MAC ORLAN (Pierre). — The Cross, the Anchor, and the Grenade - Lot 183

Lot n° 183
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MAC ORLAN (Pierre). — The Cross, the Anchor, and the Grenade - Lot 183
MAC ORLAN (Pierre). — The Cross, the Anchor, and the Grenade. Five Unpublished Tales. Illustrated by Lucien Boucher. Paris, Devambez, for the Laboratoire de l'Hépatrol, 1932. Large 8vo (approx. 25 × 17 cm), 79-[2] pp., loose-leaf in an orange cloth-bound jacket, title on the spine and a large color-illustrated label pasted onto the front cover; identical publisher’s slipcase, also decorated with the color vignette. First edition of this collection of five military tales by Pierre Mac Orlan, comprising: Eustache des Essarts, Soldier of Saint-Louis (1270); Jean-Rose Archer, Brother of the Coast (1666); Bel-OEillet, Drum Major in Karrer’s Regiment (1781); Antoine Couvreur, a chasseur in the 7th Light Infantry Regiment (1830); and Franz Ixe, a Legionnaire (1925). The BnF confirms the collation of 79-[2] pages and the inclusion of these five texts. The volume is richly illustrated by Lucien Boucher (1889–1971) with color compositions, both within and outside the text, that are perfectly integrated into the typography: military scenes, landscapes, and historiated ornaments in the illustrator’s highly distinctive graphic style. A bibliographic description lists 80 color illustrations, including 5 outside the text. A deluxe promotional edition produced by Devambez for the Laboratoire de l'Hépatrol, whose particularly elegant presentation—orange cover, polychrome label, and matching slipcase—constitutes a fine example of a French promotional illustrated book from the interwar period. The “printed” stamp bears the specific date of May 25, 1932. A recent auction catalog lists the print run as 500 numbered copies on Lafuma pure-fiber vellum; however, a photograph of the print run certification would be needed to determine this copy’s number and confirm that it is indeed present. This copy is preserved in its complete original presentation, including the rare illustrated slipcase. The interior is in fresh condition, and the illustrations are vividly colored. A few foxing spots on the endpapers. However, the slipcase and dust jacket show fairly significant flaws: cracks and tears on the spine, rub marks and small losses along the edges, and the slipcase is partially detached, with a visible break along the spine. These flaws should be specifically noted, but the fact that the original set is intact remains a significant plus. A charming Art Deco publication, notable for its abundant color illustrations by Lucien Boucher and its very attractive, well-preserved orange binding.
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