Auction Item Details
Lot 285
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Lot Number: 285
Description: Important U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship Sterling Silver trophy from the Bill Tilden Collection with Tilden related material. Imposing two-handled trophy cup featuring an ornate raised design throughout the surface has "Clay Court Championship of The United States , Challenge Trophy, Singles" engraved on the side. The opposite reads "Won By" and etched below (and to either side) are the names of the winners of the tournament starting with its' founding in 1910 and running through 1923 (with the exception of 1915 which ended in a default). The name of Bill Tilden appears (3) times representing his wins in 1918, 1922, and 1923. While intended to have been a perpetual trophy it was removed from service and presumably presented to Tilden in honor of his success at the event. Tilden was one of the most dominant tennis players in the world during a career which stretched from 1911 to 1930 as an amateur and 1931-1946 as a professional. In that span he won (14) Major singles titles, became the first American to win at Wimbledon, and counted among his accomplishments (7) U.S. Championships. His importance to the early popularity of the game cannot be overstated. The impressive trophy measures nearly 19" across from handle to handle and stands just over 10" tall. Marked "Sterling" on the underside and there is some light tarnish and handling wear (including a minor bend where the stem meets base on one side). Also includes Tilden's "Honorary Life Member" metal card issued by the Penn Athletic Club (engraved on the back, "Presented September 25th 1930...In Recognition of his Superlative Tennis Achievements") and comes housed in the original box; vintage 8.5"x12" photograph which has been personalized and signed by Tilden and his 1927 Doubles Championship partner Frank Hunter (ink, 8/9 out of 10); the original 1949 dated typed letter which Hunter sent to Tilden along with several prints of the photo (letter signed "Smarty") along with a second page which he has initialed "FH" (letter has wear and areas/spots of discoloration); and (14) Bill Tilden autographed personal checks (each signed "Wm T Tilden") done in fountain pen rating 7 to 9 out of 10 (typical bank cancellations and handling wear). Includes auction LOA from JSA: Overall EXEstimated Price Range: ($5,000-$10,000)
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