Captain Scott’s British Antarctic Expedition 1910–1913: A Profound Historical Correspondence

lot 111 in our forthcoming 30th April Stamp Auction is an extraordinary and deeply personal archive connected to one of the most iconic and tragic expeditions in British exploration history the Terra Nova Expedition led by Robert Falcon Scott.

This fascinating lot comprises a four-page handwritten letter from Winter Quarters, Cape Evans, McMurdo Sound, dated January 17th, 1911, penned by Edward Wilson physician, naturalist, and chief of the scientific staff to his close friend, the artist Alfred Soord.

Accompanied by its original British Antarctic Expedition envelope, the correspondence bears a New Zealand 1d stamp cancelled at Lyttelton (August 1911), along with a further indistinct expedition cancel to the reverse offering both philatelic and historical significance.

Wilson’s letter captures a vivid moment of optimism and purpose at the outset of the expedition:

“Here we are at last with our camp all made good, our hut built on shore, our ponies, dogs, motors and stores all landed. And in a week we start off depot laying…”

He continues with poignant anticipation of the polar attempt:

“…in April we return & winter during the dark & then when the light returns in October, off we go for the pole…”

The personal tone is equally compelling, with Wilson remarking humorously, “You would scorn the idea of painting me now,” while referencing Soord’s artistic work back in Cheltenham, underscoring the enduring friendship between the two men.

This relationship is further illuminated by an earlier enclosed letter dated May 4th, 1910, in which Wilson discusses the portrait Soord had painted prior to departure. In it, he expresses sincere gratitude, enclosing a payment of £40 and noting that they wished it could be more reflective of their appreciation, a touching insight into the expedition’s financial realities and personal bonds.

Completing this remarkable group is a later letter dated March 25th, 1913, written aboard RMS Remuera by Wilson’s widow, Diana Wilson. In deeply moving prose, she recounts that in her husband’s prayers sent from Antarctica, he included:

“…Soord for his kindness of heart”

A testament to enduring friendship, written in the shadow of tragedy.

The historical weight of this lot is immense. On January 17th, 1912, Scott’s party reached the South Pole, only to discover that Roald Amundsen had preceded them by 34 days. The return journey would prove fatal, and Wilson, alongside Scott and their companions, perished in one of the most poignant episodes in the history of exploration.

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A Landmark Lot in Fieldings’ First Specialist Stamp Auction

As part of Fieldings Auctions’ inaugural specialist philatelic sale, Lot 111 stands as a centrepiece, combining postal history, autograph collecting, and world history in a single, museum-worthy offering. The inclusion of original expedition mail, rare cancellations, and deeply personal content elevates this beyond a standard collectible into a truly significant archival piece.

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Sell Your Stamp Collection with Confidence

For those considering how best to sell a stamp collection at auction, this lot exemplifies the power of expert curation and storytelling. At Fieldings Auctions, we specialise in presenting material to its fullest potential, ensuring that historically important items, postal history covers, and unique collections reach a global audience of serious collectors.

If you are looking to sell stamps, postal history, or an inherited collection, our specialist auctions provide:

• Professional valuations and expert philatelic insight
• Carefully researched and compelling catalogue descriptions
• Targeted marketing to international buyers and collectors
• Competitive bidding environments designed to maximise results

Whether your collection includes rare expedition mail, early 20th-century covers, or thematic material, selling through a trusted auction house like Fieldings ensures both visibility and value.

Lot 111 is not only a highlight of this sale, it is a powerful example of how historic correspondence and philatelic material can achieve outstanding interest when expertly handled.

For valuations or to consign your stamp collection to future auctions, Fieldings Auctioneers stamp department run by Andy Mayall,  welcomes enquiries from collectors and sellers alike.