Accession No. PA.2021.0003: Martha Gerson Lufkin, 2021 April
[identification of item], Sledge Possibly Used to Haul Equipment on an Antarctic Expedition Led By Admiral Richard E. Byrd, SPEC.PA.56.5035, Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center Archival Program, Ohio State University
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Processed by: Ashleigh Minor, 2021 May; Finding aid written by; Ashleigh Minor, 2021 May
Sledges have been used throughout history to transport people and supplies and are typically pulled by horse, dog, men, or tractor. Various kinds of sledges have been used in the exploration of polar regions to transport supplies and equipment over snow and ice terrains, including on the Antarctic expeditions led by Admiral Richard E. Byrd between 1928 and 1956.
The Sledge Possibly Used to Haul Equipment on an Antarctic Expedition Led By Admiral Richard. E. Byrd is a 10-foot long wooden sledge designed to be used for pulling heavy equipment and supplies through snow. A metal label is affixed to the sledge that reads "Extra Strong Sledge Used to transport extra heavy equipment" and a paper tag is attached with wire that reads "Admiral Byrd." The sledge consists of a combination of wooden and iron slats, with two iron rings on each end, two ropes tied to the stanchions on one end, and an additional 6-foot long unattached rope. The origin and use of this sledge is unknown, but it may have been used on one of Admiral Byrd's Antarctic expeditions between 1928-1956, and may have been constructed around the same time, though the definitive date of construction is unknown.