Plate Portfolio from the North Pole Expedition of 1872–1874

Julius Payer

Die Oesterreichisch-Ungarische Nordpol-Expedition 1872–1874. Printed in 1875.

Publisher: München, Berlin & London: Friedr. Bruckmann’s Verlag.

Oblong portfolio [7.5 x 5 inches] 12 mounted plates

[German] Good

A portfolio of 12 mounted plates contained in a red and gold wing folder illustrating the Austro-Hungarian North Pole Expedition of 1872–1874 led by Julius Payer and Karl Weyprecht aboard the Tegetthoff. The expedition resulted in the discovery and first exploration of Franz Josef Land in August 1873. The plates depict scenes from the voyage and subsequent sledging journeys undertaken while the ship was trapped in Arctic pack ice, forming one of the earliest visual records connected with the discovery and exploration of the archipelago. Also present is an additional contemporary photographic card depicting Payer and Weyprecht on Franz Josef Land, produced by the Viennese imperial court photographer Josef Löwy. A bookplate from the shelves of Galerie Antica is affixed inside the portfolio.

The plates are loosely housed in the original red cloth gold-embossed wing folder with ornate gilt decoration to the front board and matching embossed borders to the rear. The plates are mounted on thick boards and remain separate rather than bound. [The explanatory booklet that originally accompanied the portfolio is not present.]

It is in Fair condition. The portfolio shows heavy shelf wear with a cracked and worn spine that remains attached. There is residue from an old adhesion along the border to the right of the front board. Both boards are somewhat wavy, and there is a tear to the cloth on the rear board. Corners are worn and bumped. The interior edges of the case show chipping with light staining to the inner rear board. The plates themselves remain in Very Good condition with a tiny bit of waviness and minor rubbing to the corners.