Spring Auction Series 2016

The Weissmuller Vase





1924 Olympic Winner's porcelain vase presented to triple gold-medalist Johnny Weissmuller (Tarzan), made of Sèvres porcelain, 33.3 cm high, designed by talented artist M.O. Guillonet and executed by Bracquemond at the world famous porcelain factory of Sèvres. Golden laurel branches are hand-painted on French blue background, the white medallions depicting football, rowing, rugby and swimming, on grey background with green border, very fine, extremely rare and an attractive exhibition showpiece





Provenance: Letter from Weissmuller's wife, Mrs. Johnny, Maria Weissmuller, confirming the provenance of the vase.





Note: The vases were made in several versions to accommodate all Olympic events. They were presented by the Paris City Council to gold medal winners.





Note: On July 9, 1922, Weissmuller broke Duke Kahanamoku's world record in the 100m freestyle, swimming it in 58.6 seconds. He won the title for that distance at the 1924 Summer Olympics, beating Kahanamoku for the gold. He also won the 400m freestyle and was a member of the winning U.S. team in the 4×200m relay, as well as winning the bronze medal as part of the USA Water Polo team. At the 1928 Amsterdam Games, Weissmuller won two gold medals in Swimming. Overall he set 67 World Records and is one of the most famous Olympians of all time.