Henley Royal Regatta, Grand Challenge Cup Rowing Oar 1873

£3,200

Shipping P.O.A. Subject to quotation and will be charged separately.

Category

Trophies/Presentation Pieces

Rowing & Yachting

Sportsman

Thomas Edwards-Moss

Reference

31535

12' Eton College Henley Royal Regatta Presentation Oar, 1873.
A fine and historically significant presentation oar blade, commemorating the Eton College Eight who competed at the Henley Royal Regatta of 1873, contesting the Grand Challenge Cup and the Ladies' Challenge Plate.
This full-length oar, painted in Eton's pale blue with gilded lettering, measures just over 12 feet and is a classic example of the commemorative oars traditionally presented to college rowing crews. The blade features elegant 19th-century script listing the names and weights of the 1873 Eton crew.
A beautiful and authentic antique oar, presented in original condition, it represents a fine and historic piece of Eton and Henley rowing heritage. It was possibly the former property of A.J. Mulholland or T.C. Edwards-Moss, as a second oar from the same source is available separately and bears the pair's names. Both men later rowed for Oxford University in the Boat Race, with Mulholland competing once (1877) and Edwards-Moss four times (1875-78). The 1877 Boat Race-in which both took part-remains the only dead heat in the event's history.

A remarkable piece of Eton rowing memorabilia, celebrating the crew and events of the 34th Henley Royal Regatta.

Inscription on the blade:
Henley 1873, Grand Challenge,
Baliol Coll* L.R.C.,
Ladies Plate, Trinity Coll: Dublin,
Bow. W.A. Ellison…9,4 ½,
2. R.E. Hayes…10,6 ½,
3. H.W. Benson…10,6 ½,
4. G.L.A. Baird…11,1 ½,
5. S.A. Donaldson…11,1,
6. A.J. Mulholland…10,13,
7. T.C. Edwards-Moss…11,2 ½,
Str. R.M. Howard…10,1,
Cox. C. Johnstone…7,5.

This oar remains in fine, original condition, with clear gilt lettering on a light blue ground, showing only gentle age wear consistent with its age and authenticity. It represents a rare survival from the early era of British competitive rowing and from one of the sport's most storied institutions.

One of the images is of the Eton crew, taken from the book 'Fifty Years of Sport - Eton, Harrow and Winchester'. Another image is a photoshop mock-up of a traditional team photo.

Shipping note:
As this oar is full length (12 ft), shipping can be expensive. We offer an ingenious shipping option: the oar can be cut discreetly beneath the leather sleeve, allowing it to be safely packed and later bolted back together for display. The joint is subtle and largely concealed (there is an image showing a previously cut down oar). Please enquire for details and shipping quotes.