ASCOT RACES, 1911 — LT.-COL. GORDON CARTER’S PRIVATE STAND ADMISSION TICKET

ASCOT RACES, 1911 — LT.-COL. GORDON CARTER’S PRIVATE STAND ADMISSION TICKET

Object Type: Printed admission ticket (ephemera)
Date: 1911
Place of Issue: Ascot Racecourse
Associated Individual: Lt.-Col. Gordon Carter (Clerk of the Course, Ascot)

Description

Size: 7.6cm x 4.9cmRectangular printed card ticket with rounded corners, produced on cream stock with distinctive red typography and decorative rules. The heading reads:

“Ascot Races, 1911.”
“Lt.-Col. Gordon Carter’s Private Stand”
“ADMIT”

Lower margin printed with:
“NOT TRANSFERABLE. Issued subject to the Rules of Racing.”

A blank dotted line is provided for the name of the attendee, indicating personalised and controlled admission. The use of red ink and formal typographic hierarchy gives the ticket a slightly more emphatic visual character than many contemporary racecourse admissions.

Historical Context

This ticket grants entry to a private stand under the authority of Lt.-Col. Gordon Carter, who served as Clerk of the Course at Ascot during a formative period in the early 20th century.

Carter was responsible for:

• race organisation and regulation
• enforcement of standards and conduct
• overall operational control of the meeting

The existence of a named “Private Stand” under his control illustrates the extent of his authority, extending beyond technical race management into regulated access and social structuring within the racecourse.

Issued in 1911—early in Carter’s tenure—this ticket belongs to a period in which Ascot was becoming increasingly formalised as both:

• a premier racing event
• a highly controlled social environment aligned with royal expectations

Significance

• Rare evidence of administrative authority expressed through spatial control at Ascot
• Demonstrates how access to viewing areas could be mediated by senior officials, not only aristocratic hosts
• Illustrates the intersection of sport, governance, and social hierarchy in Edwardian Britain
• Early dated example (1911), marking the initial phase of Carter’s influence at Ascot

Condition

Very good plus condition. Clean and stable card with strong colour retention in the red printing. Edges intact with no significant tears or losses. Adhesive residue to verso. Minor age-related toning consistent with period paper stock.

Rarity

Scarce. As single-use items, such tickets were typically discarded. Examples naming specific individuals—particularly administrative figures such as Carter—are less commonly encountered than general admission tickets.

Catalogue Note

A notable and uncommon survival, this ticket encapsulates the operational and social authority exercised at Ascot in the early 20th century. Its association with Lt.-Col. Gordon Carter—central to the management and regulation of the meeting—offers insight into how access, order, and hierarchy were actively constructed within one of Britain’s most prestigious sporting events.

Why Buy From Us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our book collection is meticulously curated to ensure that each edition is a valuable and authentic piece of bibliographical history. Here’s what sets us apart:

Authenticity and Provenance: Every book is researched, collated, and verified for authenticity.

Expert Curation: Each book is selected with a keen eye for significance, condition, and rarity, ensuring a collection that is both diverse and distinguished.

Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions and provenance to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.

Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to make a return, books may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. We request advance notification of returns, and books must be returned in the same condition as sent for a full refund.

Explore Our Collection:

Established in 1976, Hornseys’ is a family business based in Ripon. We buy and sell rare and signed books, artwork, maps, furnishings, bruins, ‘The Adventures of Tintin’ and many other carefully curated items. We exhibit regularly at London book-fairs. We sell to leading dealers and clients throughout the world. Authenticity is guaranteed on all our products. Postage is free in the UK and we also offer fully-insured and tracked worldwide shipping.