Lot 1430
Tilden, Bill (1892-1953) American tennis player who dominated the sport during the 1920s and much of the 1930s. A powerful player, Tilden was also an accomplished writer and many of his works on tennis are popular today. Brash and flamboyant, Tilden is regarded as one of the top athletes of the first half of the 20th century in spite of the turmoil of his personal life.
Autograph Letter Signed ("Bill"). Four pages, octavo, Saugus, California, October 13, 1949. To Arthur Anderson. On lined paper, in pencil. Transmittal envelope included, addressed in Tilden's hand, as well as a reprint of a signed black and white photograph. Mailing folds, minor incidental soil. Very good condition.
Tilden had been convicted on a morals charge and served time in 1947 and was returned to prison in 1949 on a parole violation -- it is from his Saugus prison cell that he wrote the letter offered here. Written to his protege, this wonderful missive outlines strategy for placing Anderson in Davis Cup contention and offers coaching advice: "…All it will need to put you up with the top flight is a bit more attack, a little better control of your defense…Lets move our Davis Cup goal up to 1951 to shoot for…" A unique artifact of Tilden's life with great tennis commentary.
Estimated Value $100 - 150.
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| Realized $127 |
