Drapeaux et étendards du Roi - 1989

Flags and Banners of the King
The work “Flags and Banners of the King” by Pierre Charrié comprehensively documents the evolution and systematics of the royal-French troops’ banners of the Ancien Régime. The content essentially divides into the following thematic core areas:
- Royal Household Guard (Maison militaire du Roi): Detailed presentation of the extremely magnificent emblems of the Guards of the Body (Gardes du Corps), the Musketeers, the Cent-Suisse, and the Gardes Françaises, often richly embroidered with gold and silver threads.
- Infantry (Line and Foreign Regiments): Cataloguing the banners of the regular foot troops. Here a strict distinction is made between the white Colonel’s banner (the regiment commander’s standard) and the colored Ordonnance banners (the company standards). Units of foreign origin in French service (e.g., Swiss or German regiments) are also analyzed.
- Cavalry & Dragoons (Cavalerie & Dragons): Examination of the usually smaller, square or swallow-tail-shaped standards of heavy cavalry and the guidons of dragoon regiments.
- Navy & Colonies: Presentation of the flags for naval forces and overseas troops (such as the Compagnies Franches de la Marine).
- Heraldic and artistic analysis: The book explains the political and sacred symbolism behind the colors, the regiment crosses, the fleurs-de-lis, as well as the Latin mottos and sayings on the fabrics. It also discusses manufacturing techniques (embroidery, painting).

It contains numerous full-page color plates and black-and-white drawings that accurately depict the historic banners, cross motifs, and regimental colors.

Condition: light signs of wear on the cover, interior: clean and with a solid binding