1. VITTORIO SELLA. Matterhorn and Breithorn, c. 1879-1892, Sella number AVI 359. 11.4x15.2" collodion print, printed c. 1893, mounted on 16 1/8x12 1/4" heavy brown board. Inscribed in ink on mount recto: 359- Matterhorn, and Breithorn; inscribed in blue pencil: A VI.; Print recto embossed with artist's credit stamp in bottom right corner.; Stamped in ink on mount verso: Depose / Tous Droits Reserves / V. Stella - Biella.

2. VITTORIO SELLA. Matterhorn, Rothhorn, and Dent Blanche, c. 1879-1892, Sella number AVI 360. 11.3x14.8" collodion print, printed c. 1893, flush mounted on thin board, mounted on 16 1/8x12 1/4" grey board. Inscribed in ink on mount recto: Alps Matterhorn, Rothhorn, and Dent Blanche VI 360.; Print recto embossed with artist's credit stamp in bottom right corner.

Matterhorn mountain is situated in the Pennine Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy. It is one of the most famous and distinctive of all Alpine peaks. The Matterhorn is a pyramidal-shaped colossus, standing at a skyline-dominating elevation of 4478 metres (14,690 feet tall) which makes it the sixth highest mountain in the Alps and in Europe. Its four steep faces rise above the nearby glaciers and face the four compass points, North, East, South and West. Although not the highest peak in the Alps its fame is due to its almost impossible shape; an unusual landform with a summit that appears to extend over its North face, making it look like a cobra about to strike.

The first successful ascent of this iconic peak was on July 14, 1865 by a team led by English illustrator, climber and explorer Edward Whymper. He had previously made several unsuccessful attempts on the summit. The climb was marred by tragedy as four team members lost their lives in a fall just below the summit during the descent. The second ascent occurred just three days after Whymper's triumph, from the Italian side. The mountain's difficult North face wasn't climbed until July 31 and August 1, 1931.

Vittorio Sella made the first winter ascent of the Matterhorn in 1882.
Credit: https://www.beautifulworld.com/europe/switzerland/matterhorn/

1. 359 Very Good: Minor wear, edge wear, abrasions and dirt. Mount has missing pieces on edge and corner wear marks and dirt and is fragile.
2. 360 Good: Wear, edge wear, abrasions, lines in emulsion and dirt. Mount has edge and corner wear marks and dirt.