Signed Hubert Wilkins Antarctic Expedition Deception Island 1930 Roessler Cachet

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Falkland Islands Wilkins Antarctic Expedition Deception Island purple double circle handstamp. Falklands Scott # 31 1p red George V ties by Port Stanley 6 NO 29 cds. Also SOUTH SHETLANDS JA 6 30 cds on face and back of cacheted cover signed by legendary arctic and antarctic explorer and photographer Hubert Wilkins. Address to A.C. Roessler in East Orange New Jersey, with spectacular cachet by him of arctic ice flow, plane, and ship in green. This is not the commonly seen arctic submarine expedition cover, but a truly scarce cover from Wilkins' second exploration of the antarctic. Wilkins was ready to turn his attention to the Antarctic. Fame earned from the northern polar regions now propelled him into a position to finally accomplish his original dream of being the first to fly an airplane across the Antarctic continent. Hubert approached fellow Australian Major R.G. Casey, an official at the High Commission office in London, for financial backing from the government. Wilkins pointed out that his expedition could assist in accomplishing an early foothold on the Antarctic rim where meteorological reporting stations could subsequently be established. As much a supporter of Antarctic exploration as Casey was, his efforts nevertheless failed. Fortunately, the United States was interested. Endorsements came from the American Geographical Society and the Detroit Aviation Society. Millionaire publisher William Randolph Hearst pledged $25,000 for the exclusive press and radio rights. With Australia dropping out of the expedition, Wilkins now prepared to concentrate his operation from Graham Land, or Palmer Peninsula as it was known to the Americans. From Deception Island in the South Shetlands, Wilkins hoped to launch a flight across the Weddell Sea in an attempt to possibly achieve a major flight, perhaps across Antarctica at a tangent to the coast. Wilkins intended to use the same plane which achieved Arctic fame, renamed the LOS ANGELES in honor of Hearst, but his backers insisted on a second plane for safety's sake. A second identical Vega of Jack Northrop's design was built and delivered at cost from the Lockheed Corporation. The second WILKINS-HEARST EXPEDITION returned to Deception Island aboard the factory ship MELVILLE in late November 1929. The British government once again authorized Wilkins to make territorial claims on behalf of the Crown. To assist with the expedition, the Colonial Office voted £10,000 and the services of the Discovery Committee's research vessel, WILLIAM SCORESBY . This time their equipment included a boat with an outboard motor, a caterpillar tractor and a Baby Austin automobile fitted with eight wheels and chains. With one plane loaded aboard WILLIAM SCORESBY , they sailed just below the 67th parallel in an attempt to find a more suitable takeoff and landing area for the plane. However, floats were used and by this manner a number of successful flights were completed between December 1929 and January 1930. A trans-Antarctic venture was never within their grasp. The most rewarding flights were those of December 27-29 when an area then known as Charcot Land revealed itself to be a large island, over which Wilkins dropped a flag and document proclaiming the land in the name of King George V. The final flight came on February 1 and reached 73°S, in the vicinity of Peter I Island, but no new discoveries were made. A significant and scarce antarctic cover! Owner paid $250 at public auction in 2008. Auction Terms & Conditions Payment is accepted in U.S. Dollars only We will send you an electronic invoice when you are the winning bidder. Within three days of winning a lot , please use eBay check out to pay or to inform us of your method of payment. Payment must be received within 10 days ofthe end of the auction. Indiana residents please add 7% sales tax. We take Paypal. If mailing payment, make it out and send to: The Stamp Shop 614 Massachusetts AvenueIndianapolis, IN 46204 read more

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