La Théorie de L'Escrime. [The Theory of Fencing].

First edition of this monumental nineteenth-century French fencing manual. Octavo, written in French, bound in full morocco with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, crossed foils and armored helmet decorations stamped in gilt to the corners of the front and rear panels, top edge gilt, gilt turn-ins and inner dentelles, double marbled endpapers, tissue-guarded vignette of a coat of arms, original wrappers, ribbon bound in, illustrated with twenty drawings made from life by Th. Guérin. Boldly signed by Gomard on the authentication page to the front which states, "Any copy that is not bearing the author’s signature (or mark) will be considered counterfeit.” In the 19th century fencing manuals were often copied, so Gomard added his signature (“griffe”) as an authenticity mark. Copies without it were considered unauthorized reproductions. In near fine condition. An exceptional example.