The Khumbu Icefall and Collecting the E94

[Casey2296]

I recently embarked on a journey of collecting the 1911 E94 George Close Candy set of 30 (yes, I was sober when I made the decision).
I’m also an avid hiker/climber and climbed my highest peak a few years ago, Mt. Fuji in Japan at 12,388 ft.

Now stay with me, I’ve discovered what I think is a parallel between the E94 and what I imagine climbing Mt. Everest would be like.

I set out to collect Mr. Close Candy’s offering of 1911 concentrating on condition and trying to get at least 3 examples of each color while building the set. I started out my journey searching for examples that I could find/afford and, although new to collecting this set, felt like I was moderately successful, much like the first day of a mountain climb where you’re getting used to surroundings, gear, altitude, pace, etc. and slowly working your way up the Mountain.

I was feeling pretty good, ready to make a run at it.

Now for those who aren’t familiar with the Khumbu Icefall Glacier, it lies at 18,000 feet just above Everest Base Camp One. It is a constantly moving Glacier that is one of the most treacherous parts of the climb where multi-story blocks of ice can fall at a moment’s notice, many climbers have never returned from the attempt. So imagine climbing 18,000 feet to your starting point, which is a feat in and of itself, then looking up at one of the most daunting climbing challenges you’ve ever faced. Following me?

I think John McGraw knew what was coming when he posed for his E94 image.

The E94 set of 30 is challenging to say the least, especially if one is focusing on condition. There are just not a lot of examples out there, the availability is scarce, not to mention the current price of admission is very high. There are a few collectors here that have spent years if not decades on the E94, which is a truly impressive feat of set building, color runs, etc. Now, while I don’t have years to devote to Mr. Close as there are many other mountains to climb, it is still a fun set to collect.

But Holy Guacamole!?!

I'm not even a third of the way up the mountain and I’m running low on oxygen, staring up at that damned Khumbu Glacier of a Set called the E94, questioning my sanity and my critical thinking skills.


I may have to stay here and rest a bit until I can catch my breath…



I’d like to thank member James Basch for his generosity and taking the time to share his knowledge with me, he’s truly one of a kind in this hobby, and member Steven Sadler for his words of encouragement on collecting the E94.

Phil Lewis