Cinquantième anniversaire de l'inauguration du chemin de fer du Bas-Congo 1898-1948.

2 albums, 4to: 36, 36 b/w photos, 18 x 24,3 cm, pasted in, protected with tissue-guards, stamps "M.V. Albertville, reportage photographique spécial réalisé par le Studio Camera [...] Anvers".

Contemp. cloth by Pittoors with gilt titled front cover, flat spine (somewhat rubbed).

Retracing the life on board of the Albertville, built in 1948 for the Compagnie Maritime Belge by Cockerill S.A. Hoboken. One of 5 sister ships built to replace WWII losses. She operated on the Belgium to Belgian Congo route calling at Antwerp, Tenerife, Lobito in Angola, Matadi in Congo, Léopoldville, Madeira, Kisantu, Boma etc. Following the life of the participants aboard including Cardinal Van Roey, Colonel Thys, Doctor Bertrand, Senator Raoul Tack, Minister Raoul de Fraiteur, Jesuit J. Gillet playing games on the deck, having diner and cocktail parties, attending parades and banquets, etc. Also views on Tenerife, Matadi, a parade in Léopoldville, merchants in Madeira and Tenerife, local festivities, a "Bal Travesti" aboard, the docks of Boma, "Te Deum" at Léopoldville, Senator Tack choosing ivory, etc. With, in front of each album, a typed legend to the photos.