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16 June 2010 | starting at 10:00 BST
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Charles Lees R.S.A. (1800-1880): An important mid-19th Century preliminary oil on paper portrait of John Campbell of Glensaddell Painted in preparation for 'The Golfers A Grand Match Played on St. Andrews Links 1841'. The painting has been left untouched and undivided on board. Provenance: From a private collection in Surrey, England and a Christie's catalogue entry circa 1940, a copy of which is attached to the reverse of the painting.Charles Lees R.S.A. (1800-1880): An important mid-19th Century preliminary oil on paper portrait of John Campbell of Glensaddell Painted in preparation for 'The Golfers A Grand Match Played on St. Andrews Links 1841'. The painting has been left untouched and undivided on board. Provenance: From a private collection in Surrey, England and a Christie's catalogue entry circa 1940, a copy of which is attached to the reverse of the painting.. Sold for £12,480 inc. premium
Charles Lees R.S.A. (1800-1880): An important mid-19th Century preliminary oil on paper portrait of the Earl of Eglinton Painted in preparation for 'The Golfers A Grand Match Played on St. Andrews Links 1841'. The painting has been left untouched and undivided on board. This lot also includes a copy of 'The Golfers' by Peter N. Lewis and Angela D. Howe. 5 x 3½ inchesCharles Lees R.S.A. (1800-1880): An important mid-19th Century preliminary oil on paper portrait of the Earl of Eglinton Painted in preparation for 'The Golfers A Grand Match Played on St. Andrews Links 1841'. The painting has been left untouched and undivided on board. This lot also includes a copy of 'The Golfers' by Peter N. Lewis and Angela D. Howe. 5 x 3½ inches. Sold for £10,920 inc. premium
1957-58 Italian League Champions medal awarded to John Charles1957-58 Italian League Champions medal awarded to John Charles. Sold for £8,880 inc. premium
Geoff Hurst's spare 1966 World Cup Final shirtGeoff Hurst's spare 1966 World Cup Final shirt. Sold for £8,880 inc. premium
Charles Lees R.S.A. (1800-1880): An important mid-19th Century preliminary oil on paper portrait of Viscount Valentia painted in preparation for 'The Golfers A Grand Match Played on St. Andrews Links 1841'. The painting has been left untouched and undivided on board. This lot also includes a copy of 'Challenges & Champions', The Royal and Ancient Club 1754-1883, by John Behrend and Peter N. Lewis. 5 x 3½ inches Provenance: From a private collection in Surrey, England and a Christie's catalogue entry circa 1940, a copy of which is attached to the reverse of the painting.Charles Lees R.S.A. (1800-1880): An important mid-19th Century preliminary oil on paper portrait of Viscount Valentia painted in preparation for 'The Golfers A Grand Match Played on St. Andrews Links 1841'. The painting has been left untouched and undivided on board. This lot also includes a copy of 'Challenges & Champions', The Royal and Ancient Club 1754-1883, by John Behrend and Peter N. Lewis. 5 x 3½ inches Provenance: From a private collection in Surrey, England and a Christie's catalogue entry circa 1940, a copy of which is attached to the reverse of the painting.. Sold for £8,520 inc. premium
A J.P. Cochrane 'Map of the World' rubber-cored golf ball circa 1908A J.P. Cochrane 'Map of the World' rubber-cored golf ball circa 1908. Sold for £3,600 inc. premium
1966 full England squad hand signed photograph1966 full England squad hand signed photograph. Sold for £3,120 inc. premium
Six 'Silver Town 27½ No.4' moulded mesh gutta-percha golf balls circa 1878Six 'Silver Town 27½ No.4' moulded mesh gutta-percha golf balls circa 1878. Sold for £2,640 inc. premium
A limited edition replica gold plated World CupA limited edition replica gold plated World Cup. Sold for £600 inc. premium

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754 lots available

A silver Royal North Devon Golf Club golfing medal
The Ben Sayers Collection Ben Sayers (1857-1924) 'Wee Ben' as he was affectionately known (he was only 5ft 3in) was one of the most colourful characters in the hey-day of the Victorian and Edwardian era at North Berwick, when it was the most fashionable golfing resort in Britain. He was born in Leith and served his apprenticeship at Musselburgh and become an outstanding golfer who played in every Open Championship from 1880 until 1923. In 1888 at St Andrews, Sayers tied with Jack Burns for the Championship on 172, and when it was found that Burns had scored 86 and not 87 in the first round, he was awarded the Open title. Sayers tied for second place with James Anderson on 172 and shared the £8 and £6 prize money. Ben Sayers won 24 tournaments in his long career. Among Ben Sayers' many scalps in tournament play were such venerable names as Auchterlonie, Morris, Taylor, Vardon and Braid. His greatest strength though was in match play, particularly when in partnership with his great friend Andrew Kirkaldy.They played for Scotland against England from 1903 to 1913, except 1911. He achieved renown as a teacher of golf in society circles and was in demand in Monte Carlo and the USA. This stimulated the demand for his well regarded clubs, all of which were then made to order. Sayers gave lessons to Her Majesty Queen Alexandra over the nine hole course at Windsor Castle. He also gave instruction to the Prince of Wales, Princess Victoria, Duchess of Connaught and Princess Patricia of Connaught. It was in teaching the game that Ben Sayers was most influential with many of his pupils taking golf to all corners of the world including Dorothy Campbell and Frenchman Arnaud Massy who became the first overseas player to win the British Open in 1907. Ben's nephew, Jack White the professional at Sunningdale, won the British Open in 1904.. Ben Sayers died on 9 March 1924, and J.H. Taylor wrote; " Wee Ben was an inveterate and doughty fighter. Nothing and nobody, nor any combination, could daunt his lively fighting spirit. A match need only be suggested, and Ben was found eager and willing to enlist in the ranks, whatever the opposition might be. His small body carried within it an indomitable heart, and he made up for his lack of physique with a great determination and knowledge of the psychology of his opponent which was worth many strokes. No circumstances could flurry Ben. He carried a very wise head on his small shoulders." With death of Old Ben, the firm reverted from Ben Sayers & Son to Ben Sayers once more. Ben Sayers Junior (1884-1961) Sayers had two sons who followed him into the professional ranks. The eldest, Ben Sayers Jnr. (born in 1884) worked in Berlin and at Royal Wimbledon before returning to North Berwick in 1913 to join his father in the business. Also in 1913, George Sayers took up a position in Pennsylvania, at the Merion Cricket Club near Ardmore. By the early part of the 1900s, Ben Sayers & Son exported golf clubs to South Africa, Japan, Canada, the USA, and India. Young Ben was a leading innovator, patenting many new designs. In 1906 he experimented with a ' Dreadnought ' driver which had an extra large rounded head, deep faced which was slightly convex, and the shaft longer than standard. The company was also one of the first to start using loft and lie machines, and also to measure swingweight to ensure that matched sets were exactly that. Young Ben also later introduced a Registered Balance Set scheme whereby a player's specifications were kept on file, and each club was stamped with an individual registered number. The company also produced the 'Benny' putter which was regarded as revolutionary because it had a squared-off handle, matching the square edges of the blade. The feeling that everything was right-angled made for greater accuracy. This putter was used by Henry Cotton during his distinguished career. It was in teaching the game that Ben Sayers was most influential with many of his pupils taking golf to all corners of the world including Dorothy Campbell and Frenchman Arnaud Massy who became the first overseas player to win the British Open in 1907. Ben's nephew, Jack White the professional at Sunningdale, won the British Open in 1904. At the Golf Trade Exhibition, Weybridge, Surrey June 1920, Ben Sayers & Son clubs 'gained 9 of the 12 Awards'. The quality of their golfing product was appreciated the world over. In 1924, Charles Gibson was asked to make a miniature set of golf clubs for Queen Mary's Doll's House. Ben Sayers at North Berwick made the irons and Gibson made the wooden clubs. The leather golf bag was two and a half inches high and the clubs were three and a quarter inches long. The Doll's House was displayed at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley and is now on view at Windsor Castle. The aim of the project was to raise money for children's charities and Queen Mary wrote personally, thanking the clubmakers. In 1934, Ben Sayers Ltd. opened a retail outlet at 56-60, High Street which was visited by many well known golfers. Ben died in 1961. An end of an era. Medals & Badges

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A silver Royal North Devon Golf Club golfing medal

Sold for £456 inc. premium
A hall marked 15 ct. gold Victoria Vase medal played at the Prestwick Golf Club
A gold Tooting Bec Cup medal presented to Syd S. Scott in 1954
A gold Tooting Bec Cup medal presented to Syd S. Scott in 1962
A very rare box of German made golf balls circa 1920
A collection of pre-1930s golf balls
A rare 12 box of Fisher’s 'Reliable Repaints' circa late 1920's/early 1930's
The Improved Golf Ball 'Flipoot' gutta-percha golf ball circa 1902
A 12 box of (Sparkbrook) The Fairway mesh patterned golf balls
An Allan Roberston stamped feather golf ball circa 1840s
A J.P. Cochrane 'Paragon 27½' gutta-percha golf ball circa 1899
A brass and iron Omnes golf ball marking machine circa 1899
A collection of three gutta-percha golf balls circa 1880s,
Six J.P. Cochrane 'Paragon 27½' gutta-percha golf balls circa 1899
A Silvertown 'Lynx' golf ball tissue paper wrapper circa 1890s
A collection of four gutta-percha golf balls circa 1880s,
A selection of 14 replica feather golf balls circa 1970s
A collection of 18 empty golf ball boxes
Six 'Silver Town 27½ No.4' moulded mesh gutta-percha golf balls circa 1878
A collection of four gutta-percha golf balls circa 1890s,
A collection of mesh patterned golf balls circa 1920/30s
A heavy Eclipse Patent gutta-percha golf ball circa 1877
A Slazenger 'Truflite' gutta-percha golf ball circa 1891
A J.P. Cochrane 'Map of the World' rubber-cored golf ball circa 1908
A '27' gutta-percha golf ball circa 1870s
The following 6 lots are the Property of, and are Offered for Sale upon the Instructions of, the Captain, Officers and Council of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, at Muirfield. The six books on offer were compiled and published by the late Charles B. Clapcott, O.B.E., (1867 - 1955) who, mostly in later life, became a respected researcher and author on the subject of golf history. His other notable titles include: The History of Handicapping (c.1924) and The Rules of the Ten Oldest Golf Clubs from 1754 - 1848; together with the rules of The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews for the years 1858;1877;1888 (Edinburgh : Golf Monthly, 1935). It is understood that Mr. Clapcott spent a considerable amount of time at the Honourable Company's Clubhouse, examining all its available records - which the Club was pleased to put at his disposal - so this, together with a keen mind and his long legal and public service experience, would account for the thoroughness with which he obviously approached the tasks before him. The end product was the production of what is thought to be only a few copies of each book, of which, apart from himself, the Club would more than likely be the first to receive one. These facts alone not only strengthen provenance, but highlight their rarity. Furthermore, only two copies out of the four 'histories' are known to have been sold at auction hitherto. The subjects of all six books six, which are essentially Research Papers, are thoroughly researched, described, and commented upon, by Mr. Alistair J. Johnston in his book : The Clapcott Papers (Edinburgh; Privately Printed; 1985); in which each has been allocated a chapter. From the dates on the books, all would appear to be 'First Editions', as we understand that Mr. Clapcott was in the habit of carrying out 'Corrections and Additions' as new information came to light, sometimes distributing fresh copies so marked under cover of a letter requesting the first one to be destroyed. Although some of the books being offered do contain such corrections etc. in various forms, details of which are given in lot descriptions, they are all nevertheless original publications. Essentially, four of the books comprise a chronological history of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers - considered by many to be the 'Oldest Golf Club in the World' - from its formal institution at Leith in 1744; through to 1891, the year it moved from Musselburgh to its present Clubhouse and Course at Muirfield. Although the last of these four 'histories' relates to a period some fifty years before Mr. Clapcott carried out his research, he explains that the reason he decided there was no need for the ensuing period to be addressed was because he was satisfied there would be sufficient Members of that number of years standing who would be able to support documentary evidence with their own recollections, if and when the need arose. Of the remaining two books, Mr. Clapcott discusses the seemingly perennial question as to which is 'The Oldest Club'; concluding by posing yet another question in which he suggests what might be the order of seniority (of the five oldest Clubs, which he identifies). The remaining title ('Some Comments on the Articles & Laws in Playing the Golf...') could, it has been suggested, be regarded as the direct successor to the author's book, 'Rules of The Ten Oldest Clubs'. The same appraisal can be applied to these two 'Papers' as has been given to the foregoing four 'histories'. The usual catalogue descriptions, and condition reports, together with a brief, more detailed, outline of each item's subject matter is given within each lot entry. Charles Blackstone Clapcott was born in 1867, the son of Major Charles Clapcott of Devon, England. Educated at Newton Abbot School, he then went up to Jesus College, Cambridge where he graduated in Law in 1889; following which, in 1892, he was called to the Bar by Lincoln's Inn. This scholarly background is clearly manifested by the meticulous manner in which he carried out the tasks he set for himself, in both researching and publishing his various golfing papers and commentaries; which, it should be mentioned, took place at a time in his life when he had retired from a long career in public service. Just where, when, and how Clapcott came to be interested in golf is unclear, but his boyhood years in the South-West were certainly spent at a time when the game in England was in its infancy. Royal North Devon had been founded just three years before he was born, and new Clubs were being established in this 'English Riviera' of popular holiday resorts, in increasing numbers, as the 19th/early 20th centuries progressed, and the railways were extended. Clubs then were largely made up of retired military officers, the professions and gentlemen, and ladies, of leisure; so, although there is no evidence, his father could well have had an influence. Perhaps it was when he was at Cambridge that the 'Oxbridge' 'Varsity matches aroused his interest; or, maybe, when he arrived at Lincoln's Inn, that the London Clubs, Royal Blackheath and Royal Wimbledon, beckoned him to a sport which befitted the demands and status of his profession. Or could it have been the discovery that Sir Walter G. Simpson, Bart., also a (Caius College) Cambridge graduate, had similarly been admitted to Lincoln's Inn some years earlier (in 1873), and had become not only a respected golfing author but, also, Captain of The Honourable Company..., (in 1886/7). Surely, Sir Walter's book 'The Art of Golf' (1887) would be one of the first titles to find a place in Clapcott's extensive collection of golfing literature. Was it this which inspired him to, similarly, apply his skills in ways other than simply playing the game, as soon as the opportunity arose? Such speculation may be wildly unfounded, yet something motivated him not only to become a proficient player himself, but to 'launch a second career', as a golfing author, for it was when he retired from professional and public life, at age 67, that 'Golf Monthly' published two of his articles, in 1934 and 1935. This experience, no doubt, spurred him on to greater things for he subsequently went right to the heart of the Royal & Ancient game when, in 1938, he set about the momentous task of researching, and publishing, the history of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. For his services, the Club elected him to Honorary Membership. What is known about Clapcott's life is that, in 1904, at age 37, he is reported in 'Golf Illustrated' as having played in Amateur golf competitions; whilst, in 1910, he participated in a tournament at Cruden Bay, the year in fact when that Club's Professional, J. McAndrew, published his handsome book 'Golfing : Step by Step'. This must have been at a time when Clapcott was on leave from his Judicial post in Egypt, prior to taking up a more senior appointment of Judge of the Native Court of Appeal in Cairo. In 1920, Clapcott was honoured with an O.B.E. before retiring from his Court position in 1923 and returning to England, where he was admitted to membership of Royal Wimbledon Golf Club and took up residence in Chelsea, for which Borough Council he became an Alderman in 1924 and in 1929, Mayor. Some four years later he was appointed a Justice of the Peace for the County of London. The year was then 1938 when, at age 67, he chose to substitute his official duties for ones of an honorary nature so that he could fulfill his long held desire to pursue his golfing research. For the next five years, this he did; the result being, inter alia, the books which comprise the six Lots offered for sale herewith. In 1940, his Chelsea home was bombed, so it was necessary to put his valuable book collection into storage. Nevertheless, Clapcott helped the war effort by returning to the Civil Service and offering his much-needed knowledge in the organisation of local government housing. Following the end of hostilities (when he was approaching 80 years old) he was spending the summer months at Muirfield although, not surprisingly, the time had come for him to relinquish his home for a residential hotel in Kensington. Clapcott died on May 12th, 1955. Bonhams are grateful to Mr. Alistair J. Johnston for the information contained in his book 'The Clapcott Papers' (Privately Published, Edinburgh, 1985). Also to Mr. Norman Fox for the thorough way in which he helped to research and describe these books.

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Sold for £1,560 inc. premium
Clapcott, Charles B.: The Early Days of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers (1744-1764) Some Facts and Conclusions Relating Thereto
Clapcott, Charles B.: The Oldest Golf Club?
A large Ben Sayers brown and cream leather bag circa 1920s
A fine R Forgan light stained beechwood bulger headed driver with a concave face
A Tom Morris lofter/general iron with 4 ½ inch hosel
A selection of 15 wooden shafted irons
A selection of 14 wooden shafted irons
A selection of 14 wooden shafted irons
A selection of 7 wooden shafted woods
A selection of 9 wooden shafted socket woods
A matching set of Ben Sayers wooden shafted clubs
A collection of four socket woods circa 1920s
A collection of 11 wooden shafted irons
A Donaldson 'Bunny Rangefinder' heavy small headed putter
A clean matching set of 7 steel shafted Ben Sayers Domesole irons circa 1930
Four Forgan 'Matched Set' irons with wooden shafts
A ‘Tom Morris’ stamped long nose style play club
A collection of 10 wooden shafted irons and putters
A good Standard Mills R.N.G. Upright alloy headed putter
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