This sledge is a rare and captivating artifact from the early twentieth century; it represents the kind used by polar explorers to transport supplies and gear. Crafted mainly from ash wood, leather, rope, and featuring metal braces and screws, it displays a charming, weathered waxed finish. Its origins trace back to the 1900s, possibly as early as the 1890s. Research identifies it as a ''Nansen'' pattern sledge, created for Fridjof Nansen’s original Greenland crossing in the 1880s. This particular piece was almost certainly produced by LH Hagen & Co in Norway. Sotheby''s recognized an identical sledge pattern as one used by Scott during the ill-fated Terra Nova expedition, in which Amundsen successfully reached the South Pole first. Tragically, Scott and his party died during their return. According to Roland Huntford''s ''Scott and Amundsen,'' there is evidence that Nansen arranged to meet at Hagen’s workshop where Scott intended to purchase his sledges.Unless individually specifi...