Description:

Anthony Fiala
New York, NY, May 28, 1901
Anthony Fiala ALS As Photographer to the Baldwin-Ziegler Polar Expedition "was hurried off unexpectedly to attend to matters for the Expedition in London"
ALS

Anthony Fiala (1869-1950). Autographed Letter Signed "Anthony Fiala" to lower center on "Baldwin - Ziegler Polar Expedition" letterhead. New York, NY, May 28, 1901. Includes "The Oriental Smoke" cigarette card with full color image of Fiala. 1p, measuring 8" x 10". Vertical folding creases to letter, adhesive and paper residue to corners. Expecting age toning. Near very good.

In full:

"Dear Mr. Balmanno:
The bearer of this my brother Louis Fiala is to be attorney of my affairs in my absence. I would have liked to see you before going, but was hurried off unexpectedly to attend to matters for the Expedition in London. You have been very kind in handling my small account and I crave a further consideration on your part until I return. My brother would like to deposit in my name with privilege of drawing.
Thanking you again with best wishes I am yours very sincerely,
Anthony Fiala."

Fiala was an American explorer, born and raised in Jersey City, NJ. He was educated at Cooper Union and the National Academy of Design, New York City. In 1901 and 1902, he accompanied the Baldwin-Ziegler Polar Expedition as photographer. This letter appears to be in preparation for said expedition. From 1903 to 1905, he was in command of the Ziegler Polar Expedition, sent out by Ziegler from Tromsø in July 1903. These two undertakings were to establish him in the front rank of polar explorers at the turn of the century. Fiala went on to accompany Theodore Roosevelt on the Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition into hitherto unexplored parts of Brazil.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8" x 10"
  • Medium: ALS

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