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Finds and Interests
My role as CEO keeps me busy, but my passion for treasure hunting and reselling on eBay is where I often find some of my most fascinating discoveries. I’m kicking off a new series where I’ll take you behind the scenes of my own store. First up: a remarkable item I recently listed, and I can’t wait to show you why it stands out.
Since 1851, the New York Yacht Club has overseen the prestigious “America’s Cup” race. The history behind the boats, the members, and the contentious chase for the Cup is often overlooked, but this letter gives a rare look at what happens leading up to this race.
In preparation for the 1914 America’s Cup, the NY Yacht Club attempted to work out the rules for a challenge made by Sir Thomas Lipton of the Royal Ulster Yacht Club. The two organizations had a long history of challenges and disagreements over the rules and requirements of their races, and this letter details some proposed new rules. The Shamrock IV challenged the American boat, The Resolute, and there was quite a bit of drama over the rules.
Letters like this and other historical ephemera allow a rare glimpse into a historical event that is sometimes quite different from some of the accepted versions we’ve all heard and read. Essential pieces of history can be lost without letters, photographs, and other records, so preservation is a must. I consider it an absolute honor to be part of getting items like this to historians and collectors who will preserve them for future generations.
WorthPoint has Blog articles, a Dictionary feature, a Marks database, and a Price Guide for almost anything vintage, antique, or collectible. Find out more here. Check out my eBay store for more treasures from the past.