2021 December Memorabilia Auction - Closing Date 12/12/21
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/12/2021
Bobby Jones Signed Golf Club - Originating from His Personal Merion Police Escort
Behind a great item, a great story often closely follows. We are aware of only a scant few of Jones’ signed clubs in existence, with these unobtainable treasures resting securely in esteemed private collections or museums. The preeminent nature of the club in this lot is evident merely from the title and pictures alone, with base knowledge of the luminary's signature scarcity on this challenging medium and Bobby Jones' place in the game of golf. The great story geographically starts just outside Philadelphia in the Northeast city of Haverford, Pennsylvania. Years before inside and "outside the ropes" were prominent golf tournament verbiage Merion Golf Club, and others hosts like it, would utilize the local police departments as gallery guards to ensure order at the large events that hosted droves of spectators hoping to catch glimpses of their favorite golfers and possibly witness history. A gentleman by the name of Tom Johnston's father, a policeman from Philadelphia, made the 45 minute trip to protect the golfers from the often exuberant fans. The policeman's specific job, as a long-term and proven guard, was the assignment of Bobby Jones. Everywhere Jones went around Merion Golf Club, Johnston followed.
Becoming a fan and friend of Bobby Jones was easy for Johnston, with their extensive time spent in each other's presence over years of service. In fact Johnston would even travel down to Augusta to watch Jones play once the Masters Tournament, Augusta Invitational Tournament as it was known then, was established. In appreciation of both Johnston's work and friendship Bobby Jones would sign a ball, Jones' plus fours and this golf club for Tom Johnston's father. A club used for play only at that time, similar to the plus fours and golf ball for that matter, was not a common medium for Bobby Jones to sign. This is all too evident in 2021, with this example of a Bobby Jones signed golf club being only the second that we have seen come up for auction. This one remains visually attractive with the rich, creamy-toned hue of the wood enhancing the dark ink signature, giving the club face the look and feel of importance it deserves.
Augusta National founder and Golfing luminary Bobby Jones beautifully signed his name on this golf club with a steel-tip Fountain Pen on the light colored vertical stripe across the crown. "Merion" is written below his signature by Johnston marking the location of the acquisition and final leg of his "Impregnable Quadrilateral," the 1930 US Amateur. The documentation and provenance trail since it left son Tom Johnston's hands in 1994 until now comes with the lot and can be found in the final photo. The provenance of this Museum quality piece is undeniable and would certainly make a newsworthy addition to the finest of golf collections. Accompanying this wonderful Club is a FULL LETTER of AUTHENTICITY from James Spence Authentication #Z84448 which details in length that Bobby Jones himself hand signed this prized Jones item. In length 42 1/2".
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