Silhouettes d’Avions. Illustrated manuscript on paper, in French [With:] French World War I Colonel’s Ledger, an autograph note (c. 1899-1904) and transcribed letters of 1914 from a certain E. Henry while stationed in Lorraine

[France], early 20th century. WWI ephemera -- aircraft. Silhouettes d'Avions, Illustrated manuscript on paper, in French. [France: c. 1915-1925]. 16 leaves, pocket-sized: (135 x100mm). 15 hand- colored illustrations depicting three views of planes; two in profile and one bird’s eye view, all are labeled for early French, English, and German aircraft models. Original paper wrappers titled Silhouettes d’Avions, with later tape reinforcing hinge; (somewhat brittle, leaves loose but present). This skillful manuscript, perhaps created by a younger person as an admirer of the craft, represents sixteen popular models of biplane and monoplane patterns. This interesting piece of ephemera is inextricably linked to the three great European production centers of World War I-era aircraft: representing France, England and Germany. World War I was the first walrus in which aircraft were deployed on a large scale. The sky had become another battlefield no less important than the battlefields of land and sea. Initially, planes were used mostly for reconnaissance over the North Sea and strategic bombing raids. Then, at the onset of war, pilots and engineers learned from experience and developed many specialized models; including fighters, bombers, and ground-attack airplanes. These evolving flying machines were recognized to be not just toys, but weapons. In addition, fighter pilots were venerated as modern knights and many became popular heroes. All well represented are the French military aviation exercises of 1911 through 1913 that pioneered production of the Farman, Caudron, Voisin, Breguet, Nieuport fighter models. Listed for both French and English aircraft, are the Bleriot and Morane models. England had “started late” and had initially relied largely on the French aircraft industry, especially for engines. The English planes represented here are the Airco, B.E. 2, and Vickers models. Notably, the British Vickers was the first experimenting with mounting machine guns. Perhaps best represented by the whimsical drawings are the German planes of the variant Taube models including the Albatros, Aviatik, D.F.W., Jeannin Stahltaube, and Rumpler Taube. The Rumpler Taube, was a pre-World War I monoplane aircraft. It was the first mass-produced military plane in Germany and was the most common having two seats. Imperial Germany’s first practical military aircraft, the Taube (“dove”) was used for virtually all military aircraft applications, as a fighter, bomber, surveillance aircraft and trainer from 1910 until the start of World War I in August 1914. At least five versions of the Taube models are named and illustrated in this contemporary manuscript model book. [With:] French World War I Colonel’s Ledger, an autograph note (c. 1899-1904) and transcribed letters of 1914 from a certain E. Henry while stationed in Lorraine. Manuscript booklet on graph paper, written in pencil, in French (165 x 110mm). [France: Sept.-Oct., 1918]. Original blue wrappers with paper label “no. 10.” 15 leaves. Text consists of dated entries with brief daily descriptions of regiment activities, one poignant line translated, “beaucoup du cadavres sur le terrain” (many corpses on the ground). Laid-in is 1 page autograph note listing eight men, their death dates and a brief biographical description (stained at edges), and 4 page autograph manuscript signed “E. Henry” to “Ma cherie femme” of three different letters transcribed and docketed by the wife of Henry. Letters all dated August 1914 with content updating his wife on his news while stationed in Lorraine. He writes on 27th August 1914, translated, “You cannot imagine the suffering I endured at my unfortunate wounds…” and goes on about his Lieutenant’s death, although Henry finally says “Je suis en bonne posture” (I’m in good shape). Madame Henry seemingly transcribed the letters on to one large, folding bifolia to maintain their content. Interesting pieces of World War I era ephemera consisting of personal reflections and unofficial recordings of military operations in French regiments.