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1,900
GBP
0 Bid(s)
1
GBP
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
Live auction
Lot closed
Lot location
London
Believed to be the first ever printed image of real tennis/jeu de courte paume: a page printed on vellum from a French Book of Hours printed in Paris by Philippe Pigouchet circa 1497/98,
containing a vignette showing a game of tennis being played in a cloister with architectural features recognisable as a real tennis court, 16.9 by 10.6cm., the entire page is in excellent condition, with original hand colouring (blue and gold-leaf) to the small initial, original faint red ruling, and a strong impression of the tennis print
The image is from a time earlier than when the use of racquets was adopted. The players are just wearing gloves to strike the ball. It is believed to be the only print of tennis being played under these early circumstances. The image has been used as an illustration in various tennis history books, including Ball, Bat and Bishop (R. Henderson,1947, p.61), The Royal Game (Butler ed.,1989, p.90), Kulturgeschichte des Tennis (H. Gillmeister,1990, p.27) etc.
It is difficult to be precise about the earliest pictorial representations of tennis, as it depends on how the term 'tennis' is defined. Tennis evolved from game of 'jeu de paume', literally meaning 'game of the palm.' There would have been numerous hand and ball games being played in medieval Europe all with varying local rules. Indeed there are a number of depictions in manuscripts of these games including one that has been dated to as early as circa 1300. It is difficult to conclude, however, that any particular activity is 'tennis' as we more or less know it today unless there are recognisable features of a formalised playing court. Taking this more restricted definition, in order to be certain that we are looking at a game of tennis, then we need to look for depictions of 'jeu de courte paume', as distinguished from the more general, numerous and earlier 'jeu de paume' forms. In chronological order we would need to see architectural features familiar as a real tennis court, and then at a later date the first use of racquets on court as opposed to using the hand, and then finally the addition of a net between opponents.
There is a very small group of extant illustrations, all remarkably similar in design, showing what can be discerned as jeu de courte paume. The first is a manuscript dated circa 1480 (British Library: Harley 4375). This is then followed by the first printed image, which is what is being offered here at the auction, a page from Philippe Pigouchet's Book of Hours circa 1497/98. Pigouchet's printed image appears to have been subsequently copied in a manuscript from the early 16th century (Bodleian Library, Oxford: MS. Douce 135).
A complicating factor in presenting this argument is that there are two main theories about the origin of the architectural features that constitute the 'real tennis' court, especially the penthouse with its roof. The oldest, and it has to be said still the most widely supported theory, is that the origin can be found in the monastic cloister. A more recent theory by Morgan is that the real tennis court derives its present form from the small penthouses that were attached to the shops of medieval towns. The argument appears to be based on two illustrations of such town architecture, both in manuscripts from circa 1450. As such the evidence is far from being wholly conclusive, as these illustrations only show a rudimentary roof on one side and no walled court. As there is no resemblance to a tennis court proper, we do not know for certain what game is being played either. It may well be another ancient ball game now lost in the mists of time. For the record Gillmeister put forward a third theory, but it did not attract any followers.
However, whatever theory one chooses to supports it would have to be agreed that Pigouchet provided us with the first PRINTED image of tennis.
In his book Gillmeister discusses the image and points out some interesting details: "The purse that is being exchanged between two
Live
Venue address
Sotheby's
34-35 New Bond Street
, London
W1A 2AA
United Kingdom
Sporting Memorabilia
Auction dates
22 May 2014 10:00 BST
23 May 2014 10:00 BST
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Auction currency
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Accepted cards
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STORAGE, COLLECTION AND SHIPPING LOGISTICS
Payments in person can be made in the saleroom on the day of the auction and on receipt of cleared funds, lots can be collected from the saleroom during the auction or immediately after its completion.
Thereafter, all purchase lots will be transferred to Graham Budd Auctions' storage facility in Enfield, north London. Please contact the auctioneer for full details. All collections are strictly by pre-arranged appointment. Alternatively, we can organise packing for postage and shipping on a worldwide basis. Please contact us for a quote. Buyers are reminded that it is their responsibility to comply with UK export regulations and with any local import requirements.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BIDDERS & BUYERS
Conditions of Business
All lots are offered subject to Graham Budd Auctions Ltd’s (GBA) Conditions of Business.
Starting Bid
For each lot there is a published minimum starting bid.
Buyer’s Premium & VAT
A buyers premium of 17.5% is applicable to all lots in this sale.
The buyers premium is subject to VAT at the standard rate (20%). Lots are normally offered for sale under the auctioneers margin scheme and VAT on the buyers premium is payable to all buyers. Lots subject to VAT will include the symbol †.
These items will be charged at the 20% on both the hammer price and the buyers premium
Pre-Sale Viewing
For invited guests to the event, all lots will be available for viewing prior to the auction. Absentee bidders should contact the auctioneer if further information is required.
Bidding in Person
To bid in person, invited guests must register to obtain a bidding number. Before the auction, registration forms will be provided and upon completion you will be given a numbered bidding paddle. All lots sold will be invoiced to the name and address in which the paddle has been registered. Please hand back the paddle to a member of staff after use.
Absentee bidders
The auctioneer will be accepting bids from absentee bidders. All bids must be submitted in writing in good time by post, fax or e-mail. Additionally, there will be a telephone bidding facility, but subject always to the availability of lines & staffing. These services are offered free of charge and are subject to our Conditions of Business, which can be read in full at our website www.grahambuddauctions.co.uk. Please contact the auctioneer if you require further information.
Online Bidding
The auctioneer will also offer an online bidding service, free of charge, via the-saleroom.com. In completing the bidder registration on www.the-saleroom.com and providing your credit card details and unless alternative arrangements are agreed with GBA you: authorise GBA, if they so wish, to charge the credit card given in part or full payment, including all fees, for items successfully purchased in the auction via the-saleroom.com, and confirm that you are authorised to provide these credit card details to GBA through www.the-saleroom.com and agree that GBA are entitled to ship the goods to the card holder name and card holder address provided in fulfilment of the sale.
Payment
Payment is due in sterling immediately after the sale and before purchases can be released. Payments in person can be made in the saleroom immediately after the auction, after this payments must be made by post, card transactions by telephone or electronic transfer to our bank.
Methods of Payment
Graham Budd Auctions Ltd welcome the following Methods of Payment:
Credit/Debit Card
We are pleased to accept major credit cards (regrettably we are unable to accept American Express card payments), for which a surcharge will be made of 3% of the transaction total. This is to cover the charge made to us by our bank. There is no charge for payments made by debit card.
Sterling Bankers Draft or Building Society Sterling Cheque
Drawn on a recognised UK bank or building society. Please note that the auctioneer requires seven days to clear sterling cheques and we always reserve the right to hold goods until a cheque is cleared. This policy can only be overridden if the auctioneer receives authority otherwise from the Charity for which it is acting as agent in this auction.
Cash
Cash payments will be accepted up to a maximum of £6,000.
Electronic Transfer
Our bank details are:
Barclays Bank plc
Sort Code: 20-71-74
Account: 60420255
Account Name: Graham Budd Auctions Ltd
IBAN: GB64BARC20717460420255
SWIFT/BIC: BARCGB22
Collection or delivery or lots
On receipt of cleared funds, lots can be collected from the venue on the evening of the auction. Thereafter GBA can supply competitive quotations for the delivery of uncollected lots, including packing and shipping on a worldwide basis. Arrangements should be made within 14 days of the auction. Thereafter the auctioneer reserves the right to apply storage charges on uncollected purchases.
Conduct of the Auction
The auctioneer will commence the bidding at the “starting bid” as published in the auction catalogue and advance the bidding in such increments as he considers appropriate. The contract between the buyer and the seller is concluded on the striking of the auctioneer’s hammer. The auctioneer shall have discretion to refuse bids, withdraw or re-offer for lots for sale (including after the fall of the hammer) if he believes that there may have been an error or dispute, and may also take such other action as he reasonably deems necessary. Title in a lot will not pass to the buyer until GBA has received the purchase price in cleared funds.
Remedies for non-payment
Without prejudice to any rights that the seller may have, if the buyer fails to make payment for the lot, GBA may in its sole discretion exercise one or more of the following remedies:-
(a) cancel the sale of the lot;
(b) charge interest at 4% per annum above The Bank of England’s Base Rate from the payment date to the date that the purchase price is received in cleared funds;
(c) re-sell the lot by auction or privately, with the new sale price at GBA’s discretion, in which case the buyer will be liable for any shortfall between the original purchase price and the amount achieved on re-sale;
(d) commence legal proceedings to recover the purchase price for the lot, plus interest and legal costs;
(e) disclose the Buyer’s details to the seller to enable the seller to commence legal proceedings.
Data Protection
GBA will use information supplied by bidders or otherwise obtained lawfully by GBA for the provision of auction related services, client administration, marketing and as otherwise required by law. By agreeing to these Conditions of Business, the bidder agrees to the processing of their personal information and to the disclosure of such information to third parties world-wide for the purposes outlined in the above service provisions, and to the seller solely in the event on non-payment.
Miscellaneous
a) All images of lots, catalogue descriptions and all other materials produced by GBA are the copyright of GBA.
b) These Conditions of Business shall be interpreted in accordance with English Law, under the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts, in favour of GBA.
Conditions of Business
All lots are offered subject to Graham Budd Auctions Ltd’s (GBA) Conditions of Business.
Starting Bid
For each lot there is a published minimum starting bid.
Buyer’s Premium & VAT
A buyers premium of 17.5% is applicable to all lots in this sale.
The buyers premium is subject to VAT at the standard rate (20%). Lots are normally offered for sale under the auctioneers margin scheme and VAT on the buyers premium is payable to all buyers. Lots subject to VAT will include the symbol †.
These items will be charged at the 20% on both the hammer price and the buyers premium
Pre-Sale Viewing
For invited guests to the event, all lots will be available for viewing prior to the auction. Absentee bidders should contact the auctioneer if further information is required.
Bidding in Person
To bid in person, invited guests must register to obtain a bidding number. Before the auction, registration forms will be provided and upon completion you will be given a numbered bidding paddle. All lots sold will be invoiced to the name and address in which the paddle has been registered. Please hand back the paddle to a member of staff after use.
Absentee bidders
The auctioneer will be accepting bids from absentee bidders. All bids must be submitted in writing in good time by post, fax or e-mail. Additionally, there will be a telephone bidding facility, but subject always to the availability of lines & staffing. These services are offered free of charge and are subject to our Conditions of Business, which can be read in full at our website www.grahambuddauctions.co.uk. Please contact the auctioneer if you require further information.
Online Bidding
The auctioneer will also offer an online bidding service, free of charge, via the-saleroom.com. In completing the bidder registration on www.the-saleroom.com and providing your credit card details and unless alternative arrangements are agreed with GBA you: authorise GBA, if they so wish, to charge the credit card given in part or full payment, including all fees, for items successfully purchased in the auction via the-saleroom.com, and confirm that you are authorised to provide these credit card details to GBA through www.the-saleroom.com and agree that GBA are entitled to ship the goods to the card holder name and card holder address provided in fulfilment of the sale.
Payment
Payment is due in sterling immediately after the sale and before purchases can be released. Payments in person can be made in the saleroom immediately after the auction, after this payments must be made by post, card transactions by telephone or electronic transfer to our bank.
Methods of Payment
Graham Budd Auctions Ltd welcome the following Methods of Payment:
Credit/Debit Card
We are pleased to accept major credit cards (regrettably we are unable to accept American Express card payments), for which a surcharge will be made of 3% of the transaction total. This is to cover the charge made to us by our bank. There is no charge for payments made by debit card.
Sterling Bankers Draft or Building Society Sterling Cheque
Drawn on a recognised UK bank or building society. Please note that the auctioneer requires seven days to clear sterling cheques and we always reserve the right to hold goods until a cheque is cleared. This policy can only be overridden if the auctioneer receives authority otherwise from the Charity for which it is acting as agent in this auction.
Cash
Cash payments will be accepted up to a maximum of £6,000.
Electronic Transfer
Our bank details are:
Barclays Bank plc
Sort Code: 20-71-74
Account: 60420255
Account Name: Graham Budd Auctions Ltd
IBAN: GB64BARC20717460420255
SWIFT/BIC: BARCGB22
Collection or delivery or lots
On receipt of cleared funds, lots can be collected from the venue on the evening of the auction. Thereafter GBA can supply competitive quotations for the delivery of uncollected lots, including packing and shipping on a worldwide basis. Arrangements should be made within 14 days of the auction. Thereafter the auctioneer reserves the right to apply storage charges on uncollected purchases.
Conduct of the Auction
The auctioneer will commence the bidding at the “starting bid” as published in the auction catalogue and advance the bidding in such increments as he considers appropriate. The contract between the buyer and the seller is concluded on the striking of the auctioneer’s hammer. The auctioneer shall have discretion to refuse bids, withdraw or re-offer for lots for sale (including after the fall of the hammer) if he believes that there may have been an error or dispute, and may also take such other action as he reasonably deems necessary. Title in a lot will not pass to the buyer until GBA has received the purchase price in cleared funds.
Remedies for non-payment
Without prejudice to any rights that the seller may have, if the buyer fails to make payment for the lot, GBA may in its sole discretion exercise one or more of the following remedies:-
(a) cancel the sale of the lot;
(b) charge interest at 4% per annum above The Bank of England’s Base Rate from the payment date to the date that the purchase price is received in cleared funds;
(c) re-sell the lot by auction or privately, with the new sale price at GBA’s discretion, in which case the buyer will be liable for any shortfall between the original purchase price and the amount achieved on re-sale;
(d) commence legal proceedings to recover the purchase price for the lot, plus interest and legal costs;
(e) disclose the Buyer’s details to the seller to enable the seller to commence legal proceedings.
Data Protection
GBA will use information supplied by bidders or otherwise obtained lawfully by GBA for the provision of auction related services, client administration, marketing and as otherwise required by law. By agreeing to these Conditions of Business, the bidder agrees to the processing of their personal information and to the disclosure of such information to third parties world-wide for the purposes outlined in the above service provisions, and to the seller solely in the event on non-payment.
Miscellaneous
a) All images of lots, catalogue descriptions and all other materials produced by GBA are the copyright of GBA.
b) These Conditions of Business shall be interpreted in accordance with English Law, under the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts, in favour of GBA.
Four Sessions
Thursday 22nd May 10 am
Thursday 22nd May 2pm
Friday 23rd May 10 am
Friday 23rd May 2pm
Lots purchased online with the-saleroom.com will attract an additional charge for this service in the sum of 3% of the hammer price plus VAT at the rate imposed
Buyers Premium:
A buyers premium of 17.5% is applicable to all lots in this sale.
The buyers premium is subject to VAT at the standard rate (20%). Lots are normally offered for sale under the auctioneers margin scheme and VAT on the buyers premium is payable to all buyers. Lots subject to VAT will include the symbol †.
These items will be charged at the 20% on both the hammer price and the buyers premium
Artists Resale Rights:
Purchase of lots marked with the † will be subject to payment of the Artist's Resale Rights, at a percentage of the hammer price
Shipping:
On receipt of cleared funds lots can be collected from the Sotheby's saleroom on sale day. Thereafter lots will be transferred to storage in Enfield, north London, where they can be collected in person. Alternatively, we ship worldwide. Please contact the auctioneer for further details.
Thursday 22nd May 10 am
Thursday 22nd May 2pm
Friday 23rd May 10 am
Friday 23rd May 2pm
Lots purchased online with the-saleroom.com will attract an additional charge for this service in the sum of 3% of the hammer price plus VAT at the rate imposed
Buyers Premium:
A buyers premium of 17.5% is applicable to all lots in this sale.
The buyers premium is subject to VAT at the standard rate (20%). Lots are normally offered for sale under the auctioneers margin scheme and VAT on the buyers premium is payable to all buyers. Lots subject to VAT will include the symbol †.
These items will be charged at the 20% on both the hammer price and the buyers premium
Artists Resale Rights:
Purchase of lots marked with the † will be subject to payment of the Artist's Resale Rights, at a percentage of the hammer price
Shipping:
On receipt of cleared funds lots can be collected from the Sotheby's saleroom on sale day. Thereafter lots will be transferred to storage in Enfield, north London, where they can be collected in person. Alternatively, we ship worldwide. Please contact the auctioneer for further details.