THE UNITED STATES ARMY AND NAVY. THEIR HISTORIES, FROM THE ERA OF THE REVOLUTION TO THE CLOSE OF THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR; WITH ACCOUNTS OF THEIR ORGANIZATION, ADMINISTRATION, AND DUTIES

Akron: The Warner Company, 1899., 1899. First edition. First edition. Oblong folio (14" x 17") decorated cloth, titles and color design on the front cover, brown front and rear endpapers, all edges gilt, 241 pp., 43 folio sized color lithographs with accompanying text. Color plates depict the uniforms of officers and non-commissioned officers and the changes to the uniform through time for both Army and Navy, 1776-1899. Appendices enumerating the principal ships of the United States Navy, their batteries and armor, and official reports of the Battle of Manila and the action off Santiago De Cuba. Much on the Indian Wars including four full-color lithographs depicting the U.S. Army either attacking or being attacked by Indians. One full color lithograph entitled "U.S. Army - Custer Massacre At Big Horn, Montana - June 25, 1876," was prepared especially for this publication and does not appear elsewhere. Also much on the Spanish-American War including full reports of activities. At the back is a complete list of ships of the U.S. Navy, including specifications on batteries, armor, engines, and date of launching. We do not feel that many copies of this book have survived intact over the years, largely due to its size and the overwhelming temptation to break up the book to gain the colorful plates, each image size measuring 9" x 13", which are suitable for framing. Expertly rebacked and some light cosmetic touch-up to the spine ends, and corners else very good tight, bright copy. housed in a cloth slipcase with leather labels on front cover and spine with titles stamped in gilt. An exceptional copy of a rare and informative book.