SIR THOMAS LIPTON'S SILVER CIGAR CASE
by Edwin Page, hallmarked for Birmingham 1924, of standard form, the lid bearing the coloured enamel flag of the Royal Ulster Yacht Club (Lipton's 'home' club) above his personal yacht flag, the two flying from a yellow-enamelled pole, lacking internal elastic as usual; together with an interesting autograph letter to W.C. Dodge from Thomas Lipton on S.Y. Erin notepaper, dated New York, 7th October 1901, and clearly thanking Dodge for his commiserations following the defeat of Lipton's Shamrock II in his third America's Cup challenge just days before; and a copy of Laurence Brady's 2007 book The Man Who Challenged America; the Life and Obsession of Sir Thomas Lipton, as new; the first a highly personal memento and the second a poignant reminder of Lipton's repeatedly unsuccessful attempts to win the America's Cup
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By 1924, the year this cigar case was manufactured, Sir Thomas Lipton, the immensely wealthy British tea magnate of Irish parentage, had already mounted four costly but unsuccessful challenges for the America's Cup - or as he habitually called it "the Auld Mug" - in 1899, 1901, 1903 and 1920. Each challenge had required a new boat so he commissioned a succession of big cutters, each (numerically) named Shamrock, in addition to his own personal cutter, also called Shamrock. His final challenge came in 1930 soon after which Lipton died with his greatest ambition unfulfilled.

Condition Report
Some discolouration to old enamel restoration - both flags and pole have been restored; small ding to lower left front; lacks retaining elastic, but marks very strong and box is an unusually heave gauge compared to similar types of the period; Letter lacks envelope, in good condition; book in good condition.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. 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 Charles Miller Ltd 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.