THE DAVIS CUP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22901, 2 December 1937, Page 23

THE DAVIS CUP

EXTENSION OF DESIGN A MUCH-TRAVELLED TROPHY As- Gaul in the time of Caesar was divided into three parts, so the Davis Cup has gone through three phases of existence and is composed of three entities, says a writer in American Lawn Tennis. There was, first, the cup itsolf, an example of the silversmith's art, handsome and in keeping with the desire of its donor, Dwigbt F. Davis. It was created by a Boston firm, and placed in competition in 1900. By 1920 the cup had been entirely covered with inscriptions containing the names of the winning nations and thJr players. It was then decided to design and manufacture a tray that would be in keeping with the cup, and this plan was carried out. By 1935 the tray, in turn, was covered with inscriptions, and so a third stop was taken. A base or pedestal was designed and made, it being estimated that it would last for another 30 years, or until 1965. . The distance travelled by the Davis Cup, 1900 to 1927. inclusive, is probably in the neighbourhood of 40,000 miles. The greater part of this has, of course, been in "commuting" to Australia and New Zealand. The cup journeyed from England to Australia in 1907, returned to England in 1913 and was sent l»» Australia again in 1910. It is interesting to know that from 1.914 to 1919 the cup reposed in tin* safe deposit vaults of a New York firm. It had been intended to seiid it to Australia in 1914, the German raiders were at that time dealing destruction to shipping and it was decided not to incur any risk. When the United States won the cup in 1920, and it was brought back, it was found that it had been knocked about pretty badly and needed repairs. It was thereupon decided to protect it from further damage. A metalbound oak chest was designed, and when the cup and tray went to France in 1927 it. was taken from the vaults and placed in this cliest for aafe -eaniage. -r* : vv . • •