On Wednesday 15th July 2015 Lyon & Turnbull will hold an exclusive auction of golfing memorabilia at The Eden Club, Scotland’s most luxurious private club at Pittormie Castle near St Andrews. Timed to coincide with the 144th Open at St Andrews, the auction will have just 40 lots including select pieces from an important private collection.
The auction includes various items relating to the Thistle Golf Club. Established in 1815, members of the Club played on Leith Links, in Edinburgh. They later became the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers at Muirfield.
The Club played for gold and silver medals played for over 3 rounds of the 7 hole course at Leith. In the sale there is an 1822 ‘Thistle Golf Club’ silver prize medal won by George Logan Esq. It was awarded for the tournament played over Leith Links held on the 7th December 1822. This medal will be offered with the winner’s his actual scorecard as well, inscribed ‘Mr Logan, Winter Prize Medal, 7th December 1822, recording the scores for each of the ten holes, a wonderful and rare lot valued at £20,000-30,000.
There is also a rare copy of one of the earliest formal rules of golf, titled the Rules of the Thistle Golf Club by James Cundell, which is valued at £10,000-15,000. Cundell’s work was one of only six books of printed rules published prior to 1830.
This volume was the most important accomplishment of the Thistle Golf Club. Published in 1824 it is a rule book with an extensive introduction on golf history, termed as ‘some historical notices relative to the progress of the game of golf in Scotland.’ Significantly the history documents the origins of ball games, which with the related technology of the leather bound ball, known as the ‘feathery’, was key to golf development.
Viewing will begin in Edinburgh, at Lyon & Turnbull’s main saleroom, on Sunday 12th (12 to 4pm) and Monday 13th July (10am to 5pm). Followed by viewing, by appointment, at Pittormie on Wednesday 15th July from 11am to 6.30pm, with the auction itself beginning at 7.30pm. Places for the evening auction will be limited due to the size of the venue and must be reserved in advance.
Paul Roberts Vice Chairman of Lyon & Turnbull said: “This is a very exciting opportunity to take part in an exclusive auction of important golfing items. Due to the nature of the location we decided to opt for a ticket only auction audience on a first come-first served basis. For those that can’t get to the auction there will be the opportunity to bid live online or by telephone, so no one will miss out.”
In 2005 Tom Lawrence, founder of the Eden Club, transformed the former home of the first Duke of Fife, Pittormie Castle to an exclusive members’ club. He said, “Pittormie Castle is a fitting backdrop for the sale with its rich history and beautiful surroundings. We are delighted to welcome Lyon & Turnbull and their clients to the Eden Club. With The Open only ten minutes away from Pittormie and the attention of the world’s golfers on Scotland, the sale is bound to add to the excitement.”
Those interested in receiving a catalogue or attending the sale should contact Lyon & Turnbull on 0131 557 8844.
Lyon & Turnbull Ltd www.lyonandturnbull.com
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