Autographs 1920 American Wimbledon Players

Description

1920 Autographs – Tilden, Johnston, Mallory, and Hardy 

These autographs were obtained on Thursday 1st July (the day after Tilden won the All-Comer’s Gentlemen’s Singles), 1920. This portion from a programme from the 30th of June accompanied a complete programme for that date – see programme listings. This top corner of the All-Comer’s Gentleman’s Singles page from a 1920 programme 30.06.20 shows a set of four signatures in clear pencil. Tilden has conveniently named Wimbledon and dated when the signing took place.

Bill Tilden defeated Zenzo Shimizu 6–4, 6–4, 13–11 in the All-Comers’ Final 30/6/20 (Wednesday). He then went on to defeat the reigning champion Gerald Patterson 2–6, 6–3, 6–2, 6–4 in the challenge round to win the gentlemen’s singles tennis title at the 1920 Wimbledon Championships on 3/7/20. This was his first Wimbledon Singles title and was the first American player to win the championship.

Tilden and Johnston lost in the semi final of the men’s doubles to Garland and Norris Williams in five sets. Tilden, Johnston, Hardy and Mallory signed the part programme and were there on 01.07.20, perhaps this semi-final was played then?

Condition – Signatures are clear and authenticated as previously stated, the paper has browned slightly through age. A set of famous American player’s autographs on a final’s day programme page is a true rarity.