Photo album - Lot de 2 superbes albums photos d'époque Belle Époque - 1880

Set of 2 superb period photo albums from the Belle Époque (19th century) - Leather bindings and brass clasps - Portraits of the era including militaria and studio Jules Beau
Description:
Rare pair of photographic albums from the late 19th century (circa 1880-1900), perfect examples of the art of binding and family keepsakes of the high bourgeoisie during the Third Republic.
1. First album (Monogrammed D.S.):
• Binding: Full Bordeaux grain cuir leather, textured style (chagrin), adorned with a magnificent central silvered metal cartouche finely engraved with the initials “D.S.”. Original brass side clasp, complete and perfectly functional. Golden edges.
• Content: A very rich album featuring numerous period portraits in Carte de Visite (CDV) and Cabinet sizes. Healthy interior with oval and rectangular mounted cardboard frames.
• Highlights: Includes a remarkable portrait of a military officer in uniform with sabre (31st Regiment). Several photos have at the back the signature of prestigious studios of the era, notably the famous Parisian photographer Jules Beau (51 Rue de Passy) and Odinot House in Nancy. Ancient genealogical annotations in ink (Sellier Family).

2. Second album (Classic Style):
• Binding: Full dark brown/black leather with a smooth patina, trimmed with an elegant double gold rule framing the covers. Spine with false bands. Distinguished by an exceptional and substantial articulating brass spur clasp, in perfect condition. Golden edges.
• Content: Inner pages on thick cardboard designed for large cabinet portraits with a gilded border. Contains a period child portrait. Ideal to complete a collection or to insert your own old photos.
Condition:
Good state of preservation for objects over 120 years old. The leather shows a superb patina of use with no major damage. The interior insertion windows are overall very well preserved.