At Objet d’Art Stuff, we often come across fascinating historical artifacts that tell remarkable stories. One such piece is an early 20th-century oak dinner gong, a beautifully crafted Arts and Crafts item with a silver presentation badge. The inscription reads:
"RAA Beresford Bulwick LTC Open Singles 1892 & 1893."
This discovery raises intriguing questions: Who was RAA Beresford? What was the Bulwick Lawn Tennis Club (LTC)? And how does a dinner gong fit into the world of 19th-century lawn tennis?
Lawn Tennis in the Late 19th Century
Lawn tennis was a rising sport in Britain during the late 19th century, evolving from earlier forms of court tennis. By the 1890s, local clubs were thriving, hosting tournaments that ranged from friendly matches to competitive open championships.
One such club was likely Bulwick LTC, possibly based in Bulwick, Northamptonshire. While details on the club are scarce, many villages and towns established their own tennis courts during this era. Clubs were often exclusive, attended by the upper and middle classes, who gathered not only to compete but to socialize in grand style.
Who Was RAA Beresford?
The name RAA Beresford suggests a connection to the Beresford family, a historically significant surname in Britain, particularly linked to the aristocracy. Without further records, the exact identity of this champion remains unclear, but it’s likely that RAA Beresford was a skilled player in the regional tennis scene, winning the Bulwick LTC Open Singles in both 1892 and 1893.
The Role of Dinner Gongs in British Clubs
So why would a tennis champion receive a dinner gong as a trophy?
During the Victorian and Edwardian periods, dinner gongs were a staple in wealthy homes and social clubs. Their primary function was to signal meal times—an elegant, resonant way to summon guests to the dining room.
In sports clubs, a gong might have been used to:
Call members to post-match dinners or banquets.
Announce formal club meetings or events.
Serve as a trophy, an alternative to silver cups or medals.
The presence of a silver presentation badge suggests that this gong was a highly regarded prize or a commemorative piece honouring Beresford’s victories.
An Arts and Crafts Masterpiece
Beyond its sporting history, this oak dinner gong is an excellent example of the Arts and Crafts movement, which flourished between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Reacting against industrial mass production, this movement celebrated handcrafted quality, natural materials, and intricate design.
The solid oak frame reflects the movement’s appreciation for sturdy craftsmanship.
The brass gong is both functional and decorative.
The silver badge elevates it from a simple household item to a prestigious award.
The hessian-replaced hammer end suggests that, despite its age, this piece was cherished and maintained over the decades.
A Piece of Sporting and Cultural History
This antique dinner gong is more than just an object—it’s a portal into the world of Victorian and Edwardian sports, social customs, and design. It’s a testament to the elegance of early tennis clubs, where competition and camaraderie went hand in hand.
Whether used to announce dinner, commemorate a champion, or symbolize the grandeur of the era, this piece continues to resonate—both literally and historically.
If you’re intrigued by artifacts that carry stories from the past, explore our collection at www.objetdart-stuff.co.uk, where every item has a tale to tell.
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