1212 - France Aerostation. Significant collection of memorabilia belonging to Lieutenant Colonel Jules Alfred NIVET of the Aerostation (1872–1950), commander of Aerostation Groups No. 29 and then No. 35 in the Army of the Orient between 1915 and 1917; certified as an aeronaut in 1913 and as a senior aeronaut in 1914. Frame containing his 1916-model aerostation observer’s certificate, numbered B 557, and his 8 decorations. Officer of the Legion of Honor, deluxe model with fillets and a three-part gold center. War Cross 1914–1915 with two palms and a star. Officer of the Order of Karageorge of Serbia (military class), French-made in gilded bronze with enamel. Commemorative medals from the Great War: French, Serbian, Italian, and the Eastern Front. Two large photos showing him in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel with decorations and insignia, and three photos in field uniform, including one in a balloon basket. Six ballooning photos marked on the reverse with “Saint-Mihiel 1915” and “Verdun.” A four-volume manual on military tethered balloons; the first three volumes are from 1918 and the fourth from 1919, classified as SECRET. A manual and draft instruction on the operation of balloonist companies from August 1916. Memorandum on the operation of aerological observation posts and military ballooning equipment, dated July 1916. Included is research on this officer attesting to the importance of his role and including the text of his citations. French ballooning. An important collection of memorabilia relating to Lieutenant Colonel Jules Alfred Nivet (1872–1950), commander of Balloon Groups 29 and later 35 in the Army of the Orient between 1915 and 1917, who qualified as an aeronaut in 1913 and was awarded an advanced qualification in 1914. Framed 1916-pattern balloon observer badge, numbered B 557, and eight decorations: Officer of the Legion of Honor (luxury three-part version with gold centers); 1914–15 War Cross with two palms and one star; Officer of the Serbian Order of Karađorđe, military division; French-made in gilded and enameled bronze, and French, Serbian, Italian, and Army of the Orient Great War commemorative medals. Two large photographs as a lieutenant colonel wearing decorations and the badge, and three in field uniform, one in a balloon basket. Six ballooning photographs annotated “Saint Mihiel 1915” and “Verdun” on the reverse. A four-volume manual on military captive balloons; the first three volumes are dated 1918 and the fourth is dated 1919 and classified as SECRET. Draft instructions for balloon companies, August 1916, and a July 1916 notice regarding aerological sounding stations and military balloon equipment. Accompanied by research documenting his important role and transcripts of his citations.