This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/18/2025
[SHIRASE, Nobu (1861-1946), association]. OKUMA, Shigenobu (1838-1922). Wagakuni Kuzen no Sokyo: Nankyoku Tanken Shuppatsu Kinen [Our Grand Project: Commemorating the Departure of the Antarctic Expedition Tokyo, Society for the Support of the Japanese Antarctic Expedition]; Plus Special Metal Engraved Commemorative Stamp. Our Grand Project: 10 May 1911. 12mo. FIRST EDITION. A printed document used for the purpose of soliciting funds for the Japanese Antarctic Expedition under the command of Lt. Nobu Shirase. Authored by Shigenobu Okuma, president of the Society for the Support of the Japanese Antarctic Expedition. Okuma was a major statesman and political figure during his life being a former Prime Minister of Japan and founder of Waseda University in Tokyo. The document was given by the Society for the Support of the Antarctic Expedition to Waseda University students with the intent they would help solicit funds for the continuation of the Japanese Antarctic Expedition after their failed first attempt. The notice states in part: “To students of Waseda University. We delegate a task of collecting donations for Japanese Antarctic Expedition Team to you. May-10, 1911 (Meiji 44)". Ross 4.1 - Very Rare. This copy, with its original translucent slip envelope/slipcase, states: “Our Grand Project: Commemoration of the Departure of the Japanese Antarctic Expedition". And: 50th Anniversary Commemorative Postage Stamp with Colored Metal Engraving. [Tokyo, 1960]. Metal engraving, postage stamp, official postal cancel inkstamp in original folder on cardstock. Stamp and engraving with image of Lt. Shirase. Fine. From the personal collection of Shirase's bibliographer, Chet Ross.