Dated December 2, 1820, the card records five holes played by Mr Cundell at the Musselburgh Race Track twice – a total of 10 holes in 84 strokes. The score was enough for the Leith Thistle Winter Metal, as noted at the top. At the bottom Mr Cundell has inscribed: Dreadful storm of wind and rain – atmosphere quite yellow – just like the lurid regions of Pandemonium.
Despite keeping score in poor weather, the card has been well preserved, and was offered mounted and framed at Bonhams’ sporting sale of May 1 in Edinburgh. It made just over its upper estimate of £3500, being knocked down for £3800.
Adding to the appeal was the object’s provenance to the golfing memorabilia collection of the golfer Sir Henry Cotton (1907-87), three-time Open Champion. His now famous ‘Tin Black Box’ collection was found in the mid-1990s and contained a collection built up over many years.
