signed
by RICHARD BYRD
DS. 1pg. 12” x 18 ½”. No date [circa 1930]. No place [likely Massachusetts]. An ornate certificate signed “RE Byrd” by the polar explorer and pilot. The certificate is made out to Fayette R. Plumb, Inc., thanking the manufacturer of axes, hammers, and other hand tools for its role in equipping Byrd’s first Antarctic Expedition of 1928 to 1930: “Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd U.S.N. (Retired) and the Executive Committee of the Byrd Aviation Associates express to Fayette R. Plumb, Inc. their enduring appreciation of the most valuable co-operation in the equipping of the Byrd Antarctic Expedition It is our privilege to attest, and we most gratefully acknowledge, that without such assistance the accomplishment of the Expedition in the Antarctic would not have been possible RE Byrd Leader James G Bush Chairman”. Byrd Aviation Associates sent these certificates to several of their most important suppliers. The certificate is signed by Byrd and by Executive Committee Chairman James G. Bush. It is decorated with a thick border with twelve scenes depicting Antarctica, including penguins, seals, and a team of sled dogs. The large document has evenly browned overall, the Byrd signature is dark, and there are two tears that have been professionally repaired on the verso (and one of the tears touches the plane vignette at the top of the certificate). An unusual Byrd collectible. (Inventory #: 3593)