Lot 125: OZANNE, Nicolas Marie (1728-1811). Marine militaire ou Recueil des differens...

OZANNE, Nicolas Marie (1728-1811). Marine militaire ou Recueil des differens vaisseaux qui servent à la guerre. Paris: Chereau, [1762].

First edition, second printing, of an illustrated encyclopaedia of late 18th-century war ships. Each ship is described in the engraved text, including use, armament, names of sail and crew complement, followed by explanations of naval tactics and manoeuvres. Ozanne - engraver, naval engineer and official naval artist - was appointed in 1769 to teach ship construction and naval tactics to the royal princes. Polak 7234.

Quarto (244 x 159mm). 50 engraved plates, comprising title within architectural border, ‘avertissement’, table of subjects and 47 further engraved plates, of which one folding (a few plates lightly browned). Contemporary French mottled calf, spine gilt (neatly repaired at head of spine). Provenance: ink stamp with motto ‘nunc nox mox lux’ and monogram on endpaper.