George Wright golf trophy

[bgar3]

Some of you know I collect George Wright related items, among other things. Last year I acquired a sterling silver golf living cup, described only as by a famous silversmith, Frank Smith (Boston area). The inscription on the cup is "From the Old Golfers to George Wright Fourth Annual reunion Oct. 26 1910".
I knew George Wright was credited with creating the popularity of golf in New England and playing the first game in Boston. Inspired by Carlton, I researched the following:
It definitely is George Wright the great early baseball player. According to an article in American Golfer from 1908, Wright was called the father of golf in New England, and in 1907 started an annual reunion of the golfers from the 1890's at Wollaston Golf Club. In 1911 American Golfer reported that the fourth reunion in1910 was expanded to include prominent men in baseball, cricket, lacrosse and other games. (Al Reach was the oldest player) After golf Wright was surprised with a banquet where he was presented a silver loving cup of great value, describing the inscription exactly.
Despite its appearance in at least 2 major auctions, no connection to the baseball George Wright was ever made, instead the emphasis was on the silversmith.
If anyone can provide any additional information, it would be greatly appreciated.

[CarltonHendricks]

For a George Wright collector that's a home run!!!...congrats!!!!...would like to see some larger closer in shots...How tall?

[bgar3]

Carlton, I will attempt to show a few other photos, may take 2 posts. Loving cup is about 14 inches high by about 11 inches wide at tha top. Wright played golf into his 70's and employed and sponsored Francis Ouimet.

[bgar3]

Sorry, can't seem to fix position, or get more tha 1 photo in a post

[CarltonHendricks]

14" is a serious trophy...plus it's sterling right?...that's a heck of a find...I'm sure it has a presence in person....congratulations on a great find!

[prestigecollectibles]

These guys might be able to help.

http://greenjacketauctions.com/

[bgar3]

Thanks Carlton and Robert. Does not appear to have much interest here, but as a golf piece it is significant, but as a George Wright piece it fits my collection nicely. Yes Carlton, it is sterling. Actually the cost approximated the silver value when I got it. Do you polish your silver, if so what do you use and how often? Thanks

[MGHPro]

I saw it was listed at 44 oz - that's a fair amount of silver !!! I use haggertys silver Foam or goddards silver Polish . Yours doesn't have much tarnish so either would work . The foam (even though it is a paste) is easier to work with . Sometimes I use that first , then use goddards as a top coat ( it tends to shine it a little more )
Matt

[bgar3]

Thanks Matt, just what I was looking for.

[baseball tourist]

Great trophy. Even better historical interest. Enjoy it!

[bgar3]

Thank you Chris. As an aside John Morrill and Wright frequently played at Wollaston and are featured in the club History. If anyone has photos of the "old golfers" or any of the original players, C C Bell (Canadian), Fred Mansfield, lawn tennis player or Bates Mitchell, globe writer I would love to see them. I have one photo of Wright golfing, but would appreciate seeing more.

[ksfarmboy]

Outstanding pickup. Love the research you've done. That's half the fun for me.