1935 USGA Open Championship Contestant Pin

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/18/2011

Presented here is a remarkable example of a rarity that is the 1935 US Open contestants pin. Roughly only 100 of these were struck,per year,for players in the field. This scarcity has led to the golf memorabilia world seldom seeing contestants pins from the 1920's and 30's with earlier examples being described as virtually non-existent. The 1935 Championship was contested at Oakmont Country Club some 20 miles outside Pittsburgh, Pa. It marked the second time the USGA had staged the event at Oakmont. A layout that was recognized as the nonpareil of penal golf course design. The 1935 Open produced a predictable high score of 299. What was not predictable was that Sam Parks Jr.,a 25-year-old local pro from Pittsburgh, would best the likes of his teacher Gene Sarazen, Walter Hagen, Denny Schute, Byron Nelson, Tommy Armour and the rest of the field. From an unknown player comes this historical pin which has been gently worn. Nearly in the same state as when originally issued, grading in Near Mint condition. The white enamel at top which contains the designation "CONTESTANT" and the circular bright blue description of the event "U.S.G.A. OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP JUNE 6,7,8" both retain there original luster against the backdrop of the gold facing of the pin. Also found on the face of this relic in an embossed fashion are "1935" and "USGA". On the reverse of the gold plate is stamped "ROBBINS CO ATTLLUOHO". A simply phenomenal example from one of the key years. A must have to any advanced contestants pin collection. Pin has a 1" width and 1 1/4" height.