A unique and wonderful piece of early Los Angeles history! A beautiful antique circa 1914 silver plated trophy with boar handles, with an applied model T Ford on one side and engraved on the other for a Janss Investment Company sales contest. The engraving reads:

SALES DEPARTMENT
JANSS INVESTMENT CO.
PRESENTED TO
G. H. MAC GINNIS
4000 POINTS OCTOBER RECORD
1914

The Janss investment company would change the face of downtown Los Angeles starting by developing the Westwood Village area and donating lands for UCLA in the 1920s, but in the prior decade they were working in the San Fernando Valley selling ranches and home plots in Van Nuys, Owensmouth (now known as Canoga Park) and Marian (now known as Resida). When this trophy was awarded they were known for hosting car races along the new, broad boulevards leading into the valley from downtown Los Angeles, along with providing free car transportation to and from downtown to perspective buyers. I assume that’s why a model T Ford is so prominently included on this trophy cup. 

Excellent condition for its age, no major dents or damage, just a couple very small bumps. The handles are tightly attached to the cup without any breaks or damage, just a slight wobble due to age related shrinkage. Mild to moderate tarnish that will polish beautifully if desired. Measures approximately 12” tall by almost 11.5” across the handles. No makers marks.

The final couple photos are ephemera I came across while researching the investment company and its history building downtown Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. The images are provided for historical context only since they are from the time this trophy was awarded, but the original papers are not included with its purchase.