SCP Auctions, Inc.
Timed Auction

Summer Premier Auction 2014

Wed, Aug 6, 2014 08:00PM EDT - Sun, Aug 24, 2014 11:00AM EDT
Lot 264

APRIL 30, 1940 PROTOTYPE OF FIRST RUBBER "SWIM-FINS" MANUFACTURED BY OWEN CHURCHILL (HELMS/LA84 COLLECTION)

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Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$30,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
$200,000 $20,000
$300,000 $25,000
$500,000 $50,000
April 30 1940 prototype and actual finished version of the first rubber "Swim-Fins" manufactured by American yachtsman Owen Churchill. Churchill competed for the USA in the 1932 Summer Olympics as a crew member on the boat Angelita which won the gold medal in the 8 meter class. In 1940 he designed and patented the swim fin after improving it from an earlier version using vulcanized rubber. Piece of white tape on one reads "First "Swim-Fin" OWEN CHURCHILL out of the molds APRIL 30 1940". Both are in surprisingly supple condition.

Includes a Letter of Provenance from the Helms Athletic Foundation/LA84 Collection.

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