Lot 583

Alexander Graham Bell provenance, signed Greely Years of Arctic Service

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500

Bid Increments

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$0 $10
$100 $25
$400 $50
$1,000 $100
$3,000 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
Greely, Adolphus, Three Years of Arctic Service: An Account of the Lady Franklin Bay Expedition of 1881-84 and the Attainment of the Farthest North, complete in 2 volumes, from the collection of inventor Alexander Graham Bell, signed and dated 1886 by him on the front blank of both volumes, additionally inscribed by the author on the front blank of the first volume to Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor who was the first full-time employee of the National Geographic Society and Graham Bell's son-in-law. 1886, first edition, Charles Scribner's, hardcover, 9.5 x 7.25 inches, illustrated throughout, plus 2 folding maps housed in the rear pocket of the second volume, Grosvenor bookplate to both front pastedowns. A stunning association copy, as Greely and Graham Bell would go on to collaborate in the early days of the National Geographic Society. Grosvenor was the editor of National Geographic Magazine from 1899-1954 and the President of the National Geographic Society from 1920-1954. Provenance: from the estate of a direct descendent of Gilbert Grosvenor, Western PA.

Condition

In fair condition, contents are complete and the interiors unmarked; inner hinges cracked and revealing the webbing; bindings are loose but still secure; spines cocked; light wear and fraying to spine ends and corners; rear blank of volume 2 detached but present; faint tidemark visible to top edge of first few pages of volume 2; loose, large fold-out map in poor condition with a number of splits and tears, barely intact, beyond fragile. Merchandise will be packed and transported by the purchaser at their own risk and expense. A list of recommended shippers is on our website: https://www.conceptgallery.com/auctions/shipping/ .

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