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1907-09 British Antarctic Expedition: a fragment of an 'Erratic…
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Auction Location:
Melbourne
Date:
25-Aug-2009
Lot No.
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Description:
1907-09 British Antarctic Expedition: a fragment of an 'Erratic Boulder' from cape Royds, McMurdo sound, mounted on wood, 11 x 8 cm, with silver plaque engraved 'A fragment of Antarctica. May It Bring You Luck. May 31st 1940'. With accompanying framed letter of presentation from John K. Davis to J.S. Cumpston in 1940. (2 items) John King Davis (1884-1967) was an English-born Australian Antarctic explorer and navigator, who served as Chief Officer of the Nimrod during Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic expedition 1907-09, when he collected this rock fragment at cape Royds, the rocky volcanic cape at the western extremity of Ross Island, facing onto McMurdo sound. It was the site of Shackleton's base on this expedition in 1908. Davis was also Captain of the 'Aurora' and second-in-command of Sir Douglas Mawson's Australasian Antarctic Expedition in 1911-14. He served as Captain of the 'Discovery' in 1929-30 in the course of the British Australian and New Zealand Research Expedition. Dr John Stanley Cumpton FRGS was a noted Australian cartographer and author/historian of the Antarctic. The accompanying letter is on 'British Antarctic Expedition 1907' letterhead, and with the original B' envelope stamped with 1d New Zealand stamp overprinted 'King Edward VII Land' (no postmark). Letter is headed 'Alas! on board the 'Nimrod' no more, back at Melbourne, May 25th 1940' 'My Dear Cumpston, many years ago while serving with the British Antarctic Expedition of 1907 under E.H. (Afterwards Sir E.H.) Shackleton in the 'Nimrod' I obtained this piece of an erratic boulder, its nucleus was probably the bosom of old mother Antarctica before its glacial foster parents carried it to cape Royds McMurdo Sounds where I picked it up. I am now sending it to you with my best wishes for your future happiness, and I hope that later on it will remind you to continue the Antarctic research work you have commenced with so much promise' (signed) John K. Davis
Estimate:
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Category:
Printed & Written Material: Historical Documents