Before and After

In 1927 the Southern Open golf trophy was in the hands of Bobby T. Jones. In 1979 it was in the hands of thieves, and in 1996, following its restoration by Estes-Simmons Silverplating of Atlanta, it was placed in the hands of the original owners, The Atlanta Athletic Club.

The sterling silver trophy, which is 24″ high and weighs 113 troy ounces (10 lbs.) was originally manufactured by Bailey, Banks and Biddle in 1919 and presented to the winners of the Southern Open Golf Tournament from 1919 through 1927. Engraved on the trophy are the names of the winners: James Barnes – 1919, Douglas Edgar – 1920, Gene Sarazan – 1922, Bobby Jones – 1927, and the tournament sponsor, The Atlanta Journal.

The trophy, now a piece of American golf history, was placed on display in 1975 at the Atlanta Athletic Club. With silver prices skyrocketing, the value of the trophy increased and the trophy was ultimately stolen. When it was recovered, one year later, the trophy was barely recognizable. The thieves had crushed the trophy in hopes of melting it down for its scrap metal value. Although other silver experts declined restoring this piece of history, it was not until Estes-Simmons was called upon that actual restoration began.