Robert Peary Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Robert Peary Art Value Price Guide

Jan. 13, 2025
Polar Explorer Admiral Robert Peary Inscribed Portrait, U.S. Navy, 1896
Est: $300 - $500
United States Arctic Explorer Robert Peary (American, 1856-1920). Original inscription hand-signed in ink and dated. R.E. PEARY. U.S. NAVY. MAY 14, 96. Image of Admiral Robert Peary on the deck of his ship, Roosevelt. Custom framed under glass. Dimensions: framed: 16 1/4 x 23 inches. Condition: good original pre-owned framed estate condition. Provenance: private estate.
Kensington Estate Auctions
Apr. 12, 2024
Robert E. Peary the Discovery of the North Pole
Est: $25 - $50
John Hancock Life Insurance Company.
Davis Brothers Auction
Jun. 17, 2023
ROBERT EDWIN PEARY, SR. (1856-1920) TYPED LETTER SIGNED
Est: $200 - $300
ROBERT EDWIN PEARY, SR. (1856-1920) TYPED LETTER SIGNED, dated "Grand Union Hotel, New York City / October 2nd, 1896.", to the La Touraine Co., NYC, thanking them for providing his expedition with a case of Rillettes which "Mr. Operti, the Professors on board, and myself found very satisfactory and an agreeable addition to our lunches." Together with a Hassan Tobacco trading card featuring Peary. Two pieces total. Letter 1896. 10 3/8" x 8" sheet.
Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates
Nov. 03, 2022
[TRAVEL & EXPLORATION] -- [PEARY, Robert (1856-1920)]. Folding camp chair identified to explorer Robert E. Peary and which accompanied him on the SS Roosevelt during his Arctic explorations.
Est: $800 - $1,200
[TRAVEL & EXPLORATION] -- [PEARY, Robert (1856-1920)]. Folding camp chair identified to explorer Robert E. Peary and which accompanied him on the SS Roosevelt during his Arctic explorations. 41 in. (h) x 22 1/2 in. (w) x approx. 19 in. (d), with seat measuring 18 1/2 x 18 1/2 in., featuring decoratively carved dark wood and likely the original stitched seat and back. No label visible at underside. Collapsible fabric arms attached on each side to wood carved in image of a dog. Wood with scratches and wear. Wear to seat and seat back with some missing thread and loose stitching, but seat otherwise functional and intact. Provenance: Admiral Robert E. Peary to his daughter Marie A. Peary Stafford, Marie A. Peary Stafford to her son Edward P. Stafford, Edward P. Stafford to his wife Margaret C. Stafford, Margaret C. Stafford to her daughter Lesley Christ. Accompanied by a 2021 notarized letter from Christ attesting to the provenance and indicating that the "Camp Chair belonged to Admiral Peary's mother, Mary Wiley Peary[,] and had been on the Roosevelt." By the time of Admiral Robert Peary's 1905-1906 expedition on board the SS Roosevelt, the famed pioneer was well into his second decade exploring the Arctic. The Roosevelt was specifically designed and constructed for Peary's polar expeditions, and was the first ship ever built in the Western Hemisphere for Artic exploration. The ship launched for the first time in March 1905 and was utilized for the expedition through December 1906. It voyaged again from 1908-1909, the expedition during which Peary claimed to have reached the North Pole. In his book The North Pole published in 1910, Peary described his cabin on the Roosevelt as follows: "I have a special affection for my little cabin on the Roosevelt...The cabin is plain...It has a wide built-in bunk, an ordinary writing desk, several book units, a wicker chair, an office chair, and a chest of drawers, these latter items of furniture being Mrs. Peary's contribution to my comfort." Property of a Midwest Collector
Hindman
Jan. 06, 2022
Robert Peary Boldly Signed Index Card PSA Slabbed & Graded NM-MT 8
Est: $200 - $300
Robert Peary Boldly Signed Index Card PSA Slabbed & Graded NM-MT 8 PEARY, ROBERT. Signature "Robert Peary", on a 4.5” x 3” Index card embedded into the initialed paper, slabbed to an overall size of 7.25” x 4.25”, n.d. PSA/DNA Certified NM-MT 8. Robert Edwin Peary Sr. (1856-1920) was an American explorer and officer in the United States Navy who made several expeditions to the Arctic in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is best known for leading an expedition that claimed to be the first to have reached the geographic North Pole. This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses. WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
University Archives
Oct. 14, 2021
Polar.- Peary (Robert Edwin) Nearest the Pole, first English edition, 1907; and others polar (3).
Est: £100 - £150
Polar.- Peary (Robert Edwin) Nearest the Pole, first English edition, frontispiece, plates, folding map at end, scattered faint spotting, original cloth, gilt, slight bumping to corners and spine extremities, 1907 § Mikkelsen (Ejnar) Lost in the Arctic, first edition, frontispiece, plates, folding map at end, modern decorative cloth, modern slipcase, 1913 § Astrup (Eivind) With Peary Near the Pole, first English edition, portrait frontispiece, illustrations, cracked hinges, original decorative cloth, gilt, slight bumping to corners and spine extremities, 1898, 8vo (3).
Forum Auctions - UK
Oct. 14, 2021
Polar.- Peary (Robert Edwin) Northward over the "Great Ice", 2 vol., first English edition, 1898; and another similar (4).
Est: £200 - £300
Polar.- Peary (Robert Edwin) Northward over the "Great Ice", 2 vol., first English edition, portrait frontispieces, illustrations, many full-page, maps, original pictorial cloth, gilt, slight bumping to corners and extremities, 1898 § Nansen (Fridtjof) "Farthest North", 2 vol., frontispieces, illustrations, many full-page, previous owner's ink inscriptions, original pictorial cloth, gilt, slight bumping to corners and spine extremities, 1898, 8vo (4)
Forum Auctions - UK
Oct. 10, 2020
[POLAR] PEARY, Robert E. (1856-1920). Robert Edwin Peary Sr...
Est: $100 - $200
[POLAR] PEARY, Robert E. (1856-1920). Robert Edwin Peary Sr. Signed photo. American Arctic explorer and U.S. Navy officer Robert Peary photograph in polar expedition fur outfit, signed “Peary” in top left corner. Measures 8 ½ x 6 ½”. Ex Henry Woodhouse collection, noted American aviation pioneering author and forger. Signature(s) likely in Woodhouse’s hand. Very good.
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Mar. 03, 2020
Admiral Robert E. Peary’s Motto of Perseverance
Est: $1,200 - $1,800
PEARY, ROBERT. (1856-1920). American admiral and explorer; widely recognized as the first person to reach the North Pole. AQS. (“R.E. Peary”). 1p. 4to. Eagle Island, October 9, 1910. A small sheet of his Eagle Island stationery on which Peary has written his motto in Latin. Tipped into an early edition of his book, The North Pole, (New York Frederick A. Stokes Company, 1910). “Inveniat viam aut faciat” [“Find a way or make one”] In 1891, Peary, accompanied by his wife and crew, set off for Greenland to prove by inland exploration that the icy wilderness was in fact an island. Two years later, he sailed north on an expedition to be the first to reach the North Pole. Despite several setbacks, Peary remained undeterred: “In the years up to 1900 Peary made several unsuccessful attempts on the Pole, during one of which the temperature fell to –50o Celsius (–58o Fahrenheit) and eight of his toes had to be amputated because of severe frostbite. With each attempt he became more determined,” (Great Explorers, Owen). After a failed attempt in 1905, “the next three years were spent in preparation for a final try,” (ibid.). Finally, after traveling hundreds of miles across ice in conditions more extreme than any previously encountered, Peary and his men reached the Pole on April 6, 1909, almost 5 years to the day of this drawing. However, his claim was challenged by Dr. Frederick Cook who insisted that he had attained the Pole exactly one year earlier. “In October 1909 a committee of experts appointed by the National Geographic Society examined his records and reported that they were unanimously of the opinion that [Peary] had reached the North Pole… His friends also worked actively to induce Congress to give adequate recognition to his achievements… In March 1911… a bill was passed tendering him the thanks of Congress and placing him on the retired list,” (DAB). Interestingly, Peary’s claim has been challenged in recent years by the very organization he once headed, the American Geographical Society, who has withdrawn its recognition, whereas the National Geographic Society steadfastly continues to uphold Peary’s achievement. “Inveniet viam aut fecit” is an expression first used by Seneca, the Roman statesman and dramatist. It has also been identified as Hadrian’s response to his generals when he was advised that it would be impossible to cross the Alps using elephants. Later it became the motto for English philosopher Francis Bacon and Peary. Peary recorded much of his pioneering exploits in several books including Northward over the “Great Ice,” Secrets of Polar Travel, Nearest the Pole, and The North Pole, published in 1910. After his retirement, Peary retired to Eagle Island in Harpswell, Maine, which he had purchased in 1881. Boldly written and signed diagonally on the sheet; folded with some light creasing and wear. In very good condition. Our copy suffers from some damp staining and wear. The illustrated bookplate of Frank Leslie Welt, designed by renowned artist Arthur Nelson MacDonald, is attached to the front pastedown.
Lion Heart Autographs
Mar. 03, 2020
Original Signed Portrait with Robert E. Peary’s Motto
Est: $1,500 - $2,000
PEARY, ROBERT. (1856-1920). American admiral and explorer; widely recognized as the first person to reach the North Pole. AQS. (“R.E. Peary”). 1p. Folio. N.p., N.d. [April 14, 1904]. A detailed, original pen-and-ink bust drawing of Peary additionally signed by French artist ROBERT KASTOR (1872-1936, “R. Kastor”), to which Peary has boldly added his motto in Latin and signature: “Inveniet viam aut fecit” [“Find a way or make it”] In 1891, Peary, accompanied by his wife and crew, set off for Greenland to prove by inland exploration that the icy wilderness was in fact an island. Two years later, he sailed north on an expedition to be the first to reach the North Pole. Despite several setbacks, Peary remained undeterred: “In the years up to 1900 Peary made several unsuccessful attempts on the Pole, during one of which the temperature fell to –50o Celsius (–58o Fahrenheit) and eight of his toes had to be amputated because of severe frostbite. With each attempt he became more determined,” (Great Explorers, Owen). After a failed attempt in 1905, “the next three years were spent in preparation for a final try,” (ibid.). Finally, after traveling hundreds of miles across ice in conditions more extreme than any previously encountered, Peary and his men reached the Pole on April 6, 1909, almost 5 years to the day of this drawing. However, his claim was challenged by Dr. Frederick Cook who insisted that he had attained the Pole exactly one year earlier. “In October 1909 a committee of experts appointed by the National Geographic Society examined his records and reported that they were unanimously of the opinion that [Peary] had reached the North Pole… His friends also worked actively to induce Congress to give adequate recognition to his achievements… In March 1911… a bill was passed tendering him the thanks of Congress and placing him on the retired list,” (DAB). Interestingly, Peary’s claim has been challenged in recent years by the very organization he once headed, the American Geographical Society, who has withdrawn its recognition, whereas the National Geographic Society steadfastly continues to uphold Peary’s achievement. “Inveniet viam aut fecit” is an expression first used by Seneca, the Roman statesman and dramatist. It has also been identified as Hadrian’s response to his generals when he was advised that it would be impossible to cross the Alps using elephants. Later it became the motto for English philosopher Francis Bacon and Peary. Dated in French on the verso, likely by Kastor, with some additional pencil notes about Peary. Some creasing and wear at the edges. In near mint condition and very impressive.
Lion Heart Autographs
Oct. 17, 2019
(ROBERT PEARY) (1856-1920) Robert Peary, His Flag Waves above Cape Stallworthy (Cape Thomas Hubbard).
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
(ROBERT PEARY) (1856-1920) Robert Peary, His Flag Waves above Cape Stallworthy (Cape Thomas Hubbard). Ferrotyped silver print, the image measuring 9 3/4x7 1/4 inches (25x18.4 cm.), the mount 13 3/4x8 1/2 inches (36x23.3 cm.), with numerous cropping notations and a citation "75 Years of Geographic Research, January 1963, page 14," in pencil, on mount recto, and extensive handwritten notations, hand stamps, and labels, on mount verso. 1906
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 02, 2019
Robert Peary is Going to Europe at the Invitation of “Geographical Societies, to address them upon my discovery of the North Pole”
Est: $1,000 - $1,200
Peary Robert Typed Letter Signed Robert Peary is Going to Europe at the Invitation of "Geographical Societies, to address them upon my discovery of the North Pole" “Peary”, 1p, 8” x 10”. On R.M.S. “Mauretania” stationery June 17, 1910. To Sen. W.M. Crane, Washington, D.C. Tears at edges and flaw in blank area not near text or signature. Very good condition. In full “I enclose for your information a letter which I have sent to our Ambassadors in London, Berlin, Vienna and Rome. In regard to the honors noted in that letter, I have also been awarded the Gold Medal of the Swiss Geographical Society of Geneva (their highest honor), but the Medal has not yet been presented to me, owing to my inability to include Geneva in my itinerary. Hoping to have the pleasure of seeing you soon, I am, as always, Yours sincerely.” Present is the carbon TLS “(signed) R E Peary” in pencil, 4pp, 8” x 10”. On lightweight paper. The first page, upper left corner missing, is on “Mauretania” stationery. Minor flaws. Good condition. Two words penciled in text by Peary: “Geographical” and “hotel.” In part, “My sole and primary object in making a European trip this spring, has been to accept the complimentary invitations of various Geographical Societies, to address them upon my discovery of the North Pole. I have received invitations from organizations of that character, as follows…” 17 are listed; he accepted 11. Peary lists 11 honors he has received including six gold medals, a trophy, and the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws from Edinburgh University. Because of “erroneous impressions,” Peary adds “my trip has been in no sense of the word a money-making affair … it has perhaps made something of an addition to our national prestige … there has been the strongest note of tribute to the work as a national accomplishment of the United States…” This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses. WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE.
University Archives
Jan. 03, 2019
PEARY ROBERT: (1856-1920) American Rear Admiral and Explorer, claimed to have reached the geographic North Pole with his expedition in 1909. A printed 12mo hardback booklet for the Fourth Annual Dinner of the Periodical Publishers Association of America, Hotel Ten Eyck, Albany, New York, 17th May 1907. Signed ('Robert Peary') in bold pencil to a clear area of the page entitled The Dinner, and further signed to the page by William Bailey Howland, Hamilton Mabie, Frederic Colver and three others. Accompanied by the slipcase. VG
Est: £100 - £150
PEARY ROBERT: (1856-1920) American Rear Admiral and Explorer, claimed to have reached the geographic North Pole with his expedition in 1909. A printed 12mo hardback booklet for the Fourth Annual Dinner of the Periodical Publishers Association of America, Hotel Ten Eyck, Albany, New York, 17th May 1907. Signed ('Robert Peary') in bold pencil to a clear area of the page entitled The Dinner, and further signed to the page by William Bailey Howland, Hamilton Mabie, Frederic Colver and three others. Accompanied by the slipcase. VG
International Autograph Auctions
Aug. 18, 2018
Robert Peary. Snowland Folk
Est: $30 - $50
Peary, Robert. SNOWLAND FOLK / THE ESKIMOS, THE BEARS, THE DOGS AND OTHER DWELLERS IN THE FROZEN NORTH. NY: Stokes, October, 1904. First Edition. 4to, illustrated with photos throughout. Publisher's cloth with short tear to front hinge, half-title lightly foxed, else Very Good. ************************ By Robert Peary, explorer best known for his expedition to -- and claimed attainment of -- the North Pole in 1909.
Addison & Sarova Auctioneers
Sep. 09, 2017
Robert Edwin Peary Cut Signature
Est: $50 - $100
Engineer U.S.N. Robert Edwin Peary cut Signature. First Expedition to the north pole (April 6th 1909). Provenance: Estate of Russell Johanson, Ravenna Rare Books, Seattle, Washington. We gladly combine shipping on all purchases for this auction. We will ship all items in-house for this auction and offer a variety of shipping options but will not ship via USPS Media Mail.
Grant Zahajko Auctions, LLC
May. 10, 2017
ARCTIC EXPLORERS - Current Bid: $80.00
Est: $100 - $150
ARCTIC EXPLORERS ROBERT PEARY (1856-1920) American explorer who claimed to have reached the geographic North Pole with his expedition on April 6, 1909. Signature on a 3 1/2" x 1" card in black ink, matted with a photo of Peary in his winter fur. WITH: DONALD MACMILLAN (1874-1970) American explorer, sailor, researcher and lecturer who made over 30 expeditions to the Arctic during his 46-year career. Signature on a 4" x 1 1/2" (sight) card in blue ink matted with a photo of MacMillan with his dog. Both fine.
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Feb. 25, 2017
PEARY ROBERT: (1856-1920) American Arctic Explorer. A vintage colour picture postcard, depicting the
Est: £100 - £150
PEARY ROBERT: (1856-1920) American Arctic Explorer. A vintage colour picture postcard, depicting the cliffs on the Isle of Wight and a boat at anchor. Signed ('R E Peary') in bold, black, fountain pen ink, on a small label adhered to a clear area of the image, with another label to the foot stating 'SS Roosevelt'. Postally unused. Together with a vintage colour picture postcard, depicting a sailing vessel at sea, entitled 'Midst Sea and Sky'. Signed ('R E Peary') in bold, black, fountain pen ink, to a clear area of the image, and dated 23rd October 1912. To the verso is written, in another hand, 'Re-discovered the North Pole, nearly 1 year after Dr. F. A. Cook - April 6, 1909'. Postally unused, with a type written address. With some pin holes and minor age related wear, otherwise G, 2
International Autograph Auctions
Dec. 10, 2016
[POLAR EXPLORATION]: AMUNDSEN ROALD (1872-1928) Norwegian Polar Ex
Est: £300 - £400
[POLAR EXPLORATION]: AMUNDSEN ROALD (1872-1928) Norwegian Polar Explorer, the first person to reach both the South and North Poles. PEARY ROBERT (1856-1920) American Explorer. Peary claimed being first to have reached the North Pole with his expedition in 1909. Individual, dark fountain pen ink signatures by both Roald Amundsen ('Roald Amundsen') and Robert Peary ('With pleasure, Peary') on separate pieces, most probably pages removed from autograph albums. Matted alongside each other in cream and framed and glazed in a wooden frame to an overall size of 15.5 x 9. VG The Norwegian explorer Amundsen led the Antarctic Expedition of 1910-12 which was the first to reach the South Pole, on 14th December 1911. He is recognised as the first person, without dispute, as having reached both poles. Amundsen was one of the key figures during the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, alongside Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton. Peary's exploration career is certainly controversial; the American claimed to have reached the geographic North Pole with his expedition on 6th April 1909, a claim which was widely credited for many years. More recently Peary's claims have been subject to doubt and debate, some polar historians believing that Peary honestly thought he had reached the pole (although in fact was probably 60 miles from his target) whilst others have suggested that he was guilty of deliberately exaggerating his accomplishments.
International Autograph Auctions
Jun. 15, 2016
Robert Peary signed photograph of the American admiral and polar explorer
Est: $700 - $900
PEARY, ROBERT E. (1856-1920). American admiral and explorer; widely accepted as the first person to reach the North Pole. SP. (“R.E. Peary”). 1p. 12mo. (Approximately 3 1/8” x 4 3/4”). N.p., October 9, 1910. A black-and-white photographic postcard depicting Peary wearing a cap and standing with his hands in his suit pockets, signed vertically in dark black ink. ********* In 1891, Peary, accompanied by his wife and his team, set off for Greenland to prove by inland exploration that the icy wilderness was in fact an island. Two years later, he sailed on another expedition in an attempt to be the first to reach the North Pole. Despite several setbacks, Peary remained undeterred: “In the years up to 1900 Peary made several unsuccessful attempts on the Pole, during one of which the temperature fell to –50o Celsius (–58o Fahrenheit) and eight of his toes had to be amputated because of severe frostbite. With each attempt he became more determined, enlisting the aid of the Peary Arctic Society [and] of congressmen,” (Great Explorers, Owen). In 1903, he was elected president of the American Geographical Society, and that autumn garnered the unexpected support of both the secretary of the navy and President Theodore Roosevelt. After a failed attempt in 1905, “the next three years were spent in preparation for a final try,” (ibid.). Finally after traveling hundreds of miles across ice in conditions more extreme than any previously encountered, Peary and his team reached the Pole on April 6, 1909. Yet his claim was challenged by Dr. Frederick Cook who maintained that he had reached the Pole exactly one year earlier. “In October 1909 a committee of experts appointed by the National Geographic Society examined his records and reported that they were unanimously of the opinion that [Peary] had reached the North Pole… His friends also worked actively to induce Congress to give adequate recognition to his achievements… In March 1911… a bill was passed tendering him the thanks of Congress and placing him on the retired list,” (DAB). ********* Image has been slightly trimmed, affecting the year and last letter of Peary’s signature. In very good condition.
Lion Heart Autographs
Oct. 03, 2015
PEARY ROBERT: (1856-1920) American Explorer who claimed to have reached the
Est: €210 - €280
PEARY ROBERT: (1856-1920) American Explorer who claimed to have reached the geographic North Pole with his expedition in 1909. A.L.S., R. E. Peary, one page, 4to, New York, 4th February 1896, to W. T. McCree, Ethnologist in Charge at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, on the printed stationery of the U. S. Navy Yard. Peary acknowledges receipt of his correspondent's letter and continues 'I regret that I cannot accept your kind offer to publish my ethnological photos free of cost. Thanks for your kind remarks in regard to my lecture'. An attractively penned letter in Peary's distinctive hand. VG.
International Autograph Auctions Europe, S.L.
Sep. 30, 2015
Arctic explorer Robert E. Peary and Civil War Gen. Daniel E. Sickles 1912 Brooklyn Sunday School Union menu signed
Est: $400 - $600
PEARY, ROBERT E. (1856-1920). American admiral and explorer; widely recognized as the first person to reach the North Pole. Menu Signed. (“R.E. Peary”). 1p. 8vo. Brooklyn, June 6, 1912. Additionally signed by controversial politician and Civil War Union general DANIEL E. SICKLES. (1819-1914). (“D.E. Sickles”). A menu for “The Eighty Third Anniversary Parade of the Brooklyn Sunday School Union.” ********** In 1861, the Brooklyn Sunday School Union organized the first parade to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of its founding. The annual event was later recognized by proclamations in both city and state legislatures and has been celebrated variously as “Anniversary Day” and “Brooklyn Day.” The event, now called “Brooklyn-Queens Day,” still takes place during the first weekend in June. ********** In 1891, Peary, accompanied by his wife and his team, set off for Greenland to prove by inland exploration that the icy wilderness was in fact an island. Two years later, he sailed on another expedition in an attempt to be the first to reach the North Pole. Despite several setbacks, Peary remained undeterred: “In the years up to 1900 Peary made several unsuccessful attempts on the Pole, during one of which the temperature fell to –50o Celsius (–58o Fahrenheit) and eight of his toes had to be amputated because of severe frostbite. With each attempt he became more determined, enlisting the aid of the Peary Arctic Society [and] of congressmen,” (Great Explorers, Owen). In 1903, he was elected president of the American Geographical Society and that autumn he garnered the unexpected support of both the secretary of the navy and President Theodore Roosevelt. After a failed attempt in 1905, “the next three years were spent in preparation for a final try,” (ibid.). Finally after traveling hundreds of miles across ice in conditions more extreme than any previously encountered, Peary and his team reached the Pole on April 6, 1909. Yet his claim was challenged by Dr. Frederick Cook who maintained that he had reached the Pole exactly one year earlier. “In October 1909 a committee of experts appointed by the National Geographic Society examined his records and reported that they were unanimously of the opinion that [Peary] had reached the North Pole… His friends also worked actively to induce Congress to give adequate recognition to his achievements… In March 1911…a bill was passed tendering him the thanks of Congress and placing him on the retired list,” (DAB). Peary’s ties to Brooklyn include his employment at the Brooklyn Navy Yard as a civil engineer prior to his career as an explorer, and he was an honorary member of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences. ********** Although he did not have a military background, Sickles, a New York congressman, became a prominent officer during the Civil War. He recruited many New York regiments including the Army of the Potomac’s Excelsior Brigade, but his insubordination at the Battle of Gettysburg and the loss of his leg ended his military career. In the subsequent Congressional hearings on the battle he defended his actions while disparaging those of Major General George G. Meade. ********** Prior to his checkered military career, Sickles’ personal life had been rife with scandal. In 1852, against the objections of both their families, he married the teenage Teresa Bagioli of Brooklyn (granddaughter of Lorenzo da Ponte, Mozart’s librettist), who was half his age. While she was pregnant, he openly consorted with a well-known New York prostitute named Fanny White, presented her to Queen Victoria while he impersonated a political rival and brought her into the New York State Assembly chambers, for which he was censured. In 1859, in the park across from the White House, he murdered the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia and son of Francis Scott Key, Philip Barton Key II, a flirtatious widower who Sickles discovered was having an affair with his wife. Sickles’ attorney, future Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, successfully employed a defense of “temporary insanity,” the first time such a strategy had been used. ********** After the war, Sickles oversaw aspects of Reconstruction and resumed his Congressional career during which he helped preserve the battlefield at Gettysburg. He was a noted bibliophile and, despite the scandals associated with his name, Sickles served as minister to Spain from 1869-1874. ********** Both men have signed diagonally in dark ink across the front of the menu. Sickles has added the date and place. An unidentified hand has printed “Robert E. Peary / Arctic Explorer” in the lower right corner. Some uneven age toning with a barely visible vertical crease in the top margin. In very fine condition. Uncommon.
Lion Heart Autographs
Apr. 25, 2015
Robert Edwin PEARY
Est: €200 - €220
American explorer (1856-1920), he was considered to have reached the North Pole in 1909, eventhough modern historians think he was a few miles apart from his goal. Signature and date "May 9th 1910" on an album leaf. Good condition. [Sciences]
Autographes Enchères
Feb. 11, 2015
ROBERT PEARY LOBBIES FOR CIVILIAN AIR PATROLS
Est: $300 - $400
ROBERT PEARY LOBBIES FOR CIVILIAN AIR PATROLS Good file of retained copies of letters concerning the effort by Adm. ROBERT PEARY (1856-1920) to establish civilian coastal patrols and to map air routes. All of the correspondence dates from 1916-20, and includes retained copies of a statement made by Peary following the announcement of the bill funding the patrols, a letter sent to the admiral listing sympathetic military and government figures, reports on progress on airways and mapping, etc. a total of ten pages, plus an A.L.S. from Peary's son thanking Woodhouse for a gift. Also included are approx. 48 telegrams, sender's copies, and typed telegram texts, almost all 1916-20, communications between the Aero Club of America, Peary, and other parties interested in the projects, some discussing potential airfields to be used, flight paths, congressional and personal appearances, etc. with two referencing Peary's death. Very good. In early 1916, Peary became chairman of the National Aerial Coast Patrol Commission, a private organization created by the Aero Club of America. It advocated the use of aircraft in detecting warships and submarines off the U.S. coast. Peary used his celebrity to promote the use of military and naval aviation, which led directly to the formation of Naval Reserve aerial coastal patrol units during the First World War.
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Aug. 14, 2014
Two Greenland Expedition photographs from Admiral Pearyï¾?s estate
Est: $150 - $200
Two original photographs mounted on cardboard, 3.5 x 4” and 4 x 5”, reportedly from the Peary Estate and used in Peary’s 1898 book, “Northward Over the ‘Great Ice’, a Narrative of Life and Work along the shores and upon the interior ice-cap of Northern Greenland in the years 1886 and 1891-1897.”
PBA Galleries Auctions & Appraisers
Jun. 25, 2013
PEARY, ROBERT. 1856-1920.
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
30 volumes on Arctic exploration, written by or concerning Robert Peary. Various places, mostly lifetime editions. 8vo and 4to. Variously illustrated. Original cloth, boards, or wrappers; some dust jackets. Overall very good condition. EXTENSIVE COLLECTION, INCLUDING LIMITED AND INSCRIBED COPIES. Titles include: PEARY. The North Pole: Its Discovery in 1909 under the Auspices of the Peary Arctic Club. New York: 1910. LIMITED SIGNED EDITION, one of 500 copies. * PEARY. Secrets of Polar Travel. New York: 1917. * PEARY. Children of the Arctic. New York: 1903. SIGNED by Robert Peary, his wife, Josephine, and their daughter, "The Snow Baby" Marie. * HEILPRIN. The Arctic Problem and Narrative of the Peary Relief Expedition of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Philadelphia, PA: 1893. * PEARY. Northward over the "Great Ice". New York: 1898. 2 volumes. Both volumes INSCRIBED by Mrs. Peary. * ASTRUP. With Peary Near the Pole. London: 1898. * MACMILLAN. How Peary Reached the Pole. Boston and New York: 1934. * KEELY. In Arctic Seas: The Voyage of the "Kite" with the Peary Expedition. Philadelphia, PA: 1892. Full listing available on request.
Bonhams
Jun. 25, 2013
PEARY, ROBERT. 1856-1920.
Est: $800 - $1,200
The North Pole. London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1910. 4to (290 x 225 mm). 116 photographic plates (4 photogravures, others tipped-in). Introduction by Theodore Roosevelt. Original cloth gilt. Some fingersoiling and stray marks, light soiling and rubbing to binding, hinges taped. LIMITED EDITION, SIGNED BY PEARY AND R.A. BARTLETT, no 2 of 500 copies.
Bonhams
Jun. 25, 2013
PEARY, ROBERT. 1856-1920.
Est: $800 - $1,200
The North Pole. London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1910. 4to (252 x 190 mm). v, ix-xii, 16, 305-326 pp. Photogravure frontispiece plus 105 half-tone illustrations on 64 sheets. Original pictorial green cloth stamped in white and gilt. Foxing at ends, hinges weak, still bright and near fine. RARE SALESMAN'S DUMMY FOR THE FIRST EDITION with sample text and illustrations only; the design for the spine printed on the back cover.
Bonhams
Jan. 31, 2013
ROBERT E. PEARY
Est: $75 - $100
ROBERT E. PEARY (1856 - 1920) American polar explorer who was the first man to attain the North Pole, arriving by sled on April 6, 1909. Bold signature on a small card a bit smeared. Mounted, overall good condition. Along with JACOB S. JOHNSON, pencil signature on a small card with collector's note "only survivor Perry Expedition 1854...". Two pieces.
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Dec. 06, 2012
ROBERT PEARY (1856-1920)
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
ROBERT PEARY (1856-1920) Self-Portrait, Cape Sheridan, Canada, 1909 gelatin silver print printing notations in pencil (on the mount); various annotations, publication dates in pencil/ink and various labels affixed (on the reverse of the mount) image: 10 x 8in. (25.9 x 20.8cm.) mount: 14 1/8 x 9½in. (35.9 x 25.2cm.)
Christie's
Dec. 06, 2012
ROBERT PEARY (1856-1920)
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
ROBERT PEARY (1856-1920) June 1906: Robert Peary, His Flag Waves Above Cape Stallworthy [Cape Thomas Hubbard] gelatin silver print various annotations in pencil and labels affixed (on the mount); date, various annotations in pencil/ink, date stamps, various labels, typed credit and caption on collection label affixed (on the reverse of the mount) image: 9¾ x 7¼in. (25 x 19cm.) mount: 14 x 9in. (36 x 23.3cm.)
Christie's
Dec. 04, 2012
PEARY (ROBERT)
Est: £600 - £800
The North Pole... with an Introduction by Theodore Roosevelt, NUMBER 64 OF 500 EDITION DE LUXE COPIES, signed by Peary and R.A. Bartlett on the colophon, 116 photographic plates (4 photogravures, others tipped-in), publisher's vellum gilt, t.e.g., lacks ties, slightly soiled, 4to, Hodder & Stoughton, 1910
Bonhams
Dec. 04, 2012
PEARY (ROBERT)
Est: £500 - £700
"Peary's Proofs! "If Peary could get to the Pole, why was it impossible for Cook?" Peary tells in the July Hampton's", poster printed in orange, white and black with a photographic image of Peary, two short tears without loss, 535 x 310mm., [c.1910]
Bonhams