Wilkins and Philately 

This branch of our research examines Wilkins and polar exploration as presented in philately (the study of stamps and postal history).

Owning an artefact related to Hubert Wilkins is a wonderful way of bring him to life. He was always searching for ways of raising funds for his expeditions. One of these was through philately. He came into contact with A. C. Roessler, a stamp dealer from East Orange, New Jersey. They collaborated for some time, before disagreeing about the amount Roessler would pay for Wilkins’ first flight covers (envelopes) posted in Antarctica.

Wilkins recorded his expeditions from 1926 to 1937 by making covers to sell to the public. Stamps from various countries have also been issued which commemorate his exploits.

Although the income raised from philately was relatively modest, his 1931 Trans-Polar Submarine Expedition is the most prolific and interesting use of philately.

Collecting the stamps and covers from Wilkins’ expeditions is a fascinating way of recording his life. There are very few people in the world whose biography can be chronicled philatelically.

If you wish to know more about the philately of his life, please contact Richard Hindle, the editor of the Hubert Wilkins Study Group, by e-mail .

The Impossible Flight

This document by Richard Hindle examines the Detroit News Arctic Expeditions of 1926-28.
Click on the image below to read.

Naturalist on the Shackleton-Rowett Expedition

This document by Richard Hindle assesses the first of two expeditions Sir Hubert undertook as a naturalist, the Shackleton-Rowett Expedition 1921-22 on the Quest with Sir Ernest Shackleton. 

Click on the image below to read.