Connaissance des Temps 1785 French Armorial Binding Fleurieu Bookplate Rare HC For Sale

Original 1785 Leather Armorial Binding – Connaissance des Temps – Fleurieu Provenance
This listing is for the original leather binding only (no internal pages) of the renowned French astronomical almanac Connaissance des Temps, published for the year 1785 by the Bureau des Longitudes. This scientific work was central to astronomy, navigation, and Enlightenment-era discovery.

• Authentic 18th-century full leather binding in rich burgundy morocco

• Front board features an elegant gilt armorial crest, likely custom-tooled for a noble or scientist

• Spine richly adorned with gilt floral and celestial motifs

• Original green leather spine labels with gold title and year: Connoissance des Temps – Année 1785

• Lined with original deep blue moiré silk endpapers, partially preserved

• Interior text block is missing – binding only

• Ex libris of Charlotte Greenough – British armorial bookplate from a cultured or aristocratic library

• Ex libris of M. Le Chevalier de Fleurieu – Charles-Pierre Claret de Fleurieu (1738–1810), renowned French explorer, astronomer, cartographer, and Minister of the Navy. His bookplate, adorned with nautical and scientific instruments, confirms high-value provenance.

This binding reflects the intersection of science, nobility, and Enlightenment culture in pre-revolutionary France. Connaissance des Temps was among the most prestigious annual scientific publications in Europe. Surviving bindings from the 1700s, especially those commissioned by notable figures like Fleurieu, are exceptionally rare.

• Structurally intact with moderate edge and corner wear

• Gilt spine still legible, though aged

• Green labels faded but attached

• Some detachment at inner joints

• No internal contents – binding only

• Collectors of antique science books

• Enthusiasts of French Enlightenment or nautical exploration

• Bookbinding historians and rare book institutions

• High-end interior display or museum curation