1921 U.S. Open Contestant's Badge 

        According to the 2004 GilChrist's Guide to Golf Collectibles, this is the earliest-known U.S. Open contestant's badge in existence.  This 1921 badge is believed to be the only 1921 U.S. Open Contestant's Badge in existence, and this exact badge is pictured on page 70 of the aforementioned book.  While we have had the privilege of selling several contestant's badges from the 1920's, this is the first time we have even seen this spectacular badge.   

        This 1921 U.S. Open was won by World Golf Hall of Famer Jim Barnes.  What many do not realize about 4-time major championship winner Barnes is that not only did he win the PGA Championship, U.S. Open and British Open, he also won the Western Open twice, which was widely considered a major championship in his day.  Therefore, some consider Barnes a true winner of the career Grand Slam - something he is never given credit for since he did not play (yet alone win) the Masters Tournament, which didn't begin until 1934. 

        Clearly, this 1921 U.S. Open Contestant's Badge is spectacular.  But its condition can also not be underestimated.  Take a look at the picture of this badge.  This is THE EARLIEST KNOWN U.S. Open Contestant's Badge in existence, and it is virtually flawless.