estateRUTH.

Identification

Charles Crombie 'Rules of Golf' Rule XVIII Lithograph Print

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

The print is clearly identifiable as Charles Crombie's 'Rule XVIII' from his 'Rules of Golf' series, featuring the signature 'Chas Crombie' in the plate and the Perrier copyright text.

Story

Charles Crombie was a renowned British illustrator who created the 'Rules of Golf' series circa 1905 as a promotional campaign for Perrier water. The series humorously depicted the sometimes absurd rules of the game and became iconic in golf history. Due to their enduring popularity, these images have been reproduced numerous times throughout the 20th century. The market for Charles Crombie's golf prints is steady but bifurcated.

Maker / Origin

Charles Crombie

Condition & Value

Based on the visible evidence, the print appears to be in good decorative condition, housed in a wood frame under glass with vibrant colors. However, because it is sealed under glass, it is impossible to assess the paper for acid burn, foxing, or to examine the print matrix (halftone dots vs. true lithography) without un-framing it.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The market for Charles Crombie's golf prints is steady but bifurcated. Original 1905 Perrier editions hold appeal for golf antiquarians and print collectors, typically trading between $80 and $150 depending on the specific rule and condition. Later mid-century reproductions are primarily bought as decorative wall art for offices or clubhouses, moving reliably in the $40 to $60 range.

Value Drivers

▲ Iconic subject matter from Charles Crombie's highly collectible 'Rules of Golf' series.

▲ Attractive Edwardian illustration style with strong crossover appeal for golf enthusiasts.

▲ Ready-to-hang framed presentation adds immediate decorative retail value.

Concerns

▼ Unverified printing era — a later reproduction would anchor the value to the $40-$60 decorative tier.

▼ Unexamined paper condition — hidden acid burn or foxing beneath the mat/frame could discount the value if present.

Best Venue

To maximize value, carefully examine the print under magnification (such as a jeweler's loupe) to look for the irregular dot pattern of true lithography versus the uniform mechanical dot pattern of a modern reproduction. If confirmed as an original, list it with a specialized sports memorabilia or antiquarian print dealer. If it is a reproduction, it is best suited for direct-to-consumer platforms like eBay or Etsy as decorative golf art.

Upside Potential

If the print is removed from the frame and confirmed to be an original 1905/1906 Perrier edition with full margins and no acid damage, the value firmly shifts into the $120-$150 collector tier.

Authenticity Risk

medium

While not 'forgeries' in the malicious sense, later authorized and unauthorized reproductions of Crombie's prints are extremely common. Because the item is framed under glass, it is difficult to distinguish a valuable c. 1905 original lithograph from a mid-century photomechanical reproduction without close-up inspection of the print matrix.

▾

Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 7 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Ketterer Kunst· 2007-11-19
    Charles Crombie. The rules of golf., 1910.
    Appears to be the complete book or portfolio of prints, not a single print.
    $842
  • Bonhams· 2005-07-07
    After Charles Crombie, The Rules of Golf, an early edition C. 1905
    Appears to be the complete early edition book/portfolio.
    $353
  • Peter Francis Auctioneers· 2025-01-15
    The Rules of Golf Illustrated, by Charles Crombie, a collection of limited number coloured prints.
    Collection of prints rather than a single print.
    $240
  • The Golf Auction· 2024-06-16
    1966 'Some of the Rules of Golf' Illustrated by Charles Crombie - Ariel Press, London
    1966 book reissue, not a single antique print.
    $48
  • Waterbury Auction Gallery
    Perrier's 'Some Rules Of Golf ' Charles Crombie - Superb Re-Issue After 1905 Original
    Appears to be a re-issue book or complete set, not a single original print.
    $21
  • eBay
    Vintage Rules of Golf:Rule XVIII by Charles Crombie c.1905 signed CHAS CROMBIE
    Sale on record but hammer price not published.
    No price
  • Ripley Auctions· 2024-07-10
    Lot of 5 golf and hunting lithographs: Charles Crombie, William (Sir William) Nicholson 6 1/8"H x 8 5/8"W (sight), 11"H x 14"W (mat) (The Rules of Golf)
    Lot of 5 mixed lithographs.
    No price