Fencing Master (2 results)

First edition. Pagination: xlix, 196, [1]p. Modern antique full calf fine binding with floral and gilt rules to spine and edges. English title page laid down with professional repair. French title page with old owners signature excised and professionally repaired no affect.Text in English and French on opposing pages. Folding frontispiece and additional 8 plates which 7 are folding. A couple contemporary ink notes else text content about near fine and with large margins. An excellent copy of the rare first edition with the second edition being quite accessible in the market and the first an uncommon find. Plates and advertisement at verso of last leaf all dated 1771. Bilingual fencing treatise by the famous French fence master Jean Olivier. Well executed plates showing form, technique, & strategy of master fencing & swordsmanship. ?Olivier, who kept a flourishing school in St. Dunstans Court, Fleet Street, was perhaps after Angelo, the most popular master of the small sword in London. His work is very sound and thoroughly justifies its French title, as it contains a simplified system shorn of all unnecessary and obsolete details? [-Castle]. Citations: ESTC: T135606. Thimm p.210-211. Vigeant p.97. Pardoel 1945. Castle Schools & Masters of Fence p. XLIX & 218.

At the time of writing Gordon-Cumming's trophies were being exhibited at this Piccadilly address, having previously formed part of the Great Exhibition. The recipient Henry Charles Angelo (1806-1866) was a member of the celebrated family of fencing masters, and was at this time teaching the art at the Cavalry College, Richmond. 2pp, 12mo. On the rectos of the two leaves of a bifolium, with the recipient's name written lengthwise on the verso of the first leaf: 'H. C. Angelo Esqr'. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded twice. The sort of bold and forceful hand and ebullient signature one might expect from a big game hunter. Reads: 'Dear Sir / I have forwarded your letter to Sir Alexander. his address is Altyre. Forres. if you send a pampered menial [last two words underlined] to my house-keeper (Mrs Lee) at the museum and shew this note she will give him the portrait you require. / Yours faithfully. / Gordon Cumming'.