1954 U.S. Amateur Contestant's Badge (Arnold Palmer Wins!)

            Contestant's pins from Major Championships are obviously extremely rare, as only one is made for each tournament participant and few players ever part with them.  Two primary factors help determine the value of such contestant's pins - the winner of the tournament and the player who used the pin, if known.  

            This is the first time that we have had the opportunity to see, let alone auction, this spectacular contestant's pin.  This pin was given out to contestant's at what eventually became one of the most important amateur tournaments of all-time - the 1954 U.S. Amateur.  The 1954 U.S. Amateur was won by a kid who hailed from Latrobe, Pennsylvania - his name is Arnold Palmer.  Presented here is a rare item from Arnold Palmer's 1954 U.S. Amateur victory.  Very few pieces of memorabilia exist from that tournament, and this is certainly one of the finest ever offered.