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Charles Henri, comte d'Estaing signal book, ca. 1780

1 volume

This volume is a signal book used by a French fleet under the command of Charles Henri, comte d'Estaing, in the late 18th century. The book is a collection of naval flag signals, which are accompanied by colored manuscript illustrations. The signals indicated wind direction, enemy movements, fleet formations, and other information.

This volume, entitled "Signaux de Jour pour l'armée combine aux orders de Mr. Le comte d'estaing Vice amiral de France," is a 115-page signal book (4.75" x 7.25") used by a French fleet under d'Estaing's command in the late 18th century. The book is an index of naval flag signals communicating wind direction, enemy movements, fleet formations, and other information. Each signal is accompanied by a hand-drawn, color illustration of the flag or flags to be used. Explanatory text includes details about the meanings of each signal and appropriate use. Many signals are set apart by illustrated tabs, formed by a cut-away section of each page. In 1780, a sub-lieutenant named d'Hargenvillier of the Infantry Regiment from Penthièvre, then stationed on the ship Bien Aime, owned the volume.