Lot 673
Byrd, Richard E. Three letters with three envelopes from the Byrd Antarctic Expedition II (1934-1935). The letters, on official Expedition letterhead, are signed by Clay Bailey, Chief Radio Operator: two letters are short lines of holiday greeting and the third is more descriptive of the conditions and lifestyle at "Little America" -- Byrd's camp in Antarctica. All three envelopes bear three cent commemorative stamps, cancelled at Little America, and two have large purple stamps depicting Antarctica next to a second cancellation featuring penguins delivering mail. Minor soil and toning. Good to very good condition.
The Second Byrd Expedition was notable for several reasons: it marked the first time automobile transportation was an important tool in Antarctic exploration, the first time voices were broadcast from the Antarctic (a weekly broadcast on CBS followed shortly after), the first time meteor observations were made at such southern latitudes and the first significant use of motor-driven generators to supply electrical power.
Estimated Value $150 - 200.
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| Realized $86 |
