The first ascent in a hydrogen balloon, 1 December 1783.

Coloured print entitled 'Seconds Voyageurs aeriens, ou Experience de MM Charles et Robert', showing Charles and Robert's balloon ascent from the gardens of the Tuilleries in Paris on 1 December 1783. Designed by Jacques Charles (1746-1823), a French profesor of physics, and constructed by the brothers Jean and Noel Robert, this balloon carried Charles and Noel Robert on the first manned free flight ascent of a hydrogen balloon. The balloon set off from the Tuilleries at 1.40pm in front of a crowd of 400,000, landing over two hours later at Nesle-la-Vallee, between Nesle and Hedouville, over 27 miles (43 km) away. Robert alighted here, while Charles re-ascended in the balloon, reaching an altitude of over 9000 feet (2.7 km). Dimensions: 305mm x 406mm.