SPLENDIDLY ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE U.S. ARMY AND NAVY, WITH 44 ELEPHANT FOLIO HAND-COLORED LITHOGRAPHS, LIMITED SUBSCRIBER’S COPY, IN ORIGINAL WRAPPERS AND VELLUM PORTFOLIOS

WALTON, William. The Army and Navy of the United States, from the Period of the Revolution to the Present Day. A Record of the Formation, Organization, and General Equipment of the Land and Naval Forces of the Republic. Philadelphia: George Barrie, (1889-95). Eleven (of twelve) portfolios. Elephant folio (13 by 19 inches), original half vellum, pale blue cloth boards lettered in gilt, internal original olive wrappers, gray silk ties. $3500.

Deluxe edition in parts, number 529 (limited to subscribers only), of this magnificently illustrated history of the United States Army and Navy, with 44 full-page hand-colored lithographs and over 200 mounted in-text illustrations on India paper, in original publisher’s portfolios.

The finest edition of this epic work, this beautifully illustrated history is, in addition, a valuable resource, particularly for its pictorial rendering of U.S. Army and Navy uniforms from 1776 through 1891. The text contains an important roster of all commissioned officers from the Revolution through the Civil War. Each of the 11 parts contains several wonderful full-page hand-colored lithographs, with captioned tissue guards. The first portfolio also contains a facsimile reproduction of a letter to the publisher from General Sherman praising the work: "My dear sir, I have examined with some care the Letter press and illustrations of your promised work The Army and Navy of the U.S., and have further submitted it to the critical examination of a friend, an eminent artist of this city, who confirms my judgement especially as to the excellence of the illustrations, and therefore endorse your work with my approbation. Your friend, W.T. Sherman." Without the twelfth part, as often. The final part, issued a few years after the earlier parts, was about 70 pages long but contained no plates. Howes W81. With original subscriber Charles G. Belden of Syracuse listed on limitation page.

Plates vivid and fine, fragile original wrappers split with occasional bits of edgewear; portfolios exceptionally nice, with loss of some original silk ties. A stunning production.