Signed postcard by Ernest Shackleton Nimrod c1909

SHACKLETON, Ernest Henry (1874-1922). Rotary Photographic Series postcard portrait of Lieutenant Shackleton, signed on the verso.
 
Real photograph postcard, 90 x 140 mm. Published by Rotary Photo E.C., captioned beneath image: "Lieutenant Shackleton. Arctic Explorer. 1908. Nearest to the South Pole." Signed by Shackleton in black ink across the verso. Unused postcard. A few trivial signs of handling, otherwise very good.
 
A contemporary photographic portrait of Ernest Shackleton following the achievements of the British Antarctic Expedition (1907-09), during which Shackleton and three companions reached a then-record southern latitude of 88°23'S, coming closer to the South Pole than any previous expedition.
 
The image depicts Shackleton in full polar clothing and was issued at the height of his international fame following his return from Antarctica in 1909.  Provenance: From the collection of a mountaineer and polar enthusiast, dispersed at auction. More information can be provided on request. A scarce signed Shackleton image from the period immediately following the Nimrod Expedition.