Explorer who (may have!) reached the North Pole in 1909. ALS signed “Peary,” three pages, 8 x 10.5, Eagle Island letterhead, October 11, 1914. Letter to the Vice President of the New York Tercentenary Committee, and noted authority on precious stones, George F. Kunz, informing him that he will not send his North Pole flag for the celebration, but offers another option. In part, “My silk North Pole flag I should not care to trust on your float. I do not let it go out of my hands except under the greatest safe guards. I have a 10 ft. x 20 ft. North Pole flag [Peary has sketched a 1.5 x 1 image of the flag] which flew at the Roosevelts peak when she entered Sydney in Sept. 1909, & which she flew in the Hudson Fulton parade in Oct. This is at your service if you care for it. If you require assistance in the designing of your North Pole float you will find Albert Operti…invaluable. Mr. Operti is not in the best of circumstances & remuneration for his services if utilized will be very welcome…If you are dating any of the floats, it might perhaps be well to have ‘1909’ and ‘Peary Arctic Club’ appear on the North Pole one.” Accompanied by a 1914 TLS from the Director of the American Museum of Natural History, T. A. Lucas, returning the letter to Kunz. In fine condition, with expected mailing folds and a staple hole to top left of each page. R&R COA.
