This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/27/2014
Lot of 10 items from Admiral Richard E. Byrd's first two antarctic expeditions, comprising: (1) first edition program about the first trip's flagship sailing vessel, ''City of New York'', signed on the back cover by L.K. Grenlie, who writes, ''Kia ora / L.K. Grenlie / Radio Engineer / Byrd Expeditions / 1926-28-30''. Also signed by Swiss hockey player Charles Kessler. Booklet is photo-illustrated with 8 pictures and titled, ''The Barque / 'City of New York' / Heroic Flagship''. Written by Russell Owen, special correspondent of the New York Times with the expedition and published in 1930. Runs 11pp. Measures 6.5'' x 10''. (2-6) Cards bearing explorers' handwritten inscriptions are by: (2) Colonel Norman D. Vaughan, geologist from the first party, who inscribes the card, ''Norman D. Vaughan / Member Geological Party / Byrd Antarctic Expedition / 1928-1930 / May 7, 1931''; (3) Paul Siple, an Eagle Scout who won the opportunity to explore with Byrd's parties. Siple later coined the term, ''wind chill factor''. Card is inscribed, ''With best wishes / Paul Siple''. Below Siple's inscription is a note in another hand reading, ''A Boy Scout / with the / Byrd Antarctic Expedition / 1928-1930 / February 11, 1937''; (4) John B. McNamara, boatswain on the Jacob Ruppert and namesake of McNamara Island. He inscribes his card, ''John B. McNamara / Boatswain / Byrd Antarctic Expedition II''; (5) Armory H. Waite, Jr., radio operator who helped save Byrd during his near-death crisis. Card reads, ''A H Waite Jr., / B.A.E. II / Rescue party - / Feb 23, 1936.''; (6) Sverre Strom, First Mate and Ice Pilot of the first expedition. Card reads, ''Sverre Strom / Ice Pilot / City Of New York / Byrd Antarctic Expedition / 1928-1930 / Duxbury, Mass. Feb 8, 1933.'' Cards all measure 5'' x 3''. Toning, else near fine. Accompanied by (7-10) four matte 10'' x 8'' photographs, one of the barque labeled with backstamp, '''City of New York' tied up at the ice barrier'' and the rest of the ship or rigging, possible in Little America.