Unopened coffee from on board the Discovery 270. Robert Falcon Scott. British naval officer and explorer (1868–1912) best known for the two expeditions he led to the Antarctic in 1901–1904 and 1910–1912. During the second of these, the Terra Nova Expedition, extreme weather, poor health, and a shortage of supplies led to the death of Scott and his party. An unopened can of coffee from Scott’s first Antarctic expedition in 1901 aboard the ship Discovery. The cube-shaped can measures 4.5 x 3.75 x 4.5, weighs approximately one pound and is wrapped in red paper. Printed on the outside in gold lettering is: “This coffee has been specifically selected and packed by Tower Tea Ltd for the National Antarctic Expedition 1901. This can is hermetically sealed. To open, slice this paper and cut round the circle with a penknife or any sharp tool.” Expected wear and soiling, peeling along one edge, and scattered soiling, otherwise fine condition. Can was originally removed from Scott’s hut in McMurdo Sound in the 1950s, before restrictions were placed on removing artifacts. RR Auction COA.…(MB $200)
At the close of the Discovery Expedition, Scott commands the Morning’s return to England: “You will not delay on the voyage, and will not keep such latitude as will in any way risk detention from ice” 271. Robert Falcon Scott. Manuscript DS , signed
“R. F. Scott,” one page, 8 x 13.25, H. M. S. Tauranga, June 8, 1904. Sailing orders addressed to Lieutenant William Colbeck of the S. S. Morning, docked in New Zealand. Orders read, in part: “Being in all aspects ready for sea, you are to proceed to England following the undermentioned instructions from Captain Scott…On leaving Lyttelton you will proceed to Plymouth, England, via Cape Horn. You will not delay on the voyage, and will not keep such latitude as will in any way risk detention from ice. If necessary you will call at Port Stanley, Falkland Islands to complete your supply of coal. On arrival in Plymouth Sound you will report your arrival to the Naval Commander.” Matted and framed with an image of Scott on skis to an overall size of 20.25 x 20. In fine, clean condition.
Three years into Scott’s Discovery Expedition—the first official British exploration of the Antarctic regions since Ross’s voyage sixty years earlier—he found his ship inescapably stuck in ice for the second time. Having already been freed once in 1902, the Discovery had exhausted their funds, forcing Royal Geographical Society president Sir Clements Markham to turn to the Admiralty for help. Agreeing to foot the bill for a second relief expedition, they ordered the ships Morning and Terra Nova to meet Scott, adding that if they could not break Discovery free by February 25, 1904, the ship must be abandoned. Fortunately, after seven weeks of blasting and a swell in the waters, the ice broke and Discovery joined the two relief ships on their return, stopping in New Zealand before sailing home. Ordering the relief ship Morning back to England, this is an outstanding document from Scott’s first major Antarctic voyage. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.…(MB $300)
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