2022 January Memorabilia Auction - Closing Date 02/06/2022
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/6/2022
Five (5) Various Walter Hagen Photographs - Some with Estate Letters
Each of the five photos are described in the following 5 paragraphs.
The man affectionately known as 'The Haig' had great appreciation for the finer things in life from his wardrobe, to his cars, to his extravagant vacations. Captured by the automobile industry heavy hitter the Chrysler Corporation, Walter Hagen is shot exhibiting his cool demeaner as he leans on a then new, top of the line, Chrysler vehicle. The company's stamp can be located on the verso of the photo. With 11 Major championships in his career, Walter Hagen made quite a name for himself in golf. That total puts him at 3rd all time, behind Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. This photograph originates from the Walter Hagen Estate and comes with a letter of provenance.
Here is a black and white shot of Walter Hagen shaking hands with Archie Compston. This photo was taken during Hagen and Compston's infamous 72 hole challenge match in which Compston walloped Hagen 18 & 17. Walter Hagen would get the last laugh however, beating Compston shortly afterward at the Open Championship. The reverse of this wire photo is stamped 'International Newsreel' and with an Archie Compston notation. This posed shot is from The Walter Hagen Collection, through Shelby J. Plyler. The final photo shows the certificate of authenticity that was issued by Shelby, in which she explains how she obtained the collection through his companion Doris Brandes. This is the first public offering of this photo in 20 years. 6" x 8"
Holding court like no other was 75-year-young Walter Hagen, with the then young guns of golf huddled around for story time - and absolutely loving it. This moment was captured in this AP Wire photo that is accompanied by the newspaper cut that it was used in. The verso reads: "Ex Golf Great Honored - The center of attention is Walter Hagen, 75, who was honored by a testimonial dinner at the Traverse City (Mich.) Golf and Country Club last night. Golfing greats of today and yesteryear were on hand and included (left to right): Tommy Revolta, Walter Bunkermo, Johnny Farrell, Cary Middlecoff, Al Waltrous, Arnold Palmer and Warren Orlick. Hagen, once the king of the links, is recovering from a cancer operation."
In only the third playing of the Ryder Cup Matches the United States captained by Walter Hagen was victorious in a dominant victory of 9-3 points behind the firepower of the likes of Gene Sarazen, Horton Smith, Craig Wood and Denny Shute. Presented here is a 'Billin' oversized photo featuring captains Hagen and Charles Whitcombe with the prize of the international biennial matches prior to the playing at Scioto in Ohio. This Kodak photo is in good condition despite carrying a slight vertical crease on the top of the black and white photo with a "FPI Whitcomb/Hagen" notation.
Presented in this lot is a clear 8x10 photograph of avid big-game hunter Walter Hagen holding up a golf club next to firearm industry giant John Wesson of the Smith and Wesson rifle company posing with one of his products. Besides his golfing career, Hagen was a very skilled marksman. 'Carol Bisson' of Clearwater, Florida is stamped on the verso. This photo is from The Walter Hagen Collection, through Shelby J. Plyler. The final photo shows the letter of authenticity that was issued by Shelby, in which she explains how she obtained the collection through his companion Doris Brandes. This is the first public offering of this photo in more than 20 years
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