Copying documents
Copies of documents held amongst the SHD collections may be made in the following forms:
- photocopies- exposures taken on site by the visitor
- microfilm - black & white prints
- colour prints
- digital exposures
Photocopies and exposures made in the reading room
Photocopies may be made in the reading room in as far as the nature and state of the document allows.
The use of a camera (traditional or digital) is authorised and free of charge upon condition that handling of the document for taking the photographs is appropriate to the document's condition. Photographs may only be taken of written records (with or without illustrations in the body of text; for individual pictures or those linked to documents, please ask for assistance from one of the staff in the reading room) and in standard A4 size (21 x 29.7cm). Photographs must be taken without using a flash or backup lighting; the use of a stand, tripod or scanner is also prohibited.
Copies made by the SHD
The SHD offers a copying service for written documents and pictures. Copies may be supplied in hard copy or in digital format.
N.b.: Documents displayed on line by the Ministry of Defence (for example on the website Mémoires des hommes) may not be printed as hard copies, but may only be copied in digital format.
How to order a copy?
Orders may be made:
> by post, addressed to the SHD :
Service historique de la Défense
Château de Vincennes
Avenue de Paris
94306 Vincennes cedex
> by Internet by filling in the on-line form request for a copy of a document
> in the reading room by requesting assistance from reading room staff;
> through picture library staff.
For orders made via Internet or post, a quotation will be sent which should be returned with payment and signature, in order for work to proceed. Orders made in the reading room and through picture library staff are processed immediately after prior payment of the work ordered.
Payment may be made using cheque guarantee or credit card, cheque, postal order, international money order or credit transfer.
The work will be carried out within two months following receipt of payment.
Please refer to the list of technical costs; if the type of copy required does not appear on this list, please contact the printing and copying office of the Publications and information department.
Use of pictures
The pictures held by the SHD are covered by copyright law. If using pictures for any purpose other than personal use (e.g. publication, exhibitions, conferences, on-line publication, etc.) this may only be upon payment of a fee as established by ministerial order of 26th June 2006 from the Ministry of Defence.
Under certain circumstances (scientific publications, for example), copyright restrictions may be relaxed or withdrawn completely.
To find out more
Price list of fees of copyright