The Dash For The South Pole - Lieutenant Ernest Shackleton - HMV 78RPM Record
£
850
$
1,126
Favourite Auctions
To save auctions to your favourites, please login
If you don't have an account, please register
Description
Lieutenant Ernest Shackleton (Born 1874 - Died 1922) was an Antarctic Explorer who led three Antarctic Expeditions. He was considered one of the principle figures in the period known as 'The Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration'.
Shackletons first experience of the Polar regions was during his time as third officer aboard Captain Robert Falcon Scott's 'Discovery Expedition' of 1901-1904. During this Expedition, Shackleton was sent home early on grounds of health concerns.
Between 1907-1909, Shackleton and three companions, set new records for farthest lattitude south reached, during the 'Nimrod Expedition', reaching just 180km / 97 miles from the South Pole Itself, an effort which resulted in his knightood by King Edward VII upon his return home.
After the race to the South Pole ended in 1911, Shackleton turned his attention to the crossing of Antarctica from sea to sea, via the pole. To this end, he made preparations for what then became 'The Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition'.
On this expedition, his ship, 'The Endurance', became trapped in pack ice and was slowly crushed before parties could be landed. The crew escaped by camping on sea ice until it melted, then by launching the lifeboats to travel 1,330km / 830 miles to the nearest land (Elephant Island) and ultimately, South Georgia. This became one of Shackletons more famous exploits.
In 1921, Shackleton returned to the Antarctic with the Shackelton-Rowett Expedition - and died suddenly of a heart attack, whilst his ship was moored in South Georgia, where, at his wifes request, he was then buried.
His last words were to his onboard doctor, to whom he said, "you always want me to give up something, what do you want me to give up now?"
Shackletons voice can be heard on this original recording.
Recordings from the original era are astonishingly rare, with not even the british maritime museum owning a copy of this disc (to the best of my research...)
And to make things even more historically prolific, this records B-Side features spoken word by Commander Robert E. Peary, speaking of his exploits discovering the North Pole itself.
The recording itself contains a lot of background hiss, as to be expected from a recording which was likely done on very primitive recording instruments onboard a ship.
That said, it plays very well and it is breathtaking to be able to hear the voices of such historical figures - speaking in their own words about their magnificent endeavours.
The item will be shipped as securely and packaged as protectively as humanly possible, with in-person collection also arrangable if preferred.
This item will preferably sell to a serious collector, historian or museum, who will cherish and respect and maintain this rare and beautiful item.
PLEASE NOTE: There are NONE of these records available for sale anywhere else. The last one to sell sold in March 2022 through an auction house for £700.
I have had the item appraised/valuated by a former valuator for a very prestigious and reputable auction house to expect it to sell for anywhere between £1,100-1,600.
I have decided to list online before going to an auction house purely for time-related constraints, though, this will be the next step if this item doesnt sell within a month.
I have set the price at the top end of the valuation - offers will be seriously considered (so dont be shy to make them!)
price rating
