JEWELLERY, ANTIQUE AND ART AUCTION Tuesday, 26 February 2019 - 10:00 AM start

An important and unique memento and collection of archival material associated with Sir Edmund Hillary

Lot Details

Mt. Everest and Antarctica. A stone collected by Hillary on the first ascent of the summit of Mt. Everest May 29th, 1953, mounted in a Nepalese brooch/pendant. The 'Hillary Stone' to the centre of a cross framed by an open circular mount set with small turquoise and coral cabochons. With a 2003 signed and witnessed letter of authentication and provenance - this stone was gifted by Sir Ed to his brother Rex and thence by descent to Rex's son John, our vendor. Also accompanying this lot: Eight manuscript and typescript letters to Rex and Jenny Hillary 14 March, 8 April, 20 May and 11 July 1953; 10 May and 2 July 1954; to Mary Davis 30 June 1953; to John Hillary 3 October 1957. Telegram to Rex Hillary 5 Feb 1957; Postal Souvenir Cover T.A.E. Scott Base to Suzanne Hillary 11 Jan 1957; formal printed appreciation card Hillary’s parents to Jim & Mary Davis 5 Jun 1953; six Hillary family postcards; signed and inscribed 1st edition copy (1961) of 'No Latitude For Error'. Notably the 20th May 1953 (days before the first ever ascent) air letter from Camp IV Advanced Base on Everest details weather delays to ascent route establishment, concern regarding oxygen equipment viability, expression of wishes should he die and admiration of his fellow climbers. See also https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12202329 And:https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/letters-written-sir-edmund-hillary-days-before-ascending-mt-everest-go-auction-block?variant=tb_v_1