The Art of Defence on Foot, with the Broad Sword and Sabre: Adapted Also for The Spadroon, or Cut and Thrust Sword. Improved, and Augmented with The Ten Lessons of Mr. John Taylor, Illustrated with Plates by R.K. Porter, Published by H. Durell, New York, 1824, 113 pp, with thirteen plates, some folding, original blue boards, 9.5 x 6”, 8vo.
In fair condition. Original blue boards are quite soiled, worn and damp stained. Antiquarian library tag on front board #105 at top right corner. Spine abraded and nearly perished with loss at center and worming to head. Old hand ownership of David E. Walker on top right corner of flyleaf. Heavy foxing throughout with densely packed toning at gutters. Toning affects text. Some age staining throughout with light dampness staining at the margins. Plates are quite toned with offsetting and chipping at edges. Rear plate is torn with dislodged fold. Free of known markings. Binding remains intact. Please see photos.
Animated at the volunteer regiments of the Napoleon Era, when engagements with swords were still a reality of warfare! Explicitly written for civilians wanting to learn to fence with the saber, broad-sword or spadroon. Very scarce.
RAREA1824KOSL