18th Century Sports Equipment and Memorabilia

Large Antique Bronze Letter bell weight or dumbell 1 lbs.

Dutch golf engraving by J. Boydell, Winter. Rare 18th century Dutch golf engraving by J. Boydell depicting Dutchman playing the early form of golf on the ice, titled 'Winter'. The s...

Dutch Golf Engraving By J. Aliamet, Les Amusements De L'Hiver. Rare 18th century Dutch golf engraving by J. Aliamet depicting Dutchman playing the early form of golf on the ice near Haarlem in 1668. The engraving is taken from Adriaen van de Velde original oil painting but is printed in reverse, the Kolf engraving is entitled 'Les Amusemens De L'Hiver' (Winter Fun). A print of this engraving was published in Darwins 1920 book, A Golfers Gallery of Old Masters. The scene shows a group of four Dutch gentlemen in the foreground playing kolf, the forerunner of golf. The main player can be seen taking aim to hit the post which is next to the man standing over his right shoulder. They are eagerly watched by a young lad who has his hands in his pockets to keep warm with a Kolf club under his arms, looking as if longing to join in. Two ladies are being pushed and pulled in a wooden sledge...

Dutch Golf Engraving By Jacques-Philippe Lebas, Vuë De Santvliet Village De Hollande. Rare 18th century Dutch golf engraving by Jacques-Philippe Lebas depicting Dutchman playing the early form of golf on the ice. The Kolf engraving is entitled 'Vuë De Santvliet Village De Hollande' (View Of Santvliet Village From Holland). The scene shows a group of four Dutch gentlemen in the foreground playing kolf, the forerunner of golf. There are people skating on the ice and a gentleman can be seen kneeling whilst fitting on his ice skates. Paintings of life on the frozen waterways of Holland were very popular and many artists, usually known for painting rivers or landscapes, produced them. Extra print details:- in the bottom left 'Van Drever pinx', on the right 'Jac. Ph. LeBas sculp'. In the center a coat of arms with the words "Virtus Ariete Fortior". Dédié à Monsieur Norregs Bertie, Par son très humble et très obeisant Serviteur Jac. Ph. Le Bas. Beau pays, ou fleurit une utile industrie, On croiroit que chez toi L'eau se transforme en glace, Et dont les habitants peuvent toute leur vie Pour offrir un plus ample et plus commode espace Suivre a vec liberte leurs innocents desires, A tous les Voyageurs, à tes divers plaisirs, Par M. Moraine. A Paris chez Le bas Graveur du Cabinet du Roy rue de la Harpe...

A very intriguing 18th century glove in wood and leather with iron protrusions. One's hand is inserted into the glove with positions for all fingers - like a baseball glove. The orig...

This rare and curious item is a walnut wood ceremonial stick with a large brass handle. It was used by a man in charge called the dealer who precedes the important person during civil ceremonies with the intent of announcing his entry. This stick on the brass handle has an engraved crown...

18th century carved bone walking stick head on ebony base The head is highly engraved with acanthus leaves, head of a lion and an angel and with ...

18th century, French bronze hunting dog collar and comb A late 18th century, French bronze hunting dog collar, the collar is Engraved giving the piece the necessary provenance to ...

Russian (18/19th Cent) ornately painted and carved sleigh with carved shell front sleigh