Lot 1616

Description

Mount Everest commemorative statuette, 1938, in darkened bronze (170x140mm, diameter of base 335mm), features a climber scaling a mountain and inset into the side of the mountain is a thermometer, at the base on one side in relief are the words, 'Mount Everest. October - November. 1938', on the underside is fitted an aluminium plate from where original plaque has been removed. Spotting on brass backing plate for thermometer, otherwise extremely fine.

Christies Sale 9621 (8 May 2003), lot 188 featured the papers and memorabilia of Lt Col Peter Richard Oliver who was a member of the British Mount Everest Expeditions of 1936 and 1938. One of the items in the lot was an identical statuette to the one offered above. It was stated that the statue was one of a limited number presented to each member of the expedition. The one offered in that lot also had the plaque removed.