Kalo Shops Hand Wrought Sterling Silver Women's Golf Tournament Trophy, 1911

This lovely example of Kalo arts & crafts sterling silver is in the shape of a 2-handled vase. The gently tapering cylindrical shaped neck flares out gracefully at the base with the overall body being enhanced with a lovely hammered surface. Simple and elegant handles are attached to the sides. Engraved on the front is 'Belleair Florida/ 1911/ Won by/ Mrs. W A Alexander'.

Maude Julia Greene married William Arthur Alexander in 1896. An insurance executive from Chicago, William Arthur Alexander was a skilled golfer as was his wife. He and his wife were instrumental in the development and formation of the Women's Western Golf Association and Maude Alexander was elected its first president in 1903. She played in regional and national tournaments, including the 1903 Women's National Golf Championship.

The Belleair Country Club, from which this trophy was awarded, is near Tampa, Florida. One of the first golf courses in Florida, construction started in 1897 and by 1909 it incorporated 18 holes.

Examples of early sporting trophies awarded to women are very scarce.

This rare trophy is marked underneath 'STERLING/ HAND BEATEN/AT/ KALO SHOPS/ PARK RIDGE/ ILLS./ 7977'. It measures 6 inches high by 5.5 inches across the handles weighs 11.70 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition.