A watch money clip in copper and gold plate featuring a golf ball marker. This very interesting and exceptionally rare piece was perhaps a private order. It is not a wrist watch that has had the lugs cut off, but an actual bespoke made piece. Being that we have never seen another, it is hard to imagine that there were many made, if more than this one. It is a copper money clip with this cased Elgin wrist watch movement, and atop that is a removable golf ball marker for the Thunderbird Country Club, in Rancho Mirage, California.
In 1946, Frank Bogert opened a 663-acre dude ranch called Thunderbird Ranch that offered activities like horseback riding, shooting, and chuck wagon meals. The ranch attracted Hollywood celebrities, including Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.
In 1950, Johnny Dawson, Barney Hinkle, and Frank Bogert purchased the adjacent Warburton ranch and pooled their resources to build Coachella Valley's first 18-hole golf course on the site in 1951. The course was designed by Lawrence Hughes, who also designed the 9-hole course at Tomahawk Lake Country Club in South Dakota. Thunderbird became the first golf club to offer home sites for sale.
In 1955, Thunderbird hosted the Ryder Cup Matches on November 5th and 6th. Thunderbird has been a favorite of US Presidents, including Gerald Ford, Barack Obama, and Eisenhower, who became a member in 1961. Eisenhower would often play 18 holes with other members and sometimes brought his Vice President, Richard Nixon, along. He was also responsible for President Lyndon Johnson visiting Thunderbird to play the course multiple times.
This is a very rare, if not unique opportunity to own a piece of U.S golfing history and very interesting accessory. This is far from the first time one can find a money clip and watch combination. Perhaps it was Cartier that first included a watch with a money clip all the way back in the 1920's. But, other companies have also made combination pieces. This is however the first time we have come across a clip with a watch and a golf ball marker, and one from a famous gold course. A true rarity.
