Midlothian Country Club
This is an early 20th-century American sterling silver trophy vase manufactured by the prestigious Gorham Manufacturing Company. The vessel features a ruffled rim and a tapering body set upon a circular pedestal base finished with a beaded edge. The front of the vase is elegantly engraved with Midlothian Country Club in a decorative script. The reverse side bears a faint, partially legible award inscription that concludes with the date July 11th 1901. The Midlothian Country Club, established in 1898 in Blue Island, Illinois, is one of the most historic golf clubs in the United States, having hosted the 1914 U.S. Open. This trophy represents a significant artifact from the club's early years. The underside of the base is clearly marked with the word STERLING and the three hallmark stamps associated with Gorham: the lion passant, an anchor, and a gothic-style letter G. The vase is in good antique condition with wear consistent with its age and history as a sporting award. There is visible surface tarnishing throughout the body and base. Minor surface scratches and small dings are present, but the piece remains structurally sound with no signs of major repair or restoration. 48 grams 4 1/2"
Ralph H. Martin Collection
Highly accomplished business professional Ralph H. Martin started as a rocket scientist for the US military, then being an officer with the Naval Reserve in WWII prior to going on to be an engineer and executive. He was deeply passionate about golf with six holes-in-ones to his name and the astute collection with focus categories of antique golf clubs, silver, prints and books. The High School Valedictorian Martin was a member of more than five golf clubs including: the Willoughby Golf Club of Stuart, Florida and The Ridge Club of Sandwich, Massachusetts, with previously holding memberships at the Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo, Florida; the Card Sound Golf Club, Key Largo, Florida; the Hartford Golf Club, West Hartford, Connecticut; and the Canoe Brook Country Club, Summit, New Jersey. Shooting his age on several occasions, he was a member of the Southern Seniors Golf Association and had a fine eye for patent clubs and the equally coveted 'long-noses' dating back decades into the 19th century. It is with The Golf Auction's honor that we share Martin's collection of hand-chosen pieces with the collecting public, such as the one in this lot.
Welcome to our 2026 April Golf Auction, it will end on Sunday, April 12th at 10pm ET with extended bidding to follow! Please utilize the categories column and search bar to help you navigate towards your preferred collectibles. All initial bids must be placed before 10pm ET Sunday in order to participate in extended bidding. Bid Now!
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