Adélie Penguin Egg - British National Antarctic 'Discovery' Expedition, 1901-1904. Pygoscelis adeliae . 'Discovery' Ex... (Total: 2 Items)

Description

Adélie Penguin Egg - British National Antarctic 'Discovery' Expedition, 1901-1904
Pygoscelis adeliae
'Discovery' Expedition - January 9, 1902
Cape Adare, South Victoria Land, East Antarctica

This rare and most intriguing offering is a hand-collected Adélie Penguin egg from the 'Discovery' Expedition (1901 - 1904), also known as the British National Antarctic Expedition. The legendary expedition, led by Robert Falcon Scott, was the first official British exploration of the Antarctic regions and included notable explorers such as Ernest Shackleton, Edward A. Wilson, Frank Wild, Tom Crean, and William Lashly. The scientific outcomes from this expedition were numerous and groundbreaking, especially in the fields of biology, zoology, and geography.

The Pygoscelis adeliae is a species of penguin commonly found along the coast of the Antarctic continent-one of only four species to nest upon the continent itself. Often called "brush-tailed penguins" due to their stiff tail feathers, these mid-sized birds use their tails for support while walking. With a classic 'tuxedo' black and white plumage, the curious, flightless birds mate along rocky shores and lay eggs in pebble stone nests. Edward Wilson noted his sighting of the penguins: "some millions of the Adélie Penguin. Such a sight! There were literally millions of them. They covered the plain ... " "The penguins as usual were very amusing. They had eggs some of them, carefully laid in a nest made of pebbles. Some had just hatched out and some had big downy or woolly young ones, more than half as big as they were themselves. These they tried to sit on, but all they could cover was the head, so it looked very absurd" (Wilson 94).

The addled, unviable Adélie Penguin egg presented here was collected on January 9, 1902, when the 'RRS Discovery' (Royal Research Ship) landed at Cape Adare, South Victoria Land, East Antarctica, "a day to be remembered, for we landed on Antarctic continent" (Wilson 93). This egg, along with a few others, was found by Second Lieutenant Michael Barne and Dr. Reginald Koettlitz. Dr. Edward A. Wilson, the acting junior surgeon, zoologist, and expedition artist, noted the find: "Barne and Koettlitz brought home a number of skua fledglings and young penguins in different stages and many of their eggs. Koettlitz was kind enough to blow all these eggs for me, a true labor of love, as nearly every one was rotten" (Wilson 95-96). Wilson sought evidence to support Darwin's Theory of Evolution and to find the missing evolutionary link between Dinosaurs and birds. Known for his penchant for birds, especially penguins, he also pursued Emperor Penguins to understand the species' breeding biology and study the embryos in their early stages of development to support his hypotheses and truth.

After collection, the egg was blown and labeled, leaving a hole where the embryo was extracted, allowing the shell to preserve. The central hole measures 0.47 inches (1.2 cm) in diameter. Remnant writing and lines are visible alongside and under contemporary writing. Under magnification, a couple of feathers remain adhered to the specimen. This egg weighs 15 grams and measures nearly 3 x 2 inches (7.6 X 5 cm), and exhibits a dark 'eggshell' hue. The egg is in pristine, as-found condition, with a natural texture and trace amounts of mud.

The egg is inscribed in black ink: "PYGOSCELIS ADELIAE, (found addled), CAPE ADARE, SOUTH VICTORIA LAND, Jan. 9. 1902., E.A.W." There is an affixed label stating: "Coll. "Discovery" Nat. Antarctic Expedition, Pres by Trustees Brit. Mus." An accession number seems to appear in the bottom left corner of the label, which is now illegible.

This egg from the landmark expedition is a spectacular historical specimen and a poignant reminder of the fallen explorers and their contributions to modern science. The egg has a storied past and has been held in the collections of many revered ornithologists. This rare and highly collectible offering stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the' Discovery' Expedition, the precursor to the tragic 'Terra Nova' Expedition (1910-1913), and its impact on the scientific understanding of the natural world.

This Lot includes a copy of Edward Wilson's Diary of the 'Discovery' Expedition to the Antarctic 1901-1904 and a map of The Work of the National Antarctic Expedition 1902 - 04.
Measurements: 2.76 x 2.11 inches (7.00 x 5.35 cm), weighs 15 grams

Works Cited:
Wilson, Edward A. Diary of the 'Discovery' Expedition to the Antarctic 1901-1904. Blandford Press Ltd, 1975.

Provenance: National Antarctic Expedition, presented by British Museum Trustees, by repute, Ex. Museum Victoria (Deaccessioned 1930s), Ex. Hughie Collins Collection (1960s), Ex. Norman Joseph Favaloro Collection (1970s), Ex. Nicholas Kolichis Oological Collection (2020s)

More Information: Please be aware that local laws and import restrictions may apply. It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and verify that this item can be legally imported. Auctioneer or Seller are not responsible for any customs duties, taxes, penalties, or restrictions that may apply. See the complete Auction Terms and Conditions below.

The accompanying image is an artistic rendering and does not accompany the Lot.


*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.