RYS Terra Nova, a handmade 'crossing the line' certificate f...

Hammer

£3,000

RYS Terra Nova, a handmade 'crossing the line' certificate for 'Frederick Davies' signed by 'Edward R Evans' dated 15th July 1910:, in blue and red inks, inscribed 'SY Terra Nova RYS' with ship's pennant flanked by a penguin and a whale over text, 24 x 32cm. Together with a copy of 'With Scott Before the Mast' *Notes- A 'crossing the line' ceremony is naval tradition held whenever a ship passes the equator and first time voyagers are initiated in a court held by a crew member dressed as Neptune and other crew dressed as members of his court. In this instance Neptune ('Taff' Evans) and the 'Bears' (Oates, Dr Atkinson, Patsy Kehone and Joe Ford) undertook the ceremony aboard the Terra Nova. Though Davies had crossed the line during his time in the navy he was caught out by not having a certificate of proof and was ducked along with the other initiates. (1) References: (1) Davies, F E (2020) 'With Scott: Before the Mast' pages 29-31.