c.1930's PGA of America Championship Rodman Wanamaker Trophy
One of the finest prizes in all of sport, this Wanamaker Trophy was produced for a champion in the 1930's, quickly approaching a century since it's casting. 'Annual Championship of the Professional Golfers Association of America - Rodman Wanamaker Trophy' reads the bowl's shallow, ever precise engraving. Ornate intricacies of extreme detail and relief include the six leaves engulfing the bottom of the trophy bowl, to the finial or knob at the top in the formation of a grape bunch transitioning into the top of the trophy by way of a leafed vine. Two handles begin on either side at the bottom and curl in at the top of the bowl. Similar 1940's models in both design and size came to market from the Sam Snead Collection on Heritage Auctions with the 1949 version achieving $101,575 and two years later, 1951 reaching $119,500 (both including the 'Sam Snead' engraved silver band encompassing the plinth that does not hold this example). This is one of only eight PGA Championship Wanamaker player models known - one of the rarest trophies in the industry.
Rodman Wanamaker had a vision for a professional golfers organization, and the means to do so. Along with the organization of the PGA of America came the PGA Championship, a pro-only major tournament. The deserving winner's hardware, this is something the department store business mogul refused to skimp on. Wanamaker put forth $2,500 of his own 1916 money toward the lavish first place trophy tournament that would be named 'The Wanamaker Trophy.' The largest trophy in major championship golf weighs 27 lbs and is approximately 2 feet tall. This example that is a circa 1930 Player Trophy stands just about 12 3/4" and weighs in at 7 lbs. With the plinth these measure 15 1/2" tall, produced for a past champion following their PGA Championship win.' Under consignment by way of a private collection, there is not one champion that it is designated to. Please note that one handle has a break and the top is mostly flush with correct placement, both due to age and storage. Major championship 'Player Trophies' exist in only the highest level collections, museums or a past champion's display case - join the ranks with this original 1930's PGA Championship Wanamaker Trophy.
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