Plans dated 22 October 1872 received approval on 14 November 1872. Accounts variously place the beginning of construction in December 1872, January 1873, or July 1873, with the last date probably referring to keel laying. Definitive design approval followed on 14 November 1873, after the likely keel-laying date. Maximum belt armour increased again in July 1875, when construction was well advanced. The chronology distinguishes preliminary approval, the beginning of work, and final design authority.
Notable Point · 50:17-51:39
Redoutable's final approval came after work had begun
Redoutable's probable keel-laying date preceded final design approval, while competing construction dates may refer to earlier preparation.