Highly desirable limited edition cast bronze sculpture entitled "Pony Express III" by Harry Jackson, presented to Congressman Ralph Harding in appreciation of his association with the Danny Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament. The dramatic sculpture portrays an exciting Old West moment: a Pony Express mail carrier turns with his revolver aimed at an unseen outlaw, his cowboy hat windswept as his horse gallops forward at top speed. The bronze foundation is etched with the shorthand title and edition number, "PEIII 170" (of an edition of 1000), artist's signature, "Harry Jackson, 1977," foundry mark, and thumbprint (as typical on Jackson's works). Set upon a black marble base, the whole piece measures approximately 10 x 9.5 x 3.5, with a small title plate on the front, "Pony Express III, Harry Jackson," and engraved presentation plaque on the reverse, "Ralph Harding, Sincere appreciation from friends of the Danny Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament." In fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of origin from Jackson's Wyoming Foundry Studios, dated November 27, 1985, signed by Harry Jackson; also includes some ephemera from his studio, including a 1986 sales catalogue with price list ("Pony Express III" listed at $2900) and a 1987 newsletter.
Following his career in Congress, Ralph Harding co-founded the Danny Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament with his business partner, Hall of Fame baseball player Harmon Killebrew. The tournament, held to benefit to benefit leukemia and cancer research, was established in memory of Killebrew's former teammate who passed away from leukemia at age 30. Today known as the 'Killebrew-Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament,' the annual event has raised over $15 million since its inception.
