1932 Wimbledon Men's Singles Championship Trophy Won by Ellsworth Vines....

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Sold on Aug 1, 2013 for:

$47,800.00 Bid Source: HA.com/Live bidder

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Historic prize derives from Vines family with letter from son

1932 Wimbledon Men's Singles Championship Trophy Won by Ellsworth Vines. The American dominance of the Men's Singles competition at Wimbledon extended to a third consecutive year in 1932 as Ellsworth Vines followed in the footsteps of compatriots Bill Tilden (1930) and Sidney Wood (1931) to emerge as the last man standing on London's storied grass courts. The long and lanky Vines disappointed a hometown crowd rooting for British star Henry Wilfred "Bunny" Austin, best remembered today as the first pro tennis player to wear shorts. It was a dominating performance for the hard-hitting Yank, who grew progressively stronger throughout his 6-4, 6-2, 6-0 straight sets victory.

Presented is the gorgeous symbol of Vines' achievement, the second of four Grand Slam tournaments won in the Men's Singles division during his brief but remarkable tennis career. Just twenty years old for his Wimbledon Championship, Vines would retire from the sport well before his thirtieth birthday and quickly become one of the top golfers in the country, placing his name alongside Jim Thorpe as one of the greatest all-around athletes of the pre-war era.

The trophy measures ten inches in height and features a winged victory figure holding aloft a wide bowl bearing bold text announcing "The Renshaw Cup." Attribution to the World Number One player appears on the base in the form of an engraved "H.E. Vines." Maker's marks appear on verso of the bowl. Condition is spectacular, with not a dent or other imperfection to note.

This historic prize is consigned to this Platinum Night event by the Champion's son, Ellsworth Vines III, and is joined by his letter of provenance. It is certainly one of the most important tennis artifacts ever to reach the hobby's auction block, a cornerstone piece for even the finest of private collections. Letter of provenance from Ellsworth Vines III.

Ellsworth Vines begins at 1:54