Concept Gallery
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September 10, 2025, Online+ Auction: Modern Prints, Japanese Woodblocks, Books & Photos

Wed, Sep 10, 2025 09:00AM EDT
  2025-09-10 09:00:00 2025-09-10 09:00:00 America/New_York Concept Art Gallery Concept Art Gallery : September 10, 2025, Online+ Auction: Modern Prints, Japanese Woodblocks, Books & Photos https://bid.conceptgallery.com/auctions/concept-gallery/september-10-2025-online-auction-modern-prints-japanese-woodblocks-books-photos-19925
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Lot 886

Alexander Graham Bell provenance, signed Greely Years of Arctic Service

Estimate: $600 - $800
Starting Bid
$450

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$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 inscribed by Greely on the front blank of the first volume in 1924 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. Graham Bell's name is written on the front blank of both volumes, but we have confirmed that this was done by his secretary and NOT by Alexander Graham Bell himself. Provenance: from the estate of a direct descendent of Gilbert Grosvenor, Western PA. 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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