Sold For $994
*Includes Buyers Premium
Norwegian explorer (1872–1928) who navigated the Northwest Passage, fixed the position of the North Magnetic Pole, and was the first to reach the South Pole. Official White House card, 4.25 x 2.75, signed prominently in fountain pen, “Roald Amundsen.” In fine condition, with trivial brushing to the signature. An uncommon and noteworthy signed format for the great Norwegian explorer.
Amundsen originally planned to drift over the North Pole with the pack ice in Nansen's famous ship, Fram. Receiving word, however, that Robert Peary had beaten him there, Amundsen secretly decided to conquer the South Pole, though he continued to lead everyone on, including Nansen and his crew.
Amundsen's aim to be the first to reach the South Pole only became clear after he reached Madeira and continued south towards Antarctica. He attained the South Pole on December 14, 1911, and his heroic adventure and success in beating Captain Robert F. Scott to the pole, brought him instant acclaim and many honors, including the special gold medal of the National Geographic Society that Admiral Peary presented him at the Society's annual banquet in Washington in January 1913.
While receiving this honor, Amundsen was also a guest at the White House, which was possibly the occasion on which he signed this card. He continued his polar explorations until 1928, when he disappeared during an attempted rescue of Italian aviator and explorer Umberto Nobile.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$25.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
