Tiffany Studios

Presented to Mr. Joseph P. Knapp, New York, January 16, 1909
Thence by descent

The Pinehurst Outlook, January 19, 1907, p. 7 (for a period image of the trophies donated for the annual Advertising Men's Golf Tournament showing a Tiffany lamp, numerous favrile glass vases and Tiffany & Co. silver items)
"Chief Golf Honors for New York Men," The New York Times, January 17, 1909, p. S1 (for a detailed account of the Advertising Men's Golf Tournament and Mr. Knapp's performance)
"J.P. Knapp the Winner," The Pinehurst Outlook, January 23, 1909, pp. 1 and 6 (for an account of the tournament and Mr. Knapp's victory)

Very good overall condition. There are approximately 14-16 cracks to the glass scattered throughout. The base and shade with an attractive and rich russet brown and green patina with light rubbing and surface soiling consistent with age and gentle use. The sockets and switches all appear to be original. The finial cap is a later reproduction, and the wheel is possibly replaced or adapted. A particularly fine example of this rare geometric model, with an extraordinary well-documented historic provenance.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present lamp is not only an unusual example of Tiffany's geometric repertoire but it also by way of it's provenance has an interesting place in the history of golf in America.  In 1895, Mr. James W. Tufts purchased 5000 acres of land in the Sandhills of North Carolina for the means of building a winter resort featuring a golf course.  By the winter of 1898 a nine-hole course was completed and with expansions over the next five years the Pinehust Golf Club was formalized in 1903.  Mr. Tufts was aided greatly by the marketing acumen of advertising executive Frank Presbrey.  Presbrey was instrumental in promoting the new resort through mounting a series of tournaments.  One of Presbrey's innovations was the formation in 1905 of the American Golf Association of Advertising Interests.  The association held annual golf outings at Pinehurst which brought together executives from the advertising industry as well as their top clients.  The Advertising Men's Tournament held every January from 1905 until 1912 was a great success that not only promoted the budding resort but more widely popularized the sport of golf among businessmen.  Due to its advertising angle, the trophies for the event were donated by the leading industry sponsors, including Tiffany Studios and Tiffany & Co.