Historic Mount Everest expedition item up for auction in Exeter

Unique collectors’ piece dates back to the 1953 British Mount Everest expedition

Author: Grace O'HarePublished 18th Mar 2026

A can of Colonial beef dripping, said to have been part of the supplies used during the iconic 1953 British Mount Everest expedition, is set to be auctioned in Exeter.

This unique item, along with a letter from E M Elliott, ties it to Mike Westmacott, a British mountaineer and member of the historically significant expedition when Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit.

Westmacott played a crucial role in the expedition, assisting with camp supplies on the mountain alongside his team of Sherpas.

He continued to have a prominent career in mountaineering, serving as president of The Climbers Club from 1978 to 1980.

The auction, hosted by Metropress Ltd, will be held from 17th March to 18th March, offering collectors a chance to own this piece of mountaineering history.

The lot comes with an estimate of between £80 and £120, with a buyer's premium of 26% up to the first £20,000 and an online commission of 3%.

Potential buyers must register and be approved to participate in the auction, which takes place at St Edmund's Court, Okehampton Street, Exeter.

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