738 - LOUIS XV, KING OF FRANCE (1715-1774)

LOUIS XV, KING OF FRANCE (1715-1774) DUKE OF CHOISEUL (1719-1785) L.J.M. DE BOURBON, DUKE OF PENTHIÈVRE (1725-1793) ORDONNANCE DU ROI, CONCERNANT LA MARINE. [ROYAL ORDINANCE CONCERNING THE NAVY] MARCH 25, 1765. FIRST EDITION. 1765. Paris, Imprimerie Royale. M.DCCLXV. (1765) 1 volume, in-4, bound; xiii-344 p. Contemporary full brown sheepskin binding. Spine slightly rubbed; lower cap worn away with a small loss of leather; a few wormholes, but a fine copy. First edition of this important ordinance on the Navy, commonly known as the Choiseul Ordinance. Enacted under Louis XV, this ordinance marked a major milestone in the reconstruction and strengthening of the French navy. It was drafted in the context of the naval reforms led by the Duke of Choiseul following the Seven Years’ War, with the aim of improving the organization, efficiency, and power of the royal fleet. Louis XV, known as ‘the Beloved’ (1710-1774) King of France and Navarre, Louis XV belonged to the House of Bourbon and reigned over the Kingdom of France from 1715 until his death. To administer the state, he surrounded himself with several secretaries of state and ministers, relied on various councils, and drew upon a select circle of high-ranking officials. Among them, Choiseul held a particularly important position. Étienne-François de Choiseul-Beaupré-Stainville A French statesman, he served as head of the government under Louis XV from 1758 to 1770 and as Secretary of State for the Navy (1761–1766). Choiseul vigorously reformed the army and the navy. One of the first measures of this reform policy was the ordinance of December 10, 1762, which reorganized the infantry. Louis-Jean-Marie de Bourbon, Duke of Penthièvre As Grand Admiral of France, Grand Hunter of France, and Governor of Brittany, these offices conferred upon him a high rank at court, even though his military career was limited—he notably took part in the campaigns of Dunkirk and Fontenoy, then gradually turned away from military life. Germain Pierre Blanchebarbe de Granbourg (18th century) French nobleman, adviser to the king and ordinary magistrate at the Paris Chamber of Accounts. Upon the buyer’s request, we are pleased to provide a general condition report for the Lot described above. However, as we are not professional conservators or restorers, we strongly advise prospective buyers to conduct their own inspection or consult a specialist or restorer of their choice for a comprehensive professional assessment. Any condition descriptions provided in the catalogue or through any correspondence are for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for a firsthand evaluation. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD ‘AS IS’ IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE PUBLISHED IN THE CATALOGUE.