Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition, 1955-1958

3 albums, oblong folio (305 x 330mm.), 204 photographs (from 80 x 120mm. to 230 x 230mm.), and 5 original documents belonging to Tate, all mounted on card, recto only, modern black cloth albums 

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This expedition was a private venture supported by the governments of the United Kingdom, New Zealand, United States, Australia and South Africa, as well as other corporations and individuals. There were two teams, The Crossing Party, led by Sir Vivian Fuchs, to make the overland trek to the South Pole, and The Ross Sea Party, led by Sir Edmund Hillary. The New Zealand Ross Sea Party was to support the Crossing Party by building Scott Base at McMurdo Sound, laying supply depots and establishing a vehicle route from the Polar Plateau through the Western mountains and back to Ross Island.

Tate joined the RNZAF Antarctic Flight in August 1956 as an aircraft mechanic and radio operator and was subsequently promoted to sergeant. He first crossed the Antarctic Circle in the USS Glacier on 17 December 1956, and was a member of the Scott Base support staff for both seasons 1956-57 and 1957-58. The documents include Tate's New Zealand provisional licence for a Radio Serviceman, his RNZAF permit to drive certain RNZAF vehicles for 'Antarctic Expedition only,' his membership card to the 'Royal Order of the Penguin' for having crossed the Antarctic Circle, a certificate of Freemasonry and membership of the Fifth Army Association.