Arnold Palmer Bust - 1 of 3 from Original Bust at Augusta National - (Phil Wahl GM ANGC)

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/28/2014

Arnold Palmer Bust - 1 of 3 - First Striking Direct From Original

Deemed regal in his field, Arnold Palmer, comes to life in this incredibly detailed bust which is sculpted-from what appears to be plaster of Paris-to form a life-size likeness of"the King" himself. Measuring 11" x 10" x 19 3/4" and weighing 26 lbs! In dark brown hues, Palmer's sizable bust presents a youthful "King". The legend's head has been shaped with his charming good looks readily apparent. The image of Palmer is presented with a tight-lipped expression, furrowed brow, and wavy hair atop his familar mug. The intricacies that went into this design make it second-to-none in terms of capturing Arnold's image. This bust was crafted directly from the original which has been housed at the clubhouse of the Augusta National. This was the first rendering from that original; and resulted in three, as close as could be, replicas produced in the plaster of Paris format offered here which our consignor has had in his possession for over 40 years (see image with this lot of him intially receiving bust in Augusta). You may wonder how our consignor got access to this bust which was enshrined at the Augusta National with the club strictly monitoring access to outsiders, on all but the seven days of the Masters. Our consignor was a favored companion, friend of Phil Wahl (long time General Manager of the Augusta National under the direct employ of Clifford Roberts). You might say Wahl had the keys to the place, and you would be correct(please see two photos of our consignor with his good friend Phil Wahl). Through this relationship, our consignor had the opportunity to visit the National at all times of the year, often in January on his trips back North from the PGA Show in Florida. On one of those trips the plans were laid for the creation of three more Arnold Palmer busts. When our consignor returned to Augusta for Masters week in April, he was presented the bust we offer here. Since that time, a very, very small number of these images (purported to be in the neighborhood of ten) have been crafted in Bronze, with Arnold Palmer himself owning one. The item, we offer, has suffered minimally over its lengthy existence, with a few scuff marks and abrasions on pointed areas of Palmer's face, namely the tip of his nose. This bust is as close as most of us will ever get to the trophy room at the Augusta National.

Please note: This auction will end at 7:00pm EST on September 28th with extended bidding to follow. All items in the auction will remain open until no items have received a bid within a 15 minute time period. All lots are free to be bid on until extended bidding has ended.