4102 - Africa

Africa Photographer unknown. Photographs documenting trans-Saharan trade routes. 1932. 168 gelatin silver prints, mounted on gray-brown album pages with orange borders. Images range in size from 6.5 x 10.7 to 14.2 x 24 cm (album pages 21 x 27.5 cm). Many are captioned and dated in French in black ink on the mounts. Bound in the original album, which includes a printed title, itinerary, vehicle specifications, and list of participants (overall dimensions 21.5 x 29.5 x 2 cm). An extensive documentation of Saurer’s participation in the 1932 trans-Saharan trials organized by the French colonial administration in Algeria to test diesel-powered commercial transport. Following preparations in Suresnes, the album traces the route from Algiers via Ghardaia, Timimoun, Adrar, and Reggan to Gao. Scenes of loading, refueling, repairs, desert camps, and vehicles traversing difficult terrain are interspersed with images of crews, local residents, mounted troops, and river scenes in Gao, documenting both the expedition’s logistical challenges and the communities encountered along the way. – Covers show slight discoloration and irregular staining; edges are slightly rubbed; prints have light scuff marks, slight fading, and silver mirroring; otherwise, everything is in very good condition.