August 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, August 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/28/2014
Arctic explorer Roald Amundsen letter signed, dated 22 October (1907) from Oakland, California, asking permission from Admiral Henry W. Lyons to store and protect his legendary ''Gjoa'' vessel. The ''Gjoa'' was the 45 ton fishing vessel that Amundsen famously led on the first ever expedition through the Northwest Passage from the years of 1903 to 1906. The mythical Amundsen went on to become the first explorer to visit both the North and South poles. On ''Harry Randall / Minneapolis, Minn.'' stationery, letter reads: ''Dear Sir: I write to ask you if there is any possibility to get permission to put my vessel the 'Gjoa' ashore in the Mare Island Navy Yard. I have to leave her here for a year or two, and I do not know of any place, where she can be left safe from souvenir hunters and other risks unless permission could be obtained to put her ashore in your yard. Your answer will greatly oblige. Sincerely yours / Roald Amundsen''. The Gjoa would indeed be harbored in the San Francisco bay area until 1972, when it was transferred back to Norway and remains to this day. Card-style letter on one page measures 5'' x 6.5''. Central fold and two staple holes to top. With pencil notations to back page. Very good.
Letter Signed by Arctic Explorer Roald Amundsen Regarding His Vessel ''Gjoa'', Used During the Northwest Passage -- ''...where she can be left safe from souvenir hunters and other risks...''
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