Rare Original Bobby Jones Edgerton Swing Sequence Study Photo & Records/Notes

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This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/4/2024

Rare Original Bobby Jones Edgerton Swing Sequence Study Photo & Records/Notes

Recently discovered in a private collection is the actual Edgerton, Germeshausen & Grier (E&G) 'Trial Data Sheet' with the time-period pencil notated findings from January 12, 1939 in correspondence with this specific 3 1/2 x 4 1/4"" original high-speed photo capturing Bobby Jones at 1/100 exposure speed. The unprecedented study's observations here were recorded by Herbert E. Grier and are unique to this photo of the shot sequence, now held on with a staple containing oxidation. It was captured by Harold E. Edgerton just in front of Jones and depicts the complete sequence of clubheads from the address to the follow-through. Grier's telling 'Best shot yet' was formed in graphite on paper after 'Descriptive Remarks - Feel - Estimated Distance' - the observer highly impressed by this serial #157 photograph. Breaking down the shot further are written answers to the typed prompts - Type Club: #1 wood, Style of Shot: straight drive, Used Ball: checkmark, Height and Type of Tee: 3/4"" rubber, Special (notes): the club grazed a tach on the floor (also notated on additional onion skin illustration) and Location of Ball Impact on Club: slight toe (perhaps). Each photograph still was closely picked apart, with its own write-up and chapter in the story. That story remains in the private collection, with this historic photo and study findings page the single offering at this time and that's alright.

While the golf swing study is both as famous and significant as they come, its exact findings written at the time of it by the conducting firm have never surfaced.

In January of 1939, a groundbreaking study that would flip the golf instruction profession on its head occurred - finally equipping the industry with the visuals necessary to properly study the swing and its intricacies. This study, or trial as it was labeled at the time, was conducted by Harold Edgerton of the firm Edgerton, Germeshausen and Grier (E&G) with the perfect swing sequence subject - Bobby Jones himself. Jones in front of a white screen and club in hand was captured during that study, with Jones' facial expression included in this full body shot for analysis. State-of-the-art high-speed photography was only newly available, just like this museum-grade chapter of the study of findings released 85 years ago.

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