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70-year-old beef dripping from first Everest expedition sells for £500

Mar 22nd 2026 · United Kingdom

A 70-year-old tin of beef dripping taken on the first successful Mount Everest expedition and a letter linking it to climber Mike Westmacott were sold at Bearnes Hampton Auctioneers in Exeter for £500.

  • A tin of beef dripping and a letter linking it to climber Mike Westmacott sold for £500 at Bearnes Hampton Auctioneers in Exeter.
  • The tin is about 70 years old and was taken to support camps on the first successful Mount Everest expedition.
  • Auctioneer Brian Goodison-Blanks said collectors worldwide value original-condition expedition items despite rust and worn labels.
  • Mike Westmacott helped supply camps on the expedition and later served as president of The Climbers Club from 1978 to 1980.