military history.

L’École d’application de l’artillerie et du génie [School of Application of Artillery and Engineering] was established in 1794 in Metz by the Committee of Public Safety on the proposal of Lazare Carnot, Minister of the Interior. On the model of the Royal Artillery School of Douai created in 1679, the Royal Artillery School of Metz was created at the same time as those of La Fère , Strasbourg, Grenoble and Perpignan, by the royal ordinance of February 5, 1720. This ordinance drew the conclusions of the last campaigns of Louis XIV by making artillery a scientific weapon, with officers trained consequently. Each of the five cities concerned would house a regiment of 4,000 men, with a permanent artillery school.