Arthur Ashe's Davis Cup award from the U.S. victory in 1979. The prestigious worldwide tournament is the most important event in men's tennis. In 1963 Ashe made history as the first black player selected for the U.S. Team and in 1979, the year of this award, he was awarded a trophy for being part of the team that won first place. The U.S. Davis Cup Team won in the final against Italy in San Francisco on 14-16 December, while Ashe recovered from quadruple bypass surgery he underwent on the 13th. Following the string of heart problems that began with this incident Ashe was diagnosed with toxoplasmosis, which led to his diagnosis with AIDS, from which he died tragically in 1993 at age 49. This elegant award is a globe and world clock mounted to a black wooden base. Slate color globe features the world map and time zones in gilt. A label at the bottom of the base reads, " 1979 / The Royal Geographical Society World Clock" and a plaque at the front of the base reads, "1979 Davis Cup Champions / ARTHUR ASHE". Measures 10.75" in height on a 9" square base. A stunning tribute to the tennis great and civil rights hero. Clock does not function, else fine condition. With an LOA from Arthur Ashe's widow.