One snuff box, French, ivory. Painted lid "Battle of Fleurus". Oval, 4 1/2" x 1 1/2".

One snuff box, French, ivory. Painted lid 'Battle of Fleurus'. Oval, 4 1/2' x 1 1/2'. The world's first military observation balloon. The balloon 'L'Entreprenant' was used by the French Republican Army to observe the combined Austrian and Dutch army at Maubeuge on 26 June 1794. This became the first battle to be won through control of the air. The balloon was piloted by scientist Captain Charles Coutelle.