Scarce 1907 Country Life Cigarettes

Open Champions Advertisement

w/ Vardon, Braid, Taylor, Tom Morris

        In this auction, we are pleased to bring you some of the finest pieces of golf advertisements in the world. This collection was painstakingly assembled by our consignor over the past 20+ years, and many of them represent the finest examples in the hobby.

        Presented here is, without question, one of the most significant golf advertisement pieces that we've ever had the privilege of auctioning.

        This is an exceedingly rare 1907 Country Life Cigarettes advertisement featuring the most famous living Open Champions of the day, including Old Tom Morris, James Braid, Harry Vardon, JH Taylor, Arnaud Massy, and Alex Herd.

        Only a few months after this ad was produced, Old Tom Morris would pass away (on May 24, 1908).

        In addition to the significance of Old Tom Morris only months before his death, this advertisement also highlights some of the greatest Major Champions in the midst of their Championship careers.

        Again, this advertisement, which was produced in 1907, only lists James Braid as having won 3 Open Championships (he would go on to win 5, including months later at the 1908 Open Championship); JH Taylor is listed as a 3-time Open Championship winner (he would eventually win 5 Opens, including victories in 1909 and 1913), and Harry Vardon is listed as a 4-time Open Champion (he would eventually win 6 Opens, including victories in 1911 and 1914).

Size and condition: Piece itself measures 22 x 18", and is professionally framed to 27" x 21". Very good to excellent overall condition. Makes a striking impression in person.