Christie’s announce memorabilia sale

The first of two golfing memorabilia sales scheduled by Christie’s for the year 2001 will be held at Christie’s South Kensington on 28 February. Over 250 lots of golf balls, golf clubs, ceramics, books and paintings will be offered in a sale which is expected to total over £150,000.

One of the highlights of the sale is a feather-filled golf ball estimated at £4,000-8,000. The golf ball, believed to have been used by the Prince of Wales in the mid 19^th century, bears a paper label inscribed with the words “used by the Prince of Wales in his first game of golf at Musselburgh 1859”. Another feather-filled golf ball dating from 1840 will also be included and carries an estimate of £2,000-3,000.

Amongst the golf clubs on offer is a Browns Patent Major Model Rake iron by Winton of Montrose, dating from the late 19^th century, which is expected to fetch in the region of £2,000-£3,000. An unusual and early blacksmiths made iron is estimated at £2,000-3,000 while a rut iron club dating from 1860 is expected to fetch in excess of £1,500. Other clubs include a scared-head long-nosed putter by Tom Morris, St Andrews (estimate: £400-600) and a lofting iron with a curved face (estimate: £700-1,000).

A large selection of books will be offered including a limited edition of The Golf Book of East Lothian by the Rev. John Kerr. The book, which is number 203 of an edition of 250, is estimated at £800-1,200. The Life of Tom Morris by W. W. Tulloch will also be offered (estimate: £400-£600). Tom Morris, who is considered to be the founder of the modern game, is the only member of the great golfing families to have had a biography written about him. Tulloch’s book details Morris’ numerous triumphs in the Open Championship but strangely contains very little information about the Morris’ famous clubmaking business which still survives today on its original site, although clubs are no longer manufactured there.

Viewing Times:

Monday 26 February 9am-7.30pm

Tuesday 27 February 9am-5pm

Wednesday 28 February 9am-12noon

Christie’s www.christies.com