SAINT MARTIN (J. de) L'Art de faire des armes réduit à ses vrais principes. Containing all the principles necessary for this art, which are explained in a clear and intelligible manner. This work is written for the young nobility and for those who are destined for the profession of war, as well as for all those who carry a sword. Attached is a treatise on swordfighting, in which the true principles of this art, so useful and necessary to the military, are explained in an easy manner, and which is full of truly new discoveries. Vienna: printed by Janne Schrämble, 1804. - 2 parts in one volume in-4, portrait, (3 ff.), XII pp., (1 f.), 91 pp. 44 plates; (1 f.), iv, 57 pp. 28 plates. Bradel-style marbled paper boards, smooth spine (period binding). Uncommon first edition of this sword and saber treatise by J. de Saint Martin, "Maître d'Armes Impérial de l'Académie Thérésienne, et ancien Officier de Cavalerie", dedicated to Charles Louis of Austria. It is illustrated with a frontispiece portrait of the author, a headband bearing the dedicatee's coat of arms and 72 plates (44 in the first part and 28 in the second), including two fold-outs. (Spine faded, corners dull, wear to hinges and headpieces. Scattered foxing). Provenance: Ex-libris "Knaren-Seminars bibliothek in Graz" on title and verso of last leaf.