The trophy awarded to Harold Mahony for winning the Gentlemen's All Comers Final at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships in 1896, in the form of a
£8,000 - £12,000
The trophy awarded to Harold Mahony for winning the Gentlemen's All Comers Final at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships in 1896, in the form of a hallmarked Victorian silver trophy cup, Edward Hutton, London, 1881, loop handles, beaded borders and arabesque engraving on a round foot, with presentation inscription reading ALL COMERS SINGLES, FIRST PRIZE, WON BY, H.S. MAHONY, height 32cm., 12 1/2in., weight 780gr. 27 1/2 oz. At this time the reigning Wimbledon champion, which in this case was Wilfred Baddeley, received a bye straight to the final. The 'All Comers' then had to battle their way through the knockout rounds to win the right to challenge the champion. In 1896 H.S. Mahony defeated Reginald Doherty, W Castle, Frank Riseley and Harold Nisbet before defeating Wilberforce Eaves 6-2, 6-2, 11-9 to win the All Comers Final for which he received this magnificent cup. He then defeated the reigning champion Wilfred Baddeley in five sets 6-2, 6-8, 5-7, 8-6, 6-3 to be crowned Gentlemen's Singles Champion. Mahony received a gold medal for his victory which recently sold at auction for £24,000.