Item Details

[Book Object].

Thunderbook: Voyages Des Pays Bas [Voyages in the Netherlands].

France: nd [circa 1820]. Unique. Hardcover. Almost certainly a French military officer's field latrine...blending humor and function. It is possible it was created for a young man's Grand Tour, but much more likely of military origin. Late 1700s binding has been repurposed to create a folding thunderbox. All elements fit within the closed 'book' (except the thunderpot) so it could be shelved in the officers field office. The binding and use of pear wood strongly collaborate its origins...most likely for use during the Peninsula War. We find reference to two similar 'thunderbooks', one in a private collection in the EU and otherwise unknown detail and a later example (Edwardian) with major elements (seat) replaced. This is a remarkable example of a book concealing a much more utilitarian purpose. Very Good+. Light shelf/edge wear, rebacked (original leather laid down), professional stabilization, shelf later, else tight and bright. Full leather binding, gilt lettering and decorative elements, pear-wood boards and structural elements, catspaw leather seat. fo. np. Item #9036

Price: $12,500.00