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Nansen Design, Polar Explorer’s Supplies Sledge

Name: Nansen Design, Polar Explorer’s Supplies Sledge
SKU: as717a317
Price: 5575.00 GBP
Availability: SoldOut

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Contact SellerPaul Hardy Antiques ▼

A very rare and interesting piece of early 20thC history, this is a sledge of the type used by polar explorers to carry rations and equipment. It is made of wood, mainly ash, leather and rope, with some metal braces and screws, and has a delightful, tired, whitewash patina. The runners are broad and designed to carry heavy loads across soft snow. It dates from the 1900s, perhaps as early as the 1890s.

Research has shown it to be a 'Nansen' pattern sledge, designed for the original crossing of Greenland in the 1880s by Fridjof Nansen. This example was almost certainly made by LH Hagen & Co of Norway. An identical pattern sledge was identified by no less an authority than Sotheby's as used by Scott on his fateful Terra Nova expedition where he was beaten by Amundsen to one of his objectives, that of being first to the South Pole. As every schoolchild knows, Scott and his team perished on the return journey. There is also evidence (in 'Scott and Amundsen" by Roland Huntford) that Nansen arranged to meet at Hagen's "where Scott was going to buy his sledges".

A photograph (shown here) shows Capt Robert Scott with a pair of identical sledges on his 1902 first explorative trip to the Southern polar region.
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Sotheby’s recently sold an identical sledge for a sum in excess of £50,000. Spink also exhibited a sledge of this exact construction in their 2019 exhibition.
It measures about 88” (2.24m) x 24” (0.6m)

This is an important piece in the history of exploration. Research continues, but at this early stage we believe this to be a sledge from the Scott explorations of the Antarctic polar regions. My shop at 1 Bridge St, Dulverton TA22 9HJ is open
1030 - 5pm Tues-Sat, and by appointment

Price

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The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 11/NOV/2024. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer. SOLD

Shipping information

For large items, I can happily accommodate your own courier who will need to contact me for collection details (TA22 9HJ postcode), or I can arrange a courier for you. Many items include delivery, but for those that don’t simply send me your postcode for a quote.

Smaller items are always sent by a signed for service (probably Royal Mail Next Day, for UK).
Overseas deliveries of smaller items are by various International postal services please ask for a quotation, all fees and taxes associated with exported goods are the complete responsibility of the buyer

Terms and conditions

As well as distance selling safeguards etc, buy from me in confidence any item can be returned within 14 days for a full "No Questions Asked" refund.

Category Antique Toys Date 1900 1900s Antiques Origin Norwegian Item code as717a317 / 71MEL Status Sold

SellerPaul Hardy Antiques

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Paul Hardy Antiques

Holland House
1 Bridge St
Dulverton,
Somerset, England
TA22 9HJ

Tel : 07766428050

Non UK callers : +44 7766428050

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Nansen Design, Polar Explorer’s Supplies Sledge

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