Anonymous Maker

steel and painted wood and padded leather upholstered seat, including two helmets, one marked 'Helmets Ltd', a pair of ice shoes and knee and elbow pads



 

Used by Gunter Sachs on the Cresta Run, St Moritz.

Leipzig, Museum der Bildenden Künste, Gunter Sachs, 2008, p. 223.

The ultimate souvenir for a St Mortiz legend. The toboggan has extensive wear from heavy use. The seat is particularly worn and there is a tear to the leather. The pads and other protective equipment are very tired with losses to the padding. The helmets have numerous scratches and the paint is chipped from constant use. The shoes (European Size 42) and are marked with a black marker are also very worn from extensive use. This would make a wonderful wall decoration rather than an actual working toboggan.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This skeleton toboggan, with a sliding seat to enable the rider to control his descent down the 3/4 mile icy banks of the Cresta Run, was used by Gunter Sachs during his more than half-century of riding. His last run was completed in his 78th year and he remains the oldest rider to have ever completed the full run.