373
A set of 82 boxed magic lantern photographic slides taken by the revered Alpine & Himalayan
1/13
Description
A set of 82 boxed magic lantern photographic slides taken by the revered Alpine & Himalayan mountaineer, author, photographer and botanist Frank S. Smythe, documenting the successful British Himalayan expedition to climb mount Kamet in 1931. (At 7,756 metres (25,446 feet) Kamet was the highest summit ever climbed at that time).The team consisted of Smythe, Eric Shipton (who went on to lead several Everest expeditions), Wing-Commander Eric Bentley Beauman, an experienced alpine climber and skier, Capt. Bill Birnie, a future member of the 1933 Everest expedition, R. L. Holdsworth and the team physician Raymond Greene (brother of novelist Graham) who was the chief medical officer for the 1933 Everest expedition. The expedition was assisted by 10 Sherpas, many of whom had already gathered considerable experience on Everest and Kangchenjunga: Lewa (sirdar), Achung (cook), Nima Tendrup, Nima Dorje, Nima, Ondi, Passang, Ang Nerbu, Nerbu and Dorje. After two failed British attempts at Everest and the loss of Mallory and Irvine on the second expedition in 1924, pressure was building within the British climbing establishment. Scaling the tallest mountain in the world had become a national obsession. It was the 'Space Race' of its day. At this time the Germans were concentrating their efforts on summiting Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest mountain in the world, had they succeeded, it would have been a bloody nose for the British. When news broke at home that the Kamet expedition was a success, it was rejoiced in the British press. Smythe, Shipton et al, were the celebrity heroes of their era. Although Kamet at 7,756m is perhaps not considered in the same league today, in 1931 as the highest peak ever climbed, conquering it was a hugely exciting result. Importantly, the experience gained on this expedition proved invaluable for future Everest expeditions. Smythe, Shipton, Greene and Birnie were all members of future Everest attempts. In 1935 when Shipton led an Everest reconnaissance expedition, it was he who gave an inexperienced 19-year old Sherpa his first job, (chosen mainly because of his beaming smile) that Sherpa was Tenzing Norgay.This set of slides details every stage of the expedition. There are many glorious shots of the Himalayan scenery, unguarded moments between expedition members, wonderful posed images of the Sherpas, the villagers they encountered en route to Kamet and of course the mountain itself. The period from the 1920s to when Everest was finally climbed in 1953, was a unique period in mountaineering history. With basic equipment and limited understanding of the effects of high altitude on the human body, the men endured tremendous hardship in order to achieve their goals. This is a remarkable set of images from that golden age of mountaineering.Frank Smythe's account of approaching & reaching the summit: "At this point Nima Dorje collapsed. He had bravely done his best, carrying a load of over 20 lbs. of photographic and cinematographic apparatus. After a rest he was able to return alone in safety. I suggested abandoning the apparatus, but Lewa insisted on carrying it.The ascent of 300 ft. from the rock to the summit ridge will remain in the memory of all of us as the most exacting and exhausting piece of climbing any of us have ever endured. The slope was very steep, consisting of loose snow and skavala overlying hard, icy snow. Steps had to be made, since the penalty of a slip was the great eastern precipice. I remember that towards the top I drove my ice-axe in before me, with. both hands hauling myself up on it while kicking steps withfeeble viciousness. We were in a cold shadow, but a few yards above the declining sun illuminated a small flake of ice on the summit ridge with a calm gleam. We were drawing on our reserves of energy. Faculties were numbed, action automatic. " "Heaving ourselves to our feet, we started along the ridge. The snow was firm and, planting our feet well into it, we advanced without difficulty. We gained the point and gazed over and beyond. Only a gentle dip and an easy ridge separated us from the summit. We gasped along, but all sense of weariness had vanished. A few yards from the top we halted, telling Lewa to go ahead. It was the least compliment we could pay to those splendid fellows, our porters, to whom we owed so much.At 4.30 P.M. we stood on the summit. It is difficult to render any account of the view. We were too far above the world. One's eye passed almost contemptuously over mighty range upon mighty range to seek repose in the violet shades of illimitable horizons. Even the turreted thunder clouds, sun-crested above, purple below, could not attain to our level. The breeze fanning us was deathly cold ; the silence and sense of isolation almost terrible. There were no green valleys. All about us were peaks of black rock and glaring ice or snow."Raymond Greene trivia: In 1953 when Everest was finally climbed, it was Greene who made the announcement on the BBC. He coined the phrase "pre-menstrual tension " and his research into the subject was apparently used in a criminal case by counsel defending a woman accused of murder.
Auction Details
Shipping
T&Cs & Important Info
Ask seller a question
A set of 82 boxed magic lantern photographic slides taken by the revered Alpine & Himalayan mountaineer, author, photographer and botanist Frank S. Smythe, documenting the successful British Himalayan expedition to climb mount Kamet in 1931. (At 7,756 metres (25,446 feet) Kamet was the highest summit ever climbed at that time).The team consisted of Smythe, Eric Shipton (who went on to lead several Everest expeditions), Wing-Commander Eric Bentley Beauman, an experienced alpine climber and skier, Capt. Bill Birnie, a future member of the 1933 Everest expedition, R. L. Holdsworth and the team physician Raymond Greene (brother of novelist Graham) who was the chief medical officer for the 1933 Everest expedition. The expedition was assisted by 10 Sherpas, many of whom had already gathered considerable experience on Everest and Kangchenjunga: Lewa (sirdar), Achung (cook), Nima Tendrup, Nima Dorje, Nima, Ondi, Passang, Ang Nerbu, Nerbu and Dorje. After two failed British attempts at Everest and the loss of Mallory and Irvine on the second expedition in 1924, pressure was building within the British climbing establishment. Scaling the tallest mountain in the world had become a national obsession. It was the 'Space Race' of its day. At this time the Germans were concentrating their efforts on summiting Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest mountain in the world, had they succeeded, it would have been a bloody nose for the British. When news broke at home that the Kamet expedition was a success, it was rejoiced in the British press. Smythe, Shipton et al, were the celebrity heroes of their era. Although Kamet at 7,756m is perhaps not considered in the same league today, in 1931 as the highest peak ever climbed, conquering it was a hugely exciting result. Importantly, the experience gained on this expedition proved invaluable for future Everest expeditions. Smythe, Shipton, Greene and Birnie were all members of future Everest attempts. In 1935 when Shipton led an Everest reconnaissance expedition, it was he who gave an inexperienced 19-year old Sherpa his first job, (chosen mainly because of his beaming smile) that Sherpa was Tenzing Norgay.This set of slides details every stage of the expedition. There are many glorious shots of the Himalayan scenery, unguarded moments between expedition members, wonderful posed images of the Sherpas, the villagers they encountered en route to Kamet and of course the mountain itself. The period from the 1920s to when Everest was finally climbed in 1953, was a unique period in mountaineering history. With basic equipment and limited understanding of the effects of high altitude on the human body, the men endured tremendous hardship in order to achieve their goals. This is a remarkable set of images from that golden age of mountaineering.Frank Smythe's account of approaching & reaching the summit: "At this point Nima Dorje collapsed. He had bravely done his best, carrying a load of over 20 lbs. of photographic and cinematographic apparatus. After a rest he was able to return alone in safety. I suggested abandoning the apparatus, but Lewa insisted on carrying it.The ascent of 300 ft. from the rock to the summit ridge will remain in the memory of all of us as the most exacting and exhausting piece of climbing any of us have ever endured. The slope was very steep, consisting of loose snow and skavala overlying hard, icy snow. Steps had to be made, since the penalty of a slip was the great eastern precipice. I remember that towards the top I drove my ice-axe in before me, with. both hands hauling myself up on it while kicking steps withfeeble viciousness. We were in a cold shadow, but a few yards above the declining sun illuminated a small flake of ice on the summit ridge with a calm gleam. We were drawing on our reserves of energy. Faculties were numbed, action automatic. " "Heaving ourselves to our feet, we started along the ridge. The snow was firm and, planting our feet well into it, we advanced without difficulty. We gained the point and gazed over and beyond. Only a gentle dip and an easy ridge separated us from the summit. We gasped along, but all sense of weariness had vanished. A few yards from the top we halted, telling Lewa to go ahead. It was the least compliment we could pay to those splendid fellows, our porters, to whom we owed so much.At 4.30 P.M. we stood on the summit. It is difficult to render any account of the view. We were too far above the world. One's eye passed almost contemptuously over mighty range upon mighty range to seek repose in the violet shades of illimitable horizons. Even the turreted thunder clouds, sun-crested above, purple below, could not attain to our level. The breeze fanning us was deathly cold ; the silence and sense of isolation almost terrible. There were no green valleys. All about us were peaks of black rock and glaring ice or snow."Raymond Greene trivia: In 1953 when Everest was finally climbed, it was Greene who made the announcement on the BBC. He coined the phrase "pre-menstrual tension " and his research into the subject was apparently used in a criminal case by counsel defending a woman accused of murder.
Antiques and Selected Items
Sale Date(s)
Lots: 1-2000
Lots: 2001-end
Venue Address
The Penzance Auction House
Alverton
Penzance
Cornwall
TR18 4RE
United Kingdom
General delivery information available from the auctioneer
We have our own in-house postage and shipping department for smaller items. Please view the delivery page of our website or email: postage@davidlay.co.uk
We also recommend DC Pack & Dispatch T:07459 224775 | dcpd.co.uk| contact@dcpd.co.uk or Mail Boxes Etc T: 01752 257224 | www.mbeplymouth.co.uk | plymouth@centres.mbe.uk
Suggested couriers for larger items:
CragoMoves. Rob Crago 07896 300302
Aardvaark Art Services. 01253 794673
A.R. Newport. 01736 361938
DWP Deliveries. Dave Webb 07860324648. davidwebbdeliveries@gmail.com
Imsco Transport Distribution. (St Austell) 07887 654046. imsco786@aol.com
3 Lanes St Ives. Helen 01736 799298
Vans 4 Us. Paul 07792 204448
Important Information
IMPORTANT NOTE: PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS MUST SATISFY THEMSELVES AS TO THE CONDITION OF EACH LOT BEFORE BIDDING.
Our buyer's commission for this sale is 18% of the hammer price of the lot, to which 20% VAT is added.
Lots purchased online with the-saleroom.com will attract an additional charge for this service in the sum of 3% of the hammer price plus VAT at the rate imposed.
If you are unable to collect your purchases, packing and shipping for items can be arranged. We have an independent pack and send service on the premises that does not involve our office staff, please use the following link https://www.delivery-to-you.co.uk for a quote.
Please note that our postal service is not available for the Painting and Fine Art sales.
For alternative couriers we recommend:
1. Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE) of Plymouth on 01752 257224 (office hours) or 07979 593628 (out of hours).
2. Bartman Couriers 07565123722 bartmann.eu@gmail.com
3. Aardvark Art Services 01253 794673
4. 3Lanes Art Transportation 01736 799298
For larger consignments and furniture contact A.R. Newport Haulage on 01736 361938, 01736 361938. All are independent packers and carriers and all enquiries should be made directly to them.
Terms & Conditions
General Conditions
1. GENERAL.
Whilst the Auctioneer makes every effort to ensure accuracy and the description of any lot:
(a) Each lot is as set out in the catalogue or as divided or combined with any other lot or lots, is sold by the vendor with all faults, imperfections and errors of description.
(b) The Auctioneers do not accept responsibility for the authenticity, attribution, date, condition or quality of any lot unless they have been instructed in writing by the vendor to so certify.
(c) All statements whether printed in the catalogue or made orally as to any of the matters set out in (b) above are statements of opinion only and are not to be taken as being or implying any warranties or representation of fact by the Auctioneers unless they have been instructed by the vendor to so certify.
2. THE AUCTION.
(a) The Auctioneer has absolute discretion to divide any lot, to combine any two or more lots or to withdraw any lot from the auction, to refuse bids, regulate bidding or cancel the sale without in any case giving any reason or without previous notice. He may bid on behalf of the vendor for all goods which are being offered subject to reserve or at the Auctioneers discretion.
(b) The highest bidder shall be the buyer. The Auctioneer may at his sole discretion determine the advance of the bidding or refuse a bid. If during the auction the Auctioneer considers that a dispute has arisen, he has absolute discretion to settle it or to re-offer the lot.
(c) Each lot is put up for sale subject to any reserve price placed by the vendor. Where there is no reserve price (but not otherwise) the seller has the right to bid either personally or by any one person (who may be the Auctioneer).
(d) All conditions, notices, descriptions, statements and other matters in the catalogue and elsewhere concerning any lot are subject to any statements modifying or affecting the same made by the Auctioneer from the rostrum prior to any bid being accepted for the lot.
3. BUYER'S PREMIUM.
The buyer shall pay the hammer price together with the buyer's premium at a rate of 18% of the hammer price.
4. RESCISSION.
Notwithstanding any other terms of these Conditions, if within 14 days after the auction the auctioneer has received from the buyer of any lots notice in writing that in his view the lot is a deliberate forgery and within twenty-one days after such notification the buyer returns the same to the Auctioneer in the same condition as at the time of the sale and by producing evidence, the burden of proof to be on the buyer, satisfies the Auctioneer that considered in the light of the entry in the catalogue the lot is a deliberate forgery then the sale of the lot will be rescinded and the purchase price of the same refunded. The vendor agrees to be bound by the Auctioneers decision.
5. DEFAULT.
The Auctioneer disclaims responsibility for default either by the buyer or the vendor because he acts as Auctioneer only and therefore does not pay out to the vendor until payment is received from the buyer. Instructions given by telephone are accepted at the sender's risk and must be confirmed in writing forthwith.
6. THIRD PARTY LIABILITY.
Every person on the auction premises at any time shall be deemed to be there at their own risk. They shall have no claim against the Auctioneer or Proprietor in respect of any accident which may occur or injury, damage or loss howsoever caused, save in so far as the injury, damage or loss shall be caused by the negligence of the Auctioneer's or Proprietor's employees.
Vendors Conditions
7. INSTRUCTIONS.
All goods delivered to the Auctioneers premises will be deemed to be delivered for sale by auction unless stated otherwise in writing and will be catalogued and sold at the Auctioneers discretion and accepted by the Auctioneer subject to all Sale Conditions. By delivering the goods to the Auctioneer for inclusion in their auction sales each vendor acknowledges that they have accepted and agreed to be bound by all these Conditions.
8. COLLECTION.
The Auctioneer does not himself undertake the collection of goods, but will, if required in writing, instruct a contractor on the vendor's behalf in his capacity as agent. The Auctioneer disclaims all responsibility for loss or damage to goods or for unauthorised removal of goods and damage to premises caused by the contractor.
9. LOSS OR DAMAGE.
The Auctioneer disclaims all responsibility for loss or damage to goods or for unauthorised removal of goods unless caused by the negligence of his staff.
10. STORAGE.
The Auctioneer reserves the right to store or arrange goods delivered to him for sale either on his own premises or elsewhere at his sole discretion. He exempts himself from any liability for loss or damage to goods delivered to his salerooms without sufficient sale instructions and reserves the right to make a storage charge for such goods (unless the loss or damage is caused by the negligence of his employees).
11. RIGHT TO SELL.
Vendors will be charged for goods left on the premises if the vendor has been requested to remove them and if the goods are not removed within twenty-one days of such request the Auctioneer reserves the right to sell the goods to defray costs and storage charges.
12. INSURANCE.
(a) Unless otherwise instructed in writing all goods on the Auctioneers premises and in his custody will be held insured for which insurance the Auctioneer will charge a premium of 1%. The Auctioneer has an insurance policy that covers lots in his care, custody or control. The vendor and the buyer agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of that policy. The policy document is available for inspection at our office.
(b) The Auctioneer shall not be responsible for damage to or loss, theft or destruction of any goods not so insured upon the owner's written instructions.
13. RESERVES.
(a) All goods are put up for sale WITHOUT RESERVE unless written instructions are received by the Auctioneer prior to the commencement of the auction.
(b) In the event of any reserve price not being reached at auction, the Auctioneer is empowered to sell after the auction, by private treaty, at not less than the reserve price.
(c) The Auctioneer may charge up to 20% of the lowest estimate should any lot be withdrawn from the auction or fail to reach its reserve.
14. INDEMNITY.
The vendor shall duly indemnify the Auctioneer against any claims in connection with any goods sold by the Auctioneer on the vendor's behalf.
15. VALUE ADDED TAX.
A vendor who sells by auction any chattel(s) which is an asset of their business must disclose to the Auctioneer whether or not they are registered for Value Added Tax purposes and if so their registered number and whether they intend to operate the special scheme covering works of art etc. This information must be supplied to the Auctioneer on or prior to delivery of the goods.
16. PHOTOGRAPHY.
The Auctioneers reserve the right to photograph and illustrate such items as they see fit. This will be charged up to a maximum of £40 per illustration
17. COMMISSION.
The Auctioneers will charge commission as shown on the Auction Entry Form. Where electrical goods are consigned to us for sale, we have by law to instruct on the vendor's behalf , a qualified person to conduct the prescribed safety checks. For this and modifications a charge will be made and deducted from the proceeds.
Buyers Conditions
18. INSPECTION.
Ample opportunity is given for inspection and each purchaser by making a bid for a lot acknowledges that they have satisfied themselves fully before bidding by inspection or otherwise as to all Conditions of Sale, the physical conditions of and description of the lot including but not restricted to whether the lot is damaged or has been repaired.
19. PROPERTY AND RISK.
The property in a lot shall not pass to the buyer until they have paid the purchase price in full, but each lot is at the sole risk of the purchaser from the fall of the hammer. Each purchaser shall forthwith give his full names and permanent address, and if called upon to do so by the Auctioneer shall forthwith pay to the Auctioneer such proportion of the purchase price as the Auctioneer my require. If the purchaser fails to do so, the lot may, at the Auctioneers sole discretion be put up again and re-sold.
20. REMOVAL OF GOODS.
(a) All lots shall be paid for and removed at the buyer's risk and expense by the end of the second working day after the auction, failing which the Auctioneer shall not be responsible if the same are lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, and all lots not so removed shall remain at the risk of the buyer and be subject to a storage charge. If they are not paid for or removed within seven days of the auction the Auctioneer may re-sell them by auction or private treaty without notice to the buyer. Any liability which there may be on the part of the Auctioneer in respect of any loss shall be restricted to maximum of the price paid by the purchaser of the lot.
(b) If any buyer fails to comply with any of the above Conditions the damage recoverable from the defaulter shall include all loss arising from any re-sale of the lot, together with the charge and expenses in respect of both sales and any money deposited in part payment shall be held by the Auctioneer against the defaulters liability and may be appropriated in settlement of that liability.
21. CREDIT CARDS.
We do not accept credit cards but you may pay by bank transfer, debit card, cheque or cash.
22. ARTIST’S RESALE RIGHTS.
This levy is to be charged to the purchaser. In bidding, you accept that you will be charged in accordance with the terms of the Act. An artwork must sell for more than €1,000 to qualify for the levy. The law defines the price threshold in Euros and, because the exchange rate between the two currencies changes daily, the equivalent in Pounds Sterling is worked out according to the exchange rate on the date the artwork is sold. The threshold for the day will be announced at the beginning of the sale. The levy is 4% on up to 50,000 euros, 3% from 50,000-200,000 euros, 1% from 200,000-350,000 euros, 0.5% from 350,000-500,000 euros and 0.25% on a hammer price exceeding 500,000 euros. There is a cap of 12,500 euros payable on any one work.
Please note: this scale is cumulative, which means that where the sale price is higher than the first threshold, the royalty on each portion of the price must be calculated accordingly and added together to arrive at the final sum. For example, take an artwork that sells for €210,000. The first €50,000 would achieve 4% (€2,000), the next 150,000 would achieve 3% (€4,500), and the final €10,000 would achieve 1% (€100). The total royalties due would be €6,600.
23. ONLINE BIDDING.
David Lay FRICS offer an online bidding service via the-saleroom.com for bidders who cannot attend the sale.
In completing the bidder registration on www.the-saleroom.com and providing your card details and, unless alternative arrangements are agreed with David Lay FRICS you:
1. authorise David Lay FRICS, if they so wish, to charge the card given in part or full payment, including all fees, for items successfully purchased in the auction via the-saleroom.com, and
2. confirm that you are authorised to provide these card details to David Lay FRICS.
3. note that shipping arrangement details are available on our website www.davidlay.co.uk
Please note that any lots purchased via the-saleroom.com live auction service will be subject to an additional 3% commission charge + VAT at the rate imposed on the hammer price.
