Antarctic, Arctic, Polar

Commemorating the First Transantarctic Crossing 1957-8 – Fuchs and Hillary.

Usually described as First Day Cover but really a philatelic curiosity.

Pictorial envelope with Fuchs and Hillary [Hillary must be the one on the right as he is wearing the typical Hillary fur trimmed hood – however he has been made the same height as the truly shorter Fuchs]. A Sno-Cat which was used by Fuchs who departed from the Shackleton Base [also with tractors] and a De Havilland DHC-3 which also did a trans-antarctic and delivered some supplies along the way.

Vivian Fuchs set off in November 1957. Hillary left a little later [with tractors and dogs] – he was only to go part way to the Pole but had such a good run that he went on to the Pole and beat Fuchs to the point. Must have really pleased Fuchs to see Hillary there! This was the first time since Scott and Amundsen that anyone made it by “land” to the Pole. A base had been established by aircraft.

They both set off to the Scott Base in the Ross Dependency [Hillary getting a lift by aircraft] and then coming back so they could come in together – you can see where we are going here!

This “cover” is from the Scott Base and dated 20^th January 1958 so when they are approaching back from the Pole – not a bad date but you can see our F.D.C. technicality. A nice example to a NZ receiver which is nice. Thee Ross Dependency Stamps [nice ones]. All very clean.

The first time across and the first time there since the famous pair – not to be done again until the 1980’s

$90.00

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Special Polar References – Bonhams Polar Sale[s] Catalogue[s] of 2012

Over the years Christies and Bonhams have fought it out as to who could gather and catalogue the best of the best books, maps, objects of interest, letters, logs etc relating to the Polar exploits of the Golden Age of Exploration.

Our view, and many others, is that the Bonhams “Scott & Amundsen Centenary Sale” of March 2012 was the winner. This was followed by Polar II in December of that year.

They are superb references in their own right and should be part of any Polar Collection.

Both perfect bound and in super condition – catalogue I, 188 pages near a thousand of illustrations; catalogue II 78 pages many illustrations. Bonhams went to town with the production and photography.

Hard to pick our favourite item … an absolute smorgasbord.

Bonhams Polar Reference – Impossible to match – rare to get them together.

$140.00

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The Antarctic – Henry King – First Edition 1969

Henry King was the Librarian of the Scott Polar Research Institute between 1955 and 1983, incredible stretch.

So, he definitely had time and the access to material nigh unlimited to produce this all-embracing Antarctic book. There are other attempts, but we think this one the best to that period given the aforementioned advantage the writer had.

Published by Blanford Press, London in 1969. Octavo, 276 pages, a multitude of images from period photographs, many in colour, end paper maps. Top edge stained blue as required by the first. A very good copy.

Henry King form his Library – but what a library.

$35.00

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Raymond Howgego’s Monumental reference on the Exploration of Australia and Beyond.

Four Massive volumes which we regard complete, as they contain all the factual works [Howgego also produced a book on fictional travel]. Published progressively by Hordern House.

Land and sea exploration from the earliest days to circa 1940. Over four thousand pages in all with surely every event and fact worthy of mention. In pristine condition, weighing over 11 kgs so postage will be circa $80.00 at cost.

Raymond Howgego was teacher of physics before he gave that up to become a full-time traveller and travel writer. Possibly put down more words than any other living person. Seemingly can handle almost all European languages and Arabic and probably a few others. He still has an interest in amateur radio and fixing electronic items … we withhold his call sign, but you can find it if you try.

As new comprehensive definitive history of Exploration.

$580.00

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Antarctica – a Traveller’s Tale – Jean Bailey

First edition published in 1980 by Angus & Robertson. Tall octavo, 182 pages, well illustrated from the author’s couloured photographs and charcoal drawings by Lorraine Hannay. Good condition.

Jean Bailey is neither and adventurer or a scientist, which makes this book a bit different for the subject matter as easy going informative travel books on the Antarctic don’t come along very often.

She did the Argentinian route … around the Falklands [Islas Malvinos] then down through the Scotia Sea south of the South Shetlands and into true Antarctic waters, Anvers Island and Palmer Station through the Lemaire Channel and beyond the “Circle” proper to Adelaide Island. Deception Island with all its history follows … before making north across Drake Passage to Ushuaia.

Like we say written in a familiar story telling style with some gritty elements such as the tussle for the Falklands … not sure whose side she is on?

Antarctica a more relaxed, still informative approach.

$30.00

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Antarctica – The NZ Party of the Trans-Antarctic Expedition – Helm and Miller – First Edition 1964

Published by the NZ Government in 1964 a first edition. Large octavo, 435 pages with numerous illustrations from photographs, charts and maps. A very good copy.

It was not until 1958 that the Antarctic was successfully crossed from one side to the other led by British explorer Vivian Fuchs. Edmund Hillary led the NZ contingent and this book is a handsome record of that contribution.

An essential Polar account – all the way across …. by adventure royalty.

$40.00

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Commemorating the First Transantarctic Crossing 1957-8 – Fuchs and Hillary.

Special Polar References – Bonhams Polar Sale[s] Catalogue[s] of 2012

The Antarctic – Henry King – First Edition 1969

Raymond Howgego’s Monumental reference on the Exploration of Australia and Beyond.

Antarctica – a Traveller’s Tale – Jean Bailey

Antarctica – The NZ Party of the Trans-Antarctic Expedition – Helm and Miller – First Edition 1964

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