Antarctica: Finn Ronne Expedition 1947-48: Oleona Base, Antarctica, scarce datestamp of Mar. 12 1947, opening day of the base, signed by Finn Ronne as official U.S. Postmaster, added to Byrd Expedition II cover showing large violet cachet (on both sides) and Little America cancellation of Jan. 30 1934 cancelling 3c. and also showing I.G.Y. Ellsworth Station and Capt. Ronne four line cachets added on Ronne's later return for the U.S. 1957-58 Expedition. Ex Scott Smith. Photo. Having earlier served on two of Admiral Byrd's expeditions, Finn Ronne (1899-1980), son of Amundsen's sailmaker Martin Ronne, established a number of polar records both during his 1947-48 Expedition and later as scientific and military leader of the U.S. Weddell Sea base. (Image1)