#PA74
Ca. 1914-1917
Oblong Octavo (ca. 21.5 x 15 cm or 8 ½ x 5 ¾ in). 25 cardstock leaves (one blank). 187 gelatin silver photographs ca. 6 x 4 cm (2 ¼ x 1 ½ in) mounted in windows. One photograph captioned in negative. Period brown sheep album with blindstamped borders; spine with raised bands; decorative endpapers. Mild rubbing on edges of covers and spine, mild scratching on front and rear covers; a few photos mildly faded, but overall a very good album of strong interesting photos.
An interesting collection of 187 original gelatin silver photographs showing the southern Eastern front of World War I. The album was possibly compiled by a German or Austro-Hungarian soldier.
Over 30 photographs show Constantinople (Istanbul). They include general views of the city, Hagia Sophia, Galata Bridge, Dolmabahçe Palace (Gate of the Sultan, clock tower), a harbour, and street scenes.
Over 20 photographs show the movement of troops most likely in the Balkans. They include snapshots of camps and military transport, showing soldiers with motorized, oxen-drawn, or hand-drawn heavy artillery, soldiers packed together on board a cruiser, and one photograph showing a flipped vehicle on the side of a hill. Another photograph shows a collapsed bridge.
The rest show life in what is likely the Balkans, from the attire. They include snapshots of towns and the environment, as well as portraits of the local people. Some photographs show them doing laundry, working the fields, or in camps.
Overall, an interesting collection showing the southern Eastern front of World War I.
