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Dutch Tennis Challenge Trophy Plaque - 'V.V.G.A. Algemene' (1937–1939)

A rectangular cast metal Dutch tennis trophy plaque from 1937-1939 with a central tennis player medallion and laurel wreath decoration. - view 1
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Estimated value

$85 - $225

Rarity

Scarce(6/10)

Category

Memorabilia

Era

1937-1939

Origin

🇳🇱 Netherlands

Authenticity

Very High(90%)
49

DUTCH TENNIS CHALLENGE TROPHY PLAQUE - 'V.V.G.A. ALGEMENE' (1937–1939): IDENTIFICATION

A cast metal commemorative plaque, likely zinc or a base metal alloy with a dark patinated finish, serving as a 'wisselprijs' (challenge trophy) for a Dutch tennis organization. The plaque features a Neoclassical cartouche frame with scrollwork, a laurel wreath, and a central gilt medallion depicting a tennis player in mid-swing. The Dutch inscription 'TENNIS-WISSELPRIJS V.V.G.A. - ALGEMENE' identifies the organization and competition type, followed by engraved annual winners for 1937, 1938, and 1939.

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CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS

Where This Object Echoes

Dutch Sporting CultureEarly 20th Century

The 'wisselprijs' tradition is a staple of Dutch club life, emphasizing communal ownership and the continuity of the sport.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •Annual club prize-giving ceremonies where the trophy would be physically handed from the previous year's champion to the current winner.

Meaning Through Time

Pre-1940

A functional object of active sporting prestige and merit.

Post-War to Present

An artifact of social history, documenting a specific era of Dutch university life silenced by war.

EVENT & PROVENANCE

This plaque originates from the Netherlands during the late Interwar period. The 'V.V.G.A.' represents the 'Vrije Universiteit Gezelligheidsvereniging Amsterdam', and the plaque documents the 'General' (Algemene) tennis competition results immediately preceding the German occupation of the ...
This plaque originates from the Netherlands during the late Interwar period. The 'V.V.G.A.' represents the 'Vrije Universiteit Gezelligheidsvereniging Amsterdam', and the plaque documents the 'General' (Algemene) tennis competition results immediately preceding the German occupation of the Netherlands in May 1940. The term 'wisselprijs' indicates it was a rotating trophy intended to be passed between winners, though the engraving stops at 1939.

COLLECTOR NOTES

1

The engraving ends abruptly in 1939, likely because the 1940 competition was canceled or disrupted by the outbreak of World War II in the Netherlands.

SCARCITY

Scarce80-90%
CommonLegendary

Genuinely harder to find. Perhaps only dozens come to market annually. Collectors actively watch for these pieces.

Rarity 6/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 1 memorabilia item at rarity 6 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Dozens per year at market
  • Documented provenance valued
  • Active collector pursuit

Confidence Factors

  • Natural oxidation patterns consistent with 80+ year old base metal
  • Engraving style for the years 1937-1939 matches period hand-tooling techniques
  • Specific institutional acronym (V.V.G.A.) aligns with historical Amsterdam organizations
How does authenticity detection work?

MEMORABILIA EXPERT'S TAKE

Decorative Arts Specialist

Silver & Glass Expert

Identification is high due to the explicit engraving of years and organization names, though the specific metal composition is estimated visually.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Identification of Dutch terminology 'Wisselprijs' (Challenge Trophy).
  • 2Engraved dates 1937, 1938, and 1939 on the front face.
  • 3Presence of foundry mark '720' on the reverse.
  • 4Material characteristics of oxidized zinc or spelter alloy.
  • 5Style of the central gilt tennis medallion.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •The plaque is missing its original wooden mount, which significantly reduces its appeal as a display piece.
  • •Substantial surface scratching across the primary text field.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Examine edges for any smaller foundry hallmarks or retailer stamps.
  • →Verify 'V.V.G.A.' records in Amsterdam university archives to confirm the specific tennis branch history.
  • →Check for magnetic response to confirm if the base is iron/steel vs. a zinc-based alloy.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

Significant surface wear and scratches across the central field; mounting holes at the top corners indicate it was once attached to a wooden shield or wall. The patina is uneven with some spots of white oxidation, typical for aged zinc alloys.

Weight & feel

Substantial and dense, likely weighing between 1.2 kg and 1.8 kg based on the thickness of the cast plate.

MEMORABILIA MARKET VALUE

$85 - $225

Updated: May 11, 2026

Who buys this

Collectors of Dutch university memorabilia, tennis historians, and researchers of pre-WWII Amsterdam social life.

What increases value

  • •The specific window of 1937-1939 provides poignant historical context regarding the onset of WWII.
  • •The institution (V.V.G.A.) has a dedicated alumni and archival following in Amsterdam.

What lowers value

  • •Loss of the original wooden mounting board.
  • •Heavy surface abrasion obscuring parts of the engraving.

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Original mounting board intact
  • •Continuity of engravings through the 1940s and 50s
  • •Artist-signed casting

Grade & condition

Legibility of engraving, depth of oxidation, and integrity of the central gilt wash.

Rarity & demand

ScarceNiche demandSpecialist market
Browse similar memorabilia objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

RE

Rene

Fellow Collector•44 items

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