Books from a Fair from Samuel Gedge Ltd.

Item 13 is a naval pass dated July 23, 1828. It is signed by two notable people. The pass is for a single voyage on the Hope of London. One signature is that of John Barrow, a naval official and explorer, most noted for his travels to Africa and his promotion of Arctic exploration. The northernmost point of land in all of the United States, Point Barrow, Alaska, and the community of Barrow, are named for him. The other notable signature is that of William Duke of Clarence, then serving as Lord High Admiral. William was the third son of King George III, and as such, there was little chance he would succeed to the throne. However, by this time, events had unfolded in an unexpected manner. George III's eldest son had taken the throne as George IV, but his only child had died. George III's second son died childless a year before this pass was issued, making William the heir to the throne. He would so ascend in 1830 at the age of 64, the oldest person ever to become King (Prince Charles currently awaits surpassing that record). £750 (US $1,166).

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