Remarkable archive consisting of a small American flag carried to the South Pole, three one-page TLSs, and a signed book. Most important is the printed fabric American flag, 5.75 x 4, which was brought to Antarctica on Byrd’s mission. Two of the included TLSs reference this flag, the first dated July 28, 1927, in part: “What a nice letter…I want to thank you for the little American flag you sent me to take on the South Pole flight. I will take it with me, you may be sure.” The second TLS, signed “R. E. Byrd,” is dated July 16, 1930, and reads in full: “I am sending you the little American flag we took down to the South Polar regions for you. It was a pleasure to do this, and I want to thank you for the interest you have taken in our expedition.” There is various fraying to the flag and the second letter is heavily toned, with an area in the pattern of the flag, which was stapled at the bottom. The third TLS, May 25, 1928, reads in part: “I am so busy getting ready to go to the Antarctic that I will not be able to come.” Also includes a hardcover first edition, first printing of the book Skyward, signed by Byrd on the first free end page. In overall very good condition. Byrd began his expedition in October 1928, making history with his team when they flew over the South Pole a year later. They continued their exploration into 1930, not returning to North America until June—even after all this time, he returned the American flag within just a few weeks. This is a rare and exceptional piece of Antarctic exploration history with impeccable provenance from Byrd himself. RR Auction COA.
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