1926 Helen Wills Loving Cup Presented by William Randolph Hearst...

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Sold on Feb 23, 2013 for:

$10,755.00 Bid Source: HA.com/Live bidder

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Magnificent trophy appears in photograph from the day of presentation

1926 Helen Wills Loving Cup Presented by William Randolph Hearst She was the dominant force in the women's division of Golden Age tennis, and, as such, thoroughly unaccustomed to second place awards such as the one presented here. But the winner of thirty-one Grand Slam tournament titles had no cause to hang her head claiming for the runner-up spot in this particular competition, a result calculated from over a half million ballots filed to determine the most popular figure in American sports. The top vote-getter: Babe Ruth.

Certainly the appearance of a female athlete at this lofty ranking represents an enormous turning point in public opinion, which had only recently begun to accept the notion of women's sports. Wills' second place showing stands as a far more noteworthy achievement than Ruth's presence at the top, which came with all the surprise of death and taxes. One could properly consider this sterling silver masterpiece of trophy design to be a key stepping stone in the march of American feminism, which had only six years earlier earned the right of suffrage.

Measuring twenty-five inches in height and twenty-one inches from handle to handle, this remarkable cup boasts the impressive physical dimensions to match its historical import. The scale is best appreciated through the image (modern print provided to winning bidder) of Ms. Wills holding the trophy with the same expressionless look that earned her the nickname "Little Miss Poker Face" on the court. Engraved on the base on the side she holds to the camera are the words, "Awarded by National Vote of American People for Most Popular Athlete in 1926, Second Choice."

Opposite, on the lower portion of the cup itself, is further engraving: "To Helen Wills, America's great tennis champion and splendid example of the virile type of young womanhood that is the foundation of the nation. This trophy is presented in behalf of the American public in recognition of her ability, her sportsmanship and universal popularity." Eighteen individual vignettes in relief picture athletes at their craft just below the rim of the cup, with a larger image of a victorious athlete being crowned with a laurel wreath. The trophy lid bears raised text announcing "William Randolph Hearst Trophy," named for the publishing magnate whose newspapers announced the contest.

Base is stamped "Sterling, C.D. Peacock, Inc." The trophy survives in remarkably fine condition, free of any dings or dents, with only minor tarnishing to report.

1926 Helen Wills Loving Cup Presented by William Randolph Hearst.

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