Auction Date:2013 Nov 13 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
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. Scott’s dark green leatherette pocket diary for 1910, 3.5 x 4.75, bearing an ink ownership signature to the ‘Army & Navy Thin Pocket Diary’ title page, “Captain Robert F. Scott, RN &c, 36–38 Victoria St., Westminster SW.” Also similarly signed on the final page in black ink, “Captain R. F. Scott, RN, British Antarctic Exped’n, 36 & 38 Victoria St., Westminster, SW.” Diary contains approximately 116 brief ink and pencil entries from between December 4, 1909, and December 25, 1910, though the vast majority are from between January and July 1910; a large gap from mid-July though mid-December remains blank. Particularly notable entries include:
December 4, 1909: "Interview Atkinson & Wilson."
January 1, 1910: "Arrange dates for lecture at Litchfield. Let Mr. Benson know of engagements in January & February."
January 14: "PM 3:30 Hydrographer. PM Edgarton tents."
January 24: "Admiralty."
January 29: "2nd or 3rd, February. Arrange to meet Mayor of Middlesboro."
March 14: "Arrive London."
March 18: "New Vagabonds Club."
April 12: "Preside Navy Club Dinner 7:30, Whitehall Rooms."
May 3: "Peary Royal Societies Club, London 10 o'clock."
May 4: "Peary meeting."
May 5: "8:30 Queen's Hall, Peary."
May 7: "Ship inclining experiments."
May 20: "King's Funeral."
May 26: "Huntley & Palmers Directors visit ship."
June 25: "Audience Queen Alexandra, Buckingham Palace."
July 5: "Audience, H. M. The King."
Among the concluding memoranda are a few notes of addresses, including expedition member George Clarke Simpson and various suppliers, as well as scattered memoranda, including "send Wilson 'Scurvy'" and the poignant, "After the expedition a list of firms whose goods were taken and were found to be thoroughly satisfactory will be published."
In fine condition, with toning and soiling to title page and expected general handling wear from use. Accompanied by a typed list entitled "Approximate Programme of 'Terra Nova's' movements," with four autograph emendations by Scott, as well as a brown leather wallet-type folder monogrammed on the front with Scott's initials, "R. S.," containing the calling card of Viscount Knutsford, bearing a notation that reads: "This book belonged to Capt. Scott of S. Polar fame & was given to me by his son Peter."
Having captured the public’s attention with the Discovery, Scott enjoyed a hero’s fame during the years in between expeditions, easing into Edwardian society with his new promotion to Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO). This fascinating personal diary holds several points of interest, from the numerous naval engagements, as Scott resumed his full-time naval career upon his return, to the upper echelon royal events, including the “King’s Funeral” (for Edward VII), “Audience Queen Alexandra, Buckingham Palace,” and another event with George, newly crowned “H. M. The King." He notes three meetings with and/or regarding fellow explorer Robert Peary at the start of May, at the center of which was The Royal Geographical Society’s acknowledgment of his achievement, headed by Charles Darwin. Most interesting, however, are the entries related to his upcoming expedition to the South Pole. “January 14: Hydrographer,” likely began the detailing of the waters of his upcoming journey, and “Interview Atkinson & Wilson,” most certainly referred to crew members Edward Atkinson, the Terra Nova’s parasitologist and bacteriologist, who took command during the final year, and Edward Adrian Wilson, Scott’s closest friend and confidant, who perished by his side on their final expedition. An absolutely fascinating look into Scott’s final year on land, noting landmark events that preceded his departure on the Terra Nova, from which he would never return.
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