Sale Description:
The John Mott Sporting Prototype Collection: Innovator and Inventor
The John Mott Sporting Prototype Collection: Innovator and Inventor
As catalogued by the inventor himself
Sold to benefit cancer and children's charities.
Viewing by appointment only
Polymath and inventor John Mott is selling original prototypes of his inventions ranging from the original light up sneakers, carbon fibre golf clubs and racquets (from all racquet sports) and futuristic graphics for Sneakers.
Mott is the UK's most prolific and successful inventor with over one hundred eclectic inventions to his name, with patents, copyrights and brands covering all sports equipment. He invented the world’s first all-aluminium racquets which were later finished in 9ct gold and diamond tipped engraving. Forty-five years ago, Mott developed injection moulding techniques with carbon fibre (graphite) production innovations creating the first braided carbon fibre golf clubs, moving on to the use of moulded titanium wire to manufacture unbreakable racquets, some of which had no string holes in them. He then used a castellated titanium system in another injection moulding innovation, which incorporated co-injection of nitrogen to create fully finished racquets ready for stringing in 48 seconds. Many of these concepts and manufacturing techniques remain state of the art today rendering all existing manufacturing techniques obsolete.
Over the years Mott has had many accolades for his work, but his proudest moment is an honour given to him by the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, namely, to feature his inventions on their website.
Sadly John recently lost his wife Gilly to cancer. Before her death she suggested he take a leaf out of J.M. Barrie’s book, who donated all rights from Peter Pan to Great Ormond Street Hospital. A quarter of all proceeds of John’s inventions, patents and copyrights will be donated to children’s charities, cancer charities and the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, Farnham.
'I was 9 years old when I added a triangular non-return wooden barrier in the form of a small Toblerone, to the front of my Mum's dustpan, so that dust would not tip out once captured. This innovation is now seen in every dustpan worldwide. Fast forward, I invented the first all aluminium tennis racquets in 1976 decorated with 9ct gold plating, with the first full length covers to protect them. I subsequently developed the world's first braided carbon fibre racquets and golf clubs, some of which are included in this auction. My story travels from Petersfield, Hampshire UK to discovering a unique fitness product called Gympac and introducing them to Diversified Products (DP) in the US, where I headed up International Research and Development for the whole world excluding the USA. Buddy Pilgrim (Executive Vice President, DP) invested heavily in my own developments creating braided carbon fibre manufacturing techniques and finished products never before seen. Unfortunately due to unforeseen events production was ceased and all rights and licences reverted to me'.
The John Mott Sporting Prototype Collection: Innovator and Inventor
Sale Dates:
Ended Sun 14th September 2025
from
7pm
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Online Bidding:
31.2% inc VAT*
*These fees include buyers premiums and internet surcharges. Other fees may apply.
Please see the Terms & Conditions for more information
INFORMATION FOR BUYERS
The following information notes are intended to assist Buyers, particularly those inexperienced or new to our salerooms. All sales are conducted on our printed Conditions of Sale which are readily available for inspection at our premises and on our website, and normally accompany catalogues. Our staff will be happy to help you if there is anything you do not fully understand.
Buyers Premium
The Conditions of Sale oblige buyers to pay a buyer’s premium at 23% + vat on the hammer price of each lot purchased (27.6% inclusive). VAT (*) indicates that VAT is payable by the purchaser at the standard rate (presently 20%) on the hammer price as well as being an element in the buyer’s premium. This imposition of VAT is likely to be because the seller is registered for VAT within the European Union and is not operating the Dealers Margin Scheme or because VAT is due at 20% on importation into the UK. The double symbol (**) indicates that the lot has been imported from outside the European Union and the present position is that these lots are liable to a reduced rate of VAT (5%) on the gross lot price (ie both the hammer price and the buyer’s premium). Lots which appear without either of the above symbols indicate that no VAT is payable on the hammer price. This is because such lots are sold using the Auctioneers’ Margin Scheme and it should be noted that the VAT included within the Premium is not recoverable as input tax.
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Commission bidding
Commission bids may be left with the auctioneers indicating the maximum amount to be bid excluding buyer’s premium. They will be executed as cheaply as possible having regard to the reserve (if any) and competing bids. If two buyers submit identical commission bids the auctioneers may prefer the first bid received, and if identical, a bid left with the auctioneers will always take priority over an online commission bid. Please enquire in advance about our arrangements for the leaving of commission bids by telephone or email.
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Estimates
Estimates are designed to help buyers gauge what sort of sum might be involved for the purchase of a particular lot. The lower estimate may represent the reserve price and certainly will not be below it. Estimates do not include the Buyer’s Premium or VAT (where chargeable). Estimates are prepared some time before the sale and may be altered by announcement before the sale. They are in no sense definitive.
Electrical goods
These are sold as ‘antiques’ only and if bought for use must be checked over for compliance with safety regulations by a qualified electrician first.
Export of goods
Buyers intending to export goods should ascertain (a) whether an export licence is required and (b) whether there is any specific prohibition on importing goods of that character because, eg. They may contain prohibited materials such as ivory. Ask us if you need help.
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Shipping: Please note, we do not offer an in-house post/packing service but do recommend our local Mailboxes, who can be contacted on 01962 622133 on info@mbewinchester.co.uk
Collection and storage
Please note what the Conditions of Sale state about collection and storage. It is important that goods are paid for and collected promptly. Any delay may involve the buyer in paying storage charges.
Complaints
Andrew Smith & Son operate a Complaints Handling Procedure, and full details are available on request from our office, or can be accessed via our website www.andrewsmithandson.com
Please note we do NOT offer shipping or post and packing, but recommend our local Mail Boxes who can be contacted on 00 44 1962 622133 (info@mbewinchester.co.uk). We may also be able to recommend alternative companies.
We strongly suggest you obtain a quote and ensure you are able to satisfy any local legal requirements for the import/export of the items before bidding.
