Bonhams 1793 : TERRA NOVA - GOLD CLIP A custom made gold clip of the Terra Nova emblem, stamped 9ct on verso, engraved with "British Antarctic Expedition Terra Nova R.Y.S." in a band surrounding a penguin on the pole, on a hide strap presumed to be pony skin, with two engraved ferrules at either end, attached to which are two clips on short chains, stamped "S.P.&S" and "gold plated", 20 x 255mm. [c.1913]

A custom made gold clip of the Terra Nova emblem, stamped 9ct on verso, engraved with "British Antarctic Expedition Terra Nova R.Y.S." in a band surrounding a penguin on the pole, attached to a hide strap presumed to be pony skin, with two engraved ferrules at either end, with two clips on short chains, stamped "S.P.&S" and "gold plated", 20 x 255mm. [c.1913]

Sold for £1,125 inc. premium

Footnotes

Made on commission, it is believed that this was given to a Mrs. Elsie Watkins née MacDougal by a sailor on board the Terra Nova (reputedly Able Seaman William Knowles). The gold clips bearing the manufacturer's mark "S.P.& S." are believed to refer to a Christchurch based jeweller and pawn broker named Samuel Phillips. He had a shop at 273 High Street, Christchurch, in 1911 and is thought to have been in business until circa 1920. There were a number of "unofficial" souvenirs and mementos commissioned and given by crew members as gifts of gratitude, for hospitality for example, or as love tokens. It is presumed that this strap and clip fit into this category. See illustration overleaf.

Category: Books / Books, Maps and Manuscripts

Auction terms and conditions