Early 20th Century Richard Staub ZÜRICH Wooden Sporting Discus

A rare and highly decorative early 20th century Swiss athletic discus by Richard Staub of Zürich, dating to approximately 1900–1910. Of traditional circular form, the discus is constructed principally from wood with a substantial inset metal centre, prominently bearing the Richard Staub name. Richard Staub was an important early Swiss manufacturer and supplier of sporting and alpine equipment based in Zürich. Historical research records Staub as a manufacturer by the beginning of the 20th century, with an advertisement of 1903 listing numerous retailers stocking products from his range. Museum collections provide particularly useful evidence for dating the present piece. The Museum Alpin in Pontresina holds sporting equipment marked “Richard Staub Zürich”, including a ski catalogued to 1901–1910. Staub subsequently acquired manufacturing premises at Wetzikon in 1907. Following his death in 1915 the business interests passed to his heirs, with the later H. Staub & Co. continuing the manufacture and trade of sporting articles. The construction and dimensions of this discus are consistent with other surviving athletic discus from the opening years of the 20th century. Early sporting equipment of this nature has become increasingly collectible, particularly pieces connected with identifiable manufacturers. Examples carrying the Richard Staub name appear to be distinctly uncommon. A fascinating survivor from the formative years of organised European athletics and an excellent decorative object for a collection of antique sporting memorabilia, Olympic and athletics history or Swiss sporting equipment.