2022 January Memorabilia Auction - Closing Date 02/06/2022
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/6/2022
Francis Ouimet Signed & Inscribed Photo "This is the Boy who won the 1913 Open" - Framed
The stage was set, with the outcome undetermined as the United States Golf Association chose Massachusetts' own The Country Club in Brookline to host their national championship, the US Open. Brookline, Massachusetts, native and 20-year old amateur Francis Ouimet would earn the nickname "Father of Amateur Golf" with tournament victory. The only more improbable success story that week was that of the caddie he had employed, 10-year old Eddie Lowery.
One of the finest artifacts from that tournament is this example of one of golf's most renown images, signed and inscribed by the player honoring his (also picture) caddie. "This is the Boy who won the 1913 Open" was applied in Francis Ouimet's hand to sidekick Lowery with a steel-tip fountain pen on either side of the white towel around 10-year old caddie Lowery's neck on this believed to be 2nd generation photo. There is an arrow drawn from young Eddie in the front row to his boss two men behind him. A gleeful Francis Ouimet is captured holding up a "lucky" horseshoe while propped up on shoulders and peering over in the third row of the impromptu foot parade that took place in memorable fashion after outlasting leading professionals Harry Vardon and Ted Ray in a playoff. There are 30 individuals counted in this photograph to some capacity, each hoping to be present in the moment that would change golf history in a colossal way, with an emphasis on golf in the United States. The story doesn't end there, as many know that Lowery himself would find success later in life as an established millionaire car dealer and business man that placed a bet on "The Match" in 1956. It was his way to give back to amateur golf. James Spence Authentication (JSA) has reviewed this signature and their FULL letter of authenticity BB85629 comes with this lot. JSA has deemed and written on the letter that "The inscription was penned in the hand of Francis Ouimet." Professionally matted and framed to 20 3/8" x 20 1/4."
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