COURTELINE (Georges). *Les Gaîtés de l'Escadron*. Illustrati - Lot 62

COURTELINE (Georges). *Les Gaîtés de l'Escadron*. Illustrations by Joseph Hémard. Paris: Javal and Bourdeaux, 1926. Paris: Javal and Bourdeaux, publishers, 52 Avenue Victor-Hugo, 1926. Large quarto, bound in red half-maroquin with corner caps, ribbed spine, title and author’s name in gold, small gold medallion in the center, date at the bottom, gold fillets on the covers, marbled paper in shades of red and gray; covers and spine presumably original. A deluxe edition illustrated with 16 watercolors by Joseph Hémard, engraved on copper by Delzers and printed in color, accompanied by numerous ornaments and small military motifs printed in blue within the text. Limited edition of only 440 copies, distributed as follows: 15 copies on Imperial Japan paper with three sets of illustrations and a breakdown of one plate; 75 copies on Imperial Japan paper with two sets of illustrations and a breakdown of one plate; 100 copies on Rives vellum with two sets of illustrations; 250 copies on Rives vellum with one set, numbered 191 through 440. Copy No. 319, thus one of the 250 copies on Rives vellum with one set. The photograph clearly shows an additional set of inset illustrations, kept separately in a matching folder. The copy bears a blue-printed emblem depicting a cavalry serial number, 519, and the inscription “51st Chasseurs.” Beautiful decorative binding in red morocco leather and marbled paper, crafted in the bibliophilic style of the 1920s. Significant defect: the binding is currently disjointed, with the spine separated from one of the covers and the structure requiring restoration. Some rubbing, minor scuffs, and wear along the edges and corners. The interior, however, is in very fresh condition, with wide margins, and Hémard’s color illustrations are particularly well-preserved.