1932 Olympic Games

Glenna Collett Bronze

        Offered here is a piece that is without question one of the finest and most historical pieces of golf history and Americana that we have ever offered. And until recently, we didn't even know that such an item even existed.

        The Summer Olympic Games are the foremost athletic event in the entire world. While most Americans can surely name many of the events that currently make up the Summer Games, we would venture to say that few of our collectors are aware that some early 1900's Olympiads even included Art Competitions as part of the Summer Games.

        At the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, in addition to events such as Track & Field and Gymnastics, medals were also awarded in the Art Competition category. In the Art Competition, medals were awarded in five categories - architecture, literature, music, painting, and sculpture - for works inspired by sports related themes.

        Offered here is the Glenna Collett bronze that was submitted for competition in the 1932 Olympic Games along with its companion piecce, Bobby Jones, that is offered separately in Lot 64 in this auction. These bronze bookends were created by Edwin Everett Codman and were submitted into the Mixed Sculture category (the Collett bronze was also independently submitted into the overall Art category, the hors concours). These bronzes, which depict Bobby Jones and Glenna Collett in putting poses, did not reach the medal podium. Based on the vast information available on the 1932 Olympic Games on www.sports-reference.com, we believe that this was the only golf-related entry into the 1932 Olympic Games.

        These original bronzes are about 9" tall and each weigh approximately 6 pounds. They are signed on the base by E. E. Codman, who is listed as an "athlete" in the 1932 Summer Olympic Games for his submission of these bronzes.