[Polar Exploration] Ziegler-Fiala Expedition.

Anthony Fiala and William Champ, photographers. Ziegler Polar Expedition 1903-1904-1905. Np:1905

Oblong folio. (14 1/2  x 18  ins; 370 x 460 mm). 48 original silver photographic prints mounted on card with many hand-titled on the mounts; some edge fading to most prints, a few creased, intermittent chipping to mounts. Gilt-titled card covers; worn.

rare images from a failed polar expedition. The Ziegler-Fiala Expedition was the second attempt to become the first to reach the North Pole funded by William Ziegler, President of the Royal Baking Powder Company. While the 1901 team turned back at the Arctic Sea, this 1903 attempt (using the same steam yacht as before, the SS America) became stranded on the far north Rudof Island within 5 months of their June, 1903 departure. With a storm breaking their ship to pieces and stranding them, by January 1904 they were lucky to survive on the provisions left by the previous party. While managing to make some  excursions from their encampment, it was not until August 1905 that the expedition was rescued and all but one member saved.

The present is the work of the expedition commander and photographer Anthony Fiala with additional images by William Champ, leader of the rescue party. Ship life and then camp life on ice (complete with pet polar bears) is detailed from the beginning to final rescue.  Ziegler died without knowing the ultimate fate of his expedition and while followed closely by news agencies as an American entry into the Polar Race, material documenting the endeavor is rare.

[With:] 28 Brownie camera snapshots of captive polar bears, sled dogs and candid views from aboard the rescue vessel.