James Balfour Esq. Treasurer of the Edinburgh Company Mezzotint Portrait by Sir Henry Raeburn

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/27/2022

James Balfour Esq. Treasurer of the Edinburgh Company Mezzotint Portrait by Sir Henry Raeburn

Proudly presented here from the golf art category is this early mezzotint on heavy paper of a posed James Balfour Esq., the Treasurer of the Edinburgh Company, work of artist Henry Raeburn. Dotting produced the clear image and also a welcomed non-definite image border. The font of 'J. Jones Sculpt' and 'Henry Raeburn pinxt' below the image on the right and left sides respectively differ from the October 1796 William Murray print font, however this mezzotint is unquestionably of early production. Rarity of this piece stems directly from the low print run of 50, with a smaller number of survivors for the second ever golf print.

James Balfour (1705-1795) is depicted gesturing at the artist while seated, likely telling a story - something that the Scottish advocate did so well in his three authored philosophy books. Balfour was a passionate golfer, with evidence of that being the books sitting on his desk including titles 'Bet Book' and 'Record of the Gent. Golfer's.' Secretary to the Edinburgh Company of Golfers, Balfour was an influencer of the first rules of golf written down in 1777 and likely contributed to hosting the first Open Championship in 1744. Please examine the accompanying lot photos of this stunning pre-20th century work. Image measures 18.5" x 14.25" framed to 22" x 26 1/4."

Framed items: Every effort is made to protect the frames included in these lots prior to, during, and after the auction. When in transit, we cannot be responsible for damage to framed items that may occur. We will help you with any claim with the shipping company if something is unfortunately damaged while in transit. Framed items are NON returnable due to frame damage. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please don't hesitate to contact us, thank you.

The Golf Auction is proud to present this eclectic group of memorabilia representing all areas of the golf collecting world. Please utilize the categories column to help navigate you towards your preferred collectibles. Bids must be placed before 10pm ET, Sunday, November 27th in order to participate in extended bidding

AUCTION CLOSING RULES:

Place your bids now as this auction will close beginning at 10:00pm EDT Sunday, November 27th. When placing your INITIAL bid in the auction, you must agree to the terms BEFORE confirming your bid. All items with multiple bidders in the auction will be eligible for the extended bidding period. Each lot will have its OWN COUNTDOWN CLOCK set for a 30-minute interval, and the clock will extend 30-minutes from the time of the most recently placed bid for that lot. If no bids are placed on that lot during a 30-minute period, the lot will close. Place your bids now!

1. You must place your initial bids BEFORE extended bidding begins to bid on the item in extended bidding
2. During extended bidding, you are allowed to bid only on items you PREVIOUSLY placed a bid on.
3. All lots with only ONE or NO BIDS will automatically close at 10pm EDT
4. All available lots will begin closing at 10pm EDT

Extended bidding starts at 10pm EDT, and each lot will begin closing with its own 30-minute countdown timer. Lots without a bid during extended bidding will close at 10:30pm ET. We recommend you place your maximum bid(s) prior to that time. Thank you

Please Note: A 19.5% Buyer's Premium will be applied to each item won in auction. If you pay in full with cash, check, or money order the buyer’s premium is discounted by 2.5% to 17%. All sales are final