Giffard Hot Air Balloon Wood Engraving 1878 Paris World Fair - c. 19th Century, France. Titled LE GRAND BALLON CAPTIF DE M. GIFFARD (Monsieur's Giffard's Captive Hot Air Balloon), it shows a large hot-air balloon being prepared for take-off. It is signed on the lower left of the plate Q. Ferat. H. Scott. and on the lower right Regnier Barbant. The inscription below the image reads as follows: LE GRAND BALLON CAPTIF DE M. GIFFARD. This balloon was a main attraction at the 1878 Paris World Fair exhibition and rides were offered to the public. The Monsieur Giffard mentioned in the title most likely refers to the French engineer and aviation pioneer Jules Henri Giffard (1825-1882) who in 1851 patented the "application of steam in the airship travel" and demonstrated that controlled flight was possible. Zoom into photos to appreciate in detail. We have seen other Paris Exposition Universelle Regnier-Barbant engravings in the Musee Carnavalet in Paris dated 1878. It comes nicely matted and framed, ready to display. Center fold, foxing, tape marks and imperfections as shown. Shipped fully insured with tracking number.

Measurements: 26 1/4" by 21" approximately.