Offered here is what we believe to be golf statuary's Holy Grail - John Laidlay in a Red Jacket. This circa 1890 Polychrome bronze figure of John Laidlay is famous in the statue world for the artist's application of red paint to a bronze figure. This was essentially an unheard of practice in the 19th century, and the resulting piece is extraordinary.
John Laidlay won the British Amateur in 1889 and 1891, though his lasting contribution to the game of golf was his invention of the overlapping grip - still used by most golfers today.
Perhaps as few as 4 of these statues were originally produced, though only 2 are known to exist (#'s 3 and 4). This one is numbered 3. 16 1/2" tall. Signed by artist G Gonella of Dundee, circa 1890.
This piece is being offered today from the famed Ronnie Watts Collection