Preppy Antique Rowing Rudder Trophy Award Team Crew Cambridge University Sports Home Decor

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Step back in time and experience the rich sporting heritage of Cambridge University with this exceptional and rare piece of … Read more Step back in time and experience the rich sporting heritage of Cambridge University with this exceptional and rare piece of rowing memorabilia — an original wooden boat rudder from 1930, steeped in nearly a century of collegiate tradition and athletic triumph.

Once part of an actual racing boat, this striking rudder commemorates Gonville & Caius College’s victory in the famed Clinker Fours Race of 1930. Beautifully hand-painted with the crests of both Cambridge University and the winning college, it stands as a vivid reminder of the fierce rivalries and enduring camaraderie that define rowing on the River Cam.

A true testament to the era’s sporting spirit, the rudder proudly lists the names of the victorious crew alongside those of the rival colleges they outpaced. With its beautifully aged patina, areas of craquelure, and traces of original paint loss, this piece carries the authentic character only time can bestow — a tangible connection to Cambridge’s storied past.

Measuring an impressive 17.5 inches long, 12.25 inches high, and 12.5 inches wide, this substantial rudder makes a striking display piece for collectors of university or rowing memorabilia, or anyone drawn to objects with rich, personal histories. Please refer to the accompanying photographs for further details on condition.

Of particular note is the presence of A.D.G. Braithwaite among the names — later a participant in the notable Cambridge University Spitsbergen Expedition of 1932 — adding a layer of academic adventure and exploration to its provenance.

Rarely seen on the open market, this trophy rudder is more than a decorative piece; it’s a distinguished relic of athletic glory, academic tradition, and the timeless spirit of competition that continues to define Cambridge rowing today. See less