Oates, Captain Lawrence Edward Grace

i. Brown leather belt with brass buckle, (approximately 1040 x 45mm.; buckle 85 x 90mm.), branded initials 'L.E.G.O.' on the inside
ii. 2 documents, the audited trust accounts for the estate of the uncle Charles George Oates (Oates had a 3/14 share), dated 14 October 1904 and 9 March 1905, in envelope addressed to Mrs Oates
iii. 'Military Tournament' pamphlet listing Oates as a judge.
iv. 'Oates Memorial Fund' pamphlet listing subscribers and showing the total amount received.
v. Photogravure portrait of Oates with facsimile signature, by G. Lekegian & Co., Cairo 
vi. Manuscript transcription of the poem 'Oates', from 'An Echo of the Spheres' by F.W. Bain.  
vii. William Wood, Ingleton Lodge, letter dated August 12, 1850 and two related notes
viii. 9 carte-de-visite albumen prints, many with inscriptions on verso

Captain L.E.G. Oates; Mrs Caroline A. Oates, his mother, Essex; Christie's, 30 April 1991, lot 200 (part); offered at Christie's London, 'Travel, Science and Natural History', 9 October 2012, lot 133 (part)

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Oates (1880–1912), died tragically during the Terra Nova expedition to Antarctica. Due to gangrene and frostbite he had become: "in Scott's words, ‘a terrible hindrance’ to the others... At lunch on 15 March Oates proposed that the others should leave him behind in his sleeping-bag, but they persuaded him to go on. He woke next morning, 16 March 1912, and according to Scott: It was blowing a blizzard; he said I am just going outside and may be some time. He went out into the blizzard and we have not seen him since … We knew that poor Oates was walking to his death but though we tried to dissuade him we knew it was the act of a brave man and an English gentleman."(ONDB)