Everest--[Noel, Captain John]

53 stereoscopic views, most mounted on card and with typed captions on the reverse (one captioned "Photo by Capt. J.B. Noel, F.R.G.S., official photographer to the Everest Expedition 1924", several others captioned "Photo Capt. Noel"), each pair approx. 140 x 77mm., some minor wear, some stains and soiling (one image obscured)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, 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."

An extremely rare collection of photographs, including images of Mallory and Irvine's ill-fated 1924 expedition to Everest. Noel was a pioneering explorer of Tibet and Nepal as well the official photographer for George Leigh Mallory's attempts to conquer Everest in 1924, in which Mallory and his fellow climber Andrew Irvine perished. The photographs show wonderful images of the climb in progress, as well as general mountain views; one important image is captioned "Porter starting to climb the North Col by a rope ladder previously fixed by Dr. Somerville [sic]. This 'col' is a ridge of ice joining two peaks and was finally adopted as the most hopeful route to the summit". This would appear to refer to the events of June 1924, when Dr Howard Somervell in the company of Col. Edward Norton first attempted to reach the peak. However, despite their best efforts, they were beaten back by altitude sickness. On 6 June, Mallory and Irvine, in the company of eight porters, left the North Col, using the same route as Somervell, in a last-ditch bid to attain the summit before the imminent onset of the monsoon. Tragically, they were to perish in the attempt. There are also many views of Tibet and Nepal and photographs from Noel's travels in India and the Pacific.