The first French aerial survey of Vietnam

Buchette-Puyperoux, Captaine

Mission de Survol des Postes du centre at sud-Annam et liaisons avec troupes des subdivisions de Vinh-Hue, Quang-Ngai, [et] Ban-Me-Thuot

Bach-Mai Airfield, Hanoi: 1935. 41-page quarto typescript variously paginated, full-page hand-colored map of Vietnam, and 67 mounted photographs (approx. 6" x 8½") showing aerial views of the various villages, hamlets, and French outposts in central and south Vietnam, each with a tissue guard; later brown cloth-backed marbled boards, leather label on spine; very good and sound. The text consists of a 2-page "Ordres de Mission," as issued by Le Captaine Buchette-Puyperoux, commandant at Bach-Mai, with his signature in purple ink, and with his "Formations Aeriennes Indochine" stamp; an 11-page "Journal des Marches," March 2-27, 1935 describing in journal form the aerial undertaking, including flight durations and unusual incidents; a 17-page "Compte-Rendus de Mission," by "L'Observateur Adjudant Lombard, signed 5 times in purple ink by Buchette-Puyperoux, each with his "Formations Aeriennes Indochine" stamp; a 5-page "Enregistrement des Vols," noting the various sorties, pilots, passangers, flight times, and locations of the photographs, etc.; a 3-p. account of the "Photographies," essentially captions to the 67 photographs, signed by Buchette-Puyperoux, and with his "Formations Aeriennes Indochine stamp; and a 2-page "Mise en Pages des Photographies." Clearly an official dossier of sorts, not found bibliographically, and likely one of a very small number assembled, or possibly unique. The last page notes that this is the first such undertaking by the French in Vietnam. Item #50617

Price: $3,500.00