ROYAL NAVY – MANSION, André Léon Larue (1785-1834). [Costume of the Royal Navy & Marines.] London: Andrews & Co., [c. 1831-1833].

ROYAL NAVY – MANSION, André Léon Larue (1785-1834). [Costume of the Royal Navy & Marines.] London: Andrews & Co., [c. 1831-1833].

Extremely rare suite of lithographs prepared during the reign of the "Sailor King," William IV (1830-1837), celebrating naval and marine uniforms. All the figures, from officers to pursers, gunners, boatswains, and ship’s physicians, are situated in a quayside background with ships. The first plate, dedicated to the Queen, depicts the dashing William IV, who had served in the Royal Navy in his youth and enjoyed the title of Lord High Admiral from 1827. Each plate is signed in the lower margins “L. Mansion & St. Eschauzier inv. & del. / Printed by Lefevre & Co. / Colored by C. H. Martin.” No copies recorded in ABPC or RBH; just one institutional library copy traced, in the Hay Library at Brown University, which contains a lithographed title-page not called for by Colas (and absent here). Colas 1966 (“suite très rare complete,” calling for plates numbered 1-16); not in Abbey or Tooley.

Folio (445 x 320mm). 16 hand-colored lithographs, comprising unnumbered dedicatory plate of William IV and 15 numbered plates; plates interleaved with blanks (occasional light spotting and soiling on some plates). Contemporary purple half calf over marbled boards (rebacked and recornered).

Pre-Lot Text
PROPERTY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTOR