7048 - Pierre Koenig’s 'Liberation of Paris' Presentation Album (1945), Featuring (50) Photographs of Leclerc’s Armored Division, Street Fighting, and Charles de Gaulle

Pierre Koenig’s 'Liberation of Paris' Presentation Album (1945), Featuring (50) Photographs of Leclerc’s Armored Division, Street Fighting, and Charles de Gaulle Presentation album of 50 photographs documenting the Liberation of Paris, presented to General Pierre Koenig (1898-1970), military governor of Paris and later Marshal of France. Published in Paris by Peeters Photographic Report, [1945], the oblong folio album, 16 x 11.5, features a printed cardboard cover and spiral binding. The page adjacent to the title page states (translated): “This album was printed in an edition of 100 copies numbered from 1 to 100, plus three copies not for sale. The first was respectfully presented to General de Gaulle. The second to General Koenig, Military Governor of Paris. The third to General Leclerc.” Printed below in red is: “Copy presented to General Koenig.” The photographic report depicts the arrival of the first armored vehicles of the Leclerc Division in front of the Arc de Triomphe, fighting near the Hôtel Majestic, the capture of a German officer, General de Gaulle saluting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and other scenes from the liberation. In fine condition, with toning and light wear to the edges. Accompanied by a school record book for the student “König Pierre” from the Sainte-Marie Institution in Caen, dated 1915-1916. The partly printed quarto volume, bound in cloth, is annotated and signed by the institution’s director and Koenig’s teachers, with an assessment describing him as “A very good student, intelligent and hardworking. Deserves to succeed.”