The Autographs of Explorer Richard Byrd

Born on October 25, 1888 in Winchester, Virginia, Richard Byrd was an American aviator and polar explorer. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1912. His left the Navy for as short time, returning when the United States declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917. Byrd's aviation career was launched when he requested assignment to the Navy's aviation division.

After the war Byrd commanded the naval air unit that was assigned to accompany the arctic expedition of Donald Baxter MacMillan.

In 1926, Byrd and Floyd Bennett made their historic flight from Spitsbergen to the North Pole and back. (Since then his claim that they actually reached the North Pole before returning has been disputed by several authorities who have studied Byrd's diary). Regardless, Byrd became very famous after the trip. He had little trouble securing financing for future expeditions

In 1927, Richard Byrd made preparations to become the first pilot to successfully fly solo across the Atlantic; however, his flight was delayed because of mechanical complications. In May, Charles Lindbergh became the first. In June of that same year, Byrd and three fellow aviators flew across the Atlantic, crash landing off the coast of France in 39 hours and 56 minutes. This mission was considered a huge success because it demonstrated that regular cross Atlantic fights were very possible. A record of this flight was recorded in 1928 in Richard Byrd's book Skyward.

In August 1928 Byrd left for his first expedition to Antarctica. In January 1929 he established a base of operations called Little America. On November 29 of that year, Byrd and three other aviators made the first flight over the South Pole.

Byrd explored Antarctica for the second time in 1933 – 1935. He made regular radio broadcasts to the United States that were avidly followed by the American people. Perhaps Byrd's greatest challenge during this time was living alone for five months in a tiny hut on the Ross Ice Shelf close to the South Pole, where he made daily weather observations.

Byrd made his third Antarctic expedition in 1939. This trip led to the charting of much new territory. including five islands.

Two subsequent and very successful expeditions to Antarctica added to Byrd's reputation as one of the most celebrated explorers of his time.

Richard E. Byrd died on March 11, 1957.

Signed photos of Richard E. Byrd list for about $350. Signatures sell for about $100 Signed letters sell in the range of $250 - $500, depending on content. Of course one with exceptional content could sell in excess of that range.

I have a signed copy of Richard Byrd's first book in my collection. I have seen dealers list signed copies of this book at more than $400.

This one is a limited signed edition printed on a flyleaf "Autographed especially for The Sportsman Pilot Autographed Library." It is signed "R.E. Byrd." As a limited edition signed book this one should carry a premium. I was fortunate to find this on eBay with a starting bid of $25. My bid was the only one. This is a good example why collectors who avoid eBay miss out on some great deals. Certainly be cautious, but when it looks like a great deal from a seller with good feedback sometime it makes good sense to pull the trigger and bid.