BOSTON – Skinner Inc. will auction a 1947 Kentucky Derby trophy and commemorative mint julep cup won by American thoroughbred Jet Pilot and presented to owner Elizabeth Arden. The trophy will go on the block in Skinner’s June 7 auction of American Furniture and Decorative Arts. It is estimated at $60,000 to $80,000. LiveAuctioneers.com will provide the Internet live bidding service for the sale.
Descended through the family of Elizabeth Arden, the 14-karat gold trophy had been considered all but lost. The Kentucky Derby winner’s trophy is believed to be the only solid gold trophy annually awarded to the winner of a major American sporting event since 1924, the golden anniversary of the Derby.
“Skinner’s Americana auctions are all about honoring the cultural heritage of this country,” said Chris Barber, Americana specialist at Skinner. “When it comes to horse races, there’s nothing more American than the Kentucky Derby. This trophy is a fun slice of American history, with rock-solid provenance, and it is simply breathtaking. We’re very pleased to present it at auction.”
The trophy was presented to Elizabeth Arden, the notable cosmetics firm owner and known in horse racing circles as Elizabeth Graham, on May 3, 1947 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Her horse, Jet Pilot, racing under her Maine Chance Farm colors, broke from post position 13, quickly took the lead and never relinquishing it. Jet Pilot defeated favorite Phalanx, who finished second. Jet Pilot’s jockey was Eric Guerin, and his trainer was Tom Smith, best known as the trainer for the renowned Seabiscuit. The win margin of the race was 3 1/2 lengths in a winning time of 2:05 2/5.
For more information on the trophy or any Skinner auction, call 508-970-3000, or visit Skinner on the web at www.skinnerinc.com. Prices realized will be available on the website during and after the sale.
Visit the fully illustrated catalog for this sale and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place through www.LiveAuctioneers.com.
View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.
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