Lot 20027 – Statues: 1902 An American Bronze Study of an Athlete, entitled « THE SPRINTER », cast from a model by Dr. Robert Tait McKenzie

Statues: 1902 An American Bronze Study of an Athlete, entitled « THE SPRINTER », cast from a model by Dr. Robert Tait McKenzie. The naked youth in starting position, crouching and looking forward, mounted on an octagonal base, inscribed « R.Tait McKenzie/1902 », the side with foundry inscription ROMAN BRONZE WORKS N.Y. and Copyright/1902, gold and copper patina; on silver plaque-mounted mahogany trophy plinth, the hallmarks London, 1925, and with later brass mounted mahogany presentation case. The bronze 28.8 cm x 22.2 cm x 15.1 cm, an important athletic bronze showpiece Provenance: Originally presented by Dr. Tait McKenzie to the Achilles Club, now the UK Counties Athletic Union, and used as the Achilles Trophy, awarded annually since 1925 to the winning team in the Inter-County Athletic Championship Plus additional literature, including books, magazines, articles and a selection of medals and plaques including Books: « Tait McKenzie » A Sculptor of Youth by Christopher Hussy, HB, 108pp, « Famous Small Bronzes » by The Gorham Company, HB, 110pp Medals: – Two commemorative medals, plus one medal & one large circular plaque signed « RTM » Magazines & Booklets: 1928 The Mentor, showing the statue on page 24, 1934 The Athlete in Sculpture, showing the statue on page 6, 1937 News of the World: Presents the British Games, program showing the statue on page 6, 1938 News of the World: Presents the British Games, program showing the statue on page 6, 1950 News of the World: Presents the British Games, program showing the statue on the front cover