Two items signed by the polar aviator: a handsome pearl-finish 7 x 9.5 portrait by G. Maillard Kesslère, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, "To D. E. Walton, with cordial regards, R. E. Byrd, Feb. 9, 1931"; and a TLS signed "R. E. Byrd, In looking forward to seeing you," one page, 7 x 10.5, personal letterhead, June 1, 1931, to Parke R. Kolbe of the Polytechnic Institute, in part: "I appreciate so much your wanting me and your honoring me at the Commencement and I am anxious for you to understand why it is that I cannot come to the dinner. I have seen very little of my wife and four children for many years. Since my return from the Antarctic I have had hardly a whole day free to be with my family. I just finished my lecture tour and now there is an opportunity to be at home. It is vital that I spend every available minute here." Matted together to an overall size of 18 x 14. In fine condition, with some light creasing to the top of the letter.
