[TRAVEL & EXPLORATION] -- [PEARY, Robert (1856-1920)]. Folding camp chair identified to explorer Robert E. Peary and which accompanied him on the SS Roosevelt during his Arctic explorations.

41 in. (h) x 22 1/2 in. (w) x approx. 19 in. (d), with seat measuring 18 1/2 x 18 1/2 in., featuring decoratively carved dark wood and likely the original stitched seat and back. No label visible at underside. Collapsible fabric arms attached on each side to wood carved in image of a dog. Wood with scratches and wear. Wear to seat and seat back with some missing thread and loose stitching, but seat otherwise functional and intact.

Provenance: Admiral Robert E. Peary to his daughter Marie A. Peary Stafford, Marie A. Peary Stafford to her son Edward P. Stafford, Edward P. Stafford to his wife Margaret C. Stafford, Margaret C. Stafford to her daughter Lesley Christ. Accompanied by a 2021 notarized letter from Christ attesting to the provenance and indicating that the "Camp Chair belonged to Admiral Peary's mother, Mary Wiley Peary[,] and had been on the Roosevelt."

By the time of Admiral Robert Peary's 1905-1906 expedition on board the SS Roosevelt, the famed pioneer was well into his second decade exploring the Arctic. The Roosevelt was specifically designed and constructed for Peary's polar expeditions, and was the first ship ever built in the Western Hemisphere for Artic exploration. The ship launched for the first time in March 1905 and was utilized for the expedition through December 1906. It voyaged again from 1908-1909, the expedition during which Peary claimed to have reached the North Pole. In his book The North Pole published in 1910, Peary described his cabin on the Roosevelt as follows: "I have a special affection for my little cabin on the Roosevelt...The cabin is plain...It has a wide built-in bunk, an ordinary writing desk, several book units, a wicker chair, an office chair, and a chest of drawers, these latter items of furniture being Mrs. Peary's contribution to my comfort."

Property of a Midwest Collector

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

[TRAVEL & EXPLORATION] -- [PEARY, Robert (1856-1920)]. Folding camp chair identified to explorer Robert E. Peary and which accompanied him on the SS Roosevelt during his Arctic explorations.