Byrd Aviation Association Printing plate for the Christmas card sent in 1929.
1929. Ephemera. Steel engraved plate for a 1929 Christmas card, illustrated by an Antarctic scene of men, dogs & sledges and two towers, possibly communications towers. The engraved text reads- "With the Best Wishes and Appreciation of Commander Richard . Byrd and the Byrd Aviation Association Christmas 1929".
Richard Byrd had a series of remarkable exploits over his career. In 1926, he flew over the North Pole, although there is some controversy about this. In 1927, he flew a transatlantic flight, although he was eclipsed by Charles Lindbergh in being the first. In 1928, Byrd began his first expedition to the Antarctic involving two ships and three airplanes. This culminated in the first flight to the South Pole and back on November 28, 1929. As a result of his fame, Byrd was promoted to the rank of rear admiral on December 21, 1929. As he was only 41 years old at the time, this promotion made Byrd the youngest admiral in the history of the United States Navy. This Christmas card is one of the stream of promotional pieces that Byrd issued throughout his career, and it is related to his successful flight to the South Pole and the base camp at Little America 1.
Plate 4 5/8 x 6" with the original blank storage envelope. A slightly waxy texture on top, perhaps applied at some early point to preserve the plate. A couple of small marks o/w very good condition.
Highly unusual item. Item #24332
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