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$3250.00
Album of 450 Original and Studio Gelatin Silver and Platinum Photographs Showing French Troops in Algeria and Morocco During the Early Years of the Conquest of Morocco, Including Military Activity (Battle of Menabha, Oran Military Hospital, Reconnaissance, Reviews, and Camps), the Cities of Béchar (Algeria), Boudenib, Ain Chair, and Takoumit (Morocco), and Portraits and Snapshots of Indigenous Algerians and Moroccans. Ca. 1900s-1910s.

#PD91

Ca. 1900s-1910s

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Oblong Folio (ca. 31.5 x 24.5 cm or 12 ½ x 9 ½ in). 52 double paper leaves (two blank). 430 mounted photographs from ca. 23.5 x 17 cm (9 x 6 ¾ in) to 4.5 x 3.5 cm (1 ¾ x 1 ¼ in) and 20 loose photographs from ca. 28.5 x 22.5 cm (11 ¼ x 8 ¾ in) to 10 x 8 cm (4 x 3 in); most silver gelatin, about a dozen platinum (as labelled by compiler in period French pencil captions). Over 250 images with period French pencil and ink captions on mounts. Period black cloth album, neatly rebacked, with blindstamped borders and spine. Mounts slightly age-toned; a few photos mildly faded, five photos previously removed from album, but overall a very good album of strong interesting photos

An extensive and historically significant collection of silver gelatin and platinum photographs showing French troops on the Algerian-Moroccan border in the early years of the Conquest of Morocco (1907-1934), likely compiled by a French military officer. Many French officers are identified in the captions, such as “Lt. Bernard,” “Cne. Maury,” “Lt. Chameroy,” and “Lt. Husson.”

Over 150 photographs depict French military activity. They include images showing a review at Talzaza (Algeria); reconnaissance at Talzaza, Menabha (Algeria), and Tamsahelt (Morocco); the aftermath of the Battle of Menabha (16 April 1908); recovery at Oran Military Hospital, including portraits of “Captain Maury,” a notable participant in the battle; and a memorial service commemorating the first anniversary of the battle. Other photographs show troops traversing the environment, including a “difficult ravine,” and resting at camps. At the camps are cooks, barbers, and likely Algerian riflemen entertaining by playing “guesbah” and singing. There are also photographs of the Senegalese Tirailleurs and three panoramic views of the “Compagnie Montée de la légion.”

The album also contains images of places and environs near the Algerian-Moroccan border. They show views of Colomb-Béchar (Béchar, Algeria) and its oasis; Boudenib (Morocco), including the shelled minaret of the ksar; the streets and buildings of Ain Chair (Morocco) as well as its province, Figuig; and Takoumit (Morocco), among other locations unidentified in the captions.

Many photographs in the album are portraits or snapshots of indigenous Algerians and Moroccans. A large photograph at the front of the album shows members of the Doui-Menia tribe on the Algerian-Moroccan border. There are also portraits of girls in likely traditional Algerian dress, people of “Dra” passing though Béchar, and scenes from a nomad camp. Other photographs show city dwellers, such as Jewish women and children, indigenous informants of the French military, and portraits taken in city streets. Also included is a series of photos showing a gathering of likely Senegalese and their camp.

Overall, a very interesting collection of photographs showing French military activity on the Algerian-Moroccan border during the early years of the Conquest of Morocco.

Item #PD91
Price: $3250.00

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