September 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, September 25th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/25/2014
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.
Stunning Archive of Admiral Byrd's First & Second Antarctic Expeditions -- Photos, Explorer Signatures & First Edition Booklet About Their Ship, ''City of New York''
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