LT WYATT RAWSON'S HUNTING KNIFE FROM THE 1875 DISCOVERY EXPEDITION

the 7½in. steel blade with maker's marks for Underwood London etched WYATT RAWSON / H.M.S DISCOVERY / 1875, folding into a cross-hatched wooden sheath with closing lock and contained in leather scabbard of issue (lacking top securing spring) -- 13in. (33cm.) open; together with a copy of Admiral Sir Harry Rawson's biography by Lt Geoffrey Rawson, RIN, 1914; a vesta inscribed to J.F. Rawson RNAS 1917-1919; and a qty of research for Wyatt Rawson

(a lot)

Cmdr Wyatt Rawson (1853-1882) entered the Royal Navy in 1866, later serving during the Ashanti War between 1873 and 1874, for which he was promoted lieutenant in March 1874. He was appointed third lieutenant in H.M.S. Discovery on the British Arctic Expedition, 1875-1876 (led by George Nares), sent by the Admiralty to attempt to reach the North Pole by way of Smith Sound and to explore the coasts of Greenland and adjacent lands. Following his transfer to H.M.S. Alert in August 1875, Rawson undertook a sledge journey with Sub-Lieutenant George Egerton in March 1876, during which they saved the life of Danish dog-driver Niels Petersen. In one of the exploits described in the Proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society for 1882, it was on this sledge trip that he "attacked and killed a musk ox without a gun, and armed only with a stick and knife which he fastened to the end of it; ever on the look out to procure fresh meat for the sick".

Condition Report

Old wear commensurate with age, generally very good. As noted, knife's top spring is missing so will not lock in the open position.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. 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 Charles Miller Ltd 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.