Paint Pot

Two rare, unopened bottles of paint intended for golf balls, dating back to 1898, were sold for £900 each, more than double the expected price, at Mullock Madeley's golfing memorabilia auction during the recent GolfExpo 2000 show at the NEC.

"We knew we had a rare commodity - and it was great to see such tremendous interest," said auctioneer John Mullock. "It was particularly good to see some new faces at the show. They were especially fascinated by the culture which has developed around the world of golf memorabilia."

The top price of £6,800 went for a magnificent Harry Rountree watercolour of an elevated tee, golfers and seascape background. Pictures attracted positive bidding throughout the sale with a John Ball autographed Vanity Fair print cashed in at £600 and a similar lot, signed by Horace Hutchinson, peaking at £540. An early 19th century watercolour of a landscape golfing scene achieved almost double the expected price at £250.

An early bronzed gutty ball mould, stamped by the Musselburgh brothers W & J Dunn, was bought for £5,500 and an original Ping putter went for £700.

Mullock added: "Clubs sold extremely well - an unusual patent beechwood torpedo style putter with a hickory shaft went under the hammer for £650 while a 1940s 'Calamity Jane' putter made £210. Walking sticks generated a brisk trade too, some exceeding £200."

Read our new feature from Dale Concannon and see whether you have any hidden golfing treasures!