Two items: a 2 x 1 swatch of insulation from the interior wall of Byrd’s Advance Meteorological Base, signed in black ink, “R. E. Byrd.” Swatch is affixed to an 8.5 x 11 presentation sheet, bearing a printed message and signature of Byrd, dated May 10, 1936. Message reads in part: “I want to express to you my deep and enduring appreciation of the assistance you rendered our second Antarctic Expedition…attached to this sheet is an autographed piece of insulation from the wall of the Advance Meteorological Base, the southernmost habitation ever occupied by man”; and a TLS, signed “R. E. Byrd,” one page, 7.75 x 11, Byrd Arctic Expedition letterhead, August 11, 1927. In part: “Thank you very much for the article in the Neues Wiener Abendblatt of July 21st.” In very good condition, with Byrd’s signature on the insulation somewhat faded, but still completely legible, and uniform toning, edge tears, and an office stamp to letter. RR Auction COA.
