[UNIFORMS OF THE SPANISH ARMY]. Notes and sketches of Spanish army uniforms in 1878. S.l. [Paris], s.d. (1893); large square folio of [4] ff. of text and 38 plates, contemporary binding in brown half-maroquin with corners, ornate ribbed spine, mosaic pieces in the colors of Spain and forming a flag at the head, gilded fillets framing the boards, gilt head. Superb and exceptional album of 38 Spanish uniforms, finely hand-drawn and watercolored, on drawing paper, mounted on strong paper and mitered. Each plate is accompanied by a handwritten caption sheet, written in large, legible letters. The history of the volume can be reconstructed: taking advantage of Spain's participation in the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1878, the 2nd Bureau of the French General Staff, headed by Colonel Vanson, wanted a souvenir of the uniforms of the military detachment associated with the Spanish pavilion in Paris. The work was entrusted to squadron leader Lahalle, who drew the sketches from life and wrote the captions. The result was a single copy, preserved in the 2nd Office of the General Staff. In 1893, this copy was made at the request of Captain Charles Exelmans (1854-1935), the marshal's grandson, for his uncle, the famous collector (also an industrialist and member of parliament) Auguste Balsan (1836-1896). The volume bears his bookplate. Presented at public sale in 1910 with the rest of the Balsan collection, the album was withdrawn by the heirs and given as a gift to Colonel Exelmans, former military attaché to Spain and Portugal from 1892 to 1898, the same person who had allowed the copying work to be carried out. This is stated in a handwritten note pasted on and dated Le Grand-Broutay (Exelmans family residence), August 4, 1910. A fine copy, with a few brown spots.