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Rare Victorian Golf Trophy Putting Stone Marker Fob

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All Items: Antiques: Decorative Art: Metals: Silver: Pre 1900: item # 950781





GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
56 Calle Monte Aplanado, NW
Albuquerque, NM 87120
Phone: 505.205.1404

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$695 SALE (Was $795)
Free delivery to any country where we ship
(& gift-wrap if desired)

Rare Victorian Golf Trophy Putting Stone Marker Fob
To dazzle a golfer who has everything else, here’s a superb Gothic Revival putting stone from Fife in Scotland -- the birthplace of golf, home to St. Andrews and other legendary links. It reached us via an auction sale in Dundee.

Certainly handcrafted and one-of-a-kind, it was presented to a tournament victor in the mid-19th century, being inscribed "1st Prize Putting Stone" on the reverse. The front is a work of art -- literally: a gorgeous enamel portrait of an early golfer in medieval attire -- and the silver frame is intricately worked with Gothic arches on both sides and crowned by thistles, emblematic of Scotland and its Royal house for centuries. This particular triple-thistle motif may allow it to be traced to a particular golf course.

The loop at the top suggests it was used as a watch fob, when not busy being a marker. It would make a glorious necklace pendant, too.

This is an extremely high-quality piece with a lot of heft. It measures about 2.25 inches by 1.5 inches and is in almost pristine condition. The enamel colors remain radiant and unworn and the lavish silverwork is undamaged. We've left the patina of age in place on the silver, which is unmarked but obviously of high grade. It can of course be polished brightly if you prefer that look. The only issue we can find is a tiny chip at the edge of the portrait's black background. Our pricing naturally reflects the flaw, although it’s hard to notice, since the medallion appears to be black all the way through.

Golf collectibles have gained value dramatically over the past 25 years, as you probably know, with exceptional items far outperforming stocks and bonds. Because prices have eased with the recession, now is a great time to invest in them before future run-ups reflect the growing worldwide popularity of the game.

The tradition of awarding golf tournament gifts can be traced back to 1744, when the Edinburgh City Council was asked to provide a silver club for an annual competition held by the Gentlemen Golfers of Leith (still extant as The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers). Prizes have subsequently taken just about every form, among which this is the most beautiful I’ve seen.

For this treasure, there will be no charge for delivery to any country where we ship, and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!


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