Catalog (40)

Offered is a very colorful group of 5, circa 1970s, golf tee matchbook-style packets which served as novelty advertisement giveaways for family-owned ALBERT BROS., INC., Waterbury, CT, a 119 year old scrap metal recycling company.

Each identical packet is designed in the form of a large matchbook and contains 6 painted wooden golf tees and one plastic ball marker.

Each decorative pack measures about 4 inches long x 2.5 inches wide and ALL are in unused condition. The packets have some minor crimps, slight edge tears or general wear from storage over time. One of the packets has a large rip as seen in the photo.

Wonderfully colorful, usable novelty items from a century+ old company with an interesting history in the scrap metal recycling business. Display well and a unique addition to your golf or advertising collection!

*****PLEASE NOTE THAT WHILE ONLY 4 PACKETS ARE FEATURED IN THE GROUP PHOTOS, 5 PACKETS ARE ACTUALLY INCLUDED IN THIS PURCHASE AS PREVIOUSLY STATED.*****

Offered is an early 1900s, very striking, low profile, hickory shaft era, golf club, stamped "JIGGER" on the sole. A jigger in golf is a club in between a mashie and a mid iron essentially one with a low loft.

The club sports a nice patina throughout including an original grip and desirable smooth face construction. Measures 37 inches from the heel to end of the straight, sturdy shaft. The club shows mild wear and is void of any cleek or maker marks.

A sweet, well-balanced club ready for your use or for display in your collection.

SOME HISTORY

The jigger is said to have its origins in Scotland during the late 19th century. It was popularized by greats such as Harry Vardon and James Braid. Due to the evolution of golf course design and smoother, faster greens the need for a specialized club for short shots diminished.

Offered is a fine, all-original, aluminum, golf mallet putter from the Dave Cuthbert shop of St. Andrews Scotland.

This well balanced and sleek appearing club sports a straight hickory shaft and a nice leather grip. Deep checkering lines adorn the face and a well struck "D. CUTHBERT - SPECIAL" stamp is seen on the top.

The condition is very good with the expected small dings, scratches and wear of a club that is over 100 years old. The club measures 34 inches from the sole to the end of the club.

SOME HISTORY

David Scott “Dave” Cuthbert was born in St. Andrews, Scotland in 1885. He got his start in golf as a caddy at St. Andrews Golf Club, and as a young man, he worked in Old Tom Morris’ golf shop. He often caddied for Freddie Tait who was one of the greatest amateurs in Great Britain. In 1912, Cuthbert learned from a friend who had worked in America that Huntingdon Valley Country Club was looking for a golf professional, so he set sail at once. He arrived in Philadelphia during a March blizzard with his golf clubs and a suitcase. He then proceeded to seek out the Huntingdon Valley green chairman. Without an appointment he announced that he was David Cuthbert of St. Andrews and he had come all the way from Scotland for the position of golf professional. He was hired and stayed seven years. He relocated to Canada for four years and returned to PA when Ashbourne Country Club opened in 1923. Cuthbert was Ashbourne’s first golf pro, and he remained there for fifteen years. In the club's opening year, 1923, Cuthbert finished second by one stroke in the 1923 Pennsylvania Open.

Here is a fine example of a club created by a skilled craftsman! It is a circa 1910, smooth face hickory shaft golf club sporting a wonderful patina, stamped on the back "NICHOLLS SPECIAL".

Smooth face golf clubs fell out of fashion, and perhaps function, by the very early 1900s, yet they were still offered in catalogues for a number of years beyond this date.

The grip is missing except for the listing which is in good condition, and the almost-straight hickory shaft sports a nice aged patina. There is a stamp near the base of the grip noting the following: ???? A.& C.P. CO. Mfgr - Westboro, Mass. It measures 37 inches from heel to top of shaft and is likely a MASHIE NIBLICK although it is not marked as such. There are various minor dings to the metal surface and examples of wear commensurate with this club's use and 110+ years of age.

Interesting notes: This club was most likely imported from Scotland and sold by the English brothers Gilbert and Bernard Nicholls who emigrated to the US in the early 1900s. Both brothers (who were not clubmakers) had excellent professional golfing careers. Interestingly, Scotland imported thousands of wooden shafts from the US during the hickory golf club era as evidenced by the Westboro, Mass stamp on shaft.

Offered are two, very nice, circa 1905-1910, smooth face, hickory shaft, golf clubs. Smooth face golf clubs fell out of fashion and perhaps function by the very early 1900s, but they were still offered in catalogues for a number of years beyond this date.

The 1st smooth face club is stamped on the back "Wm. GIBSON - KINGHORN SCOTLAND - CLEEK ...". It is a quite scarce, left handed model with a lambskin grip, straight hickory shaft, sporting a nice, aged patina. It measures 38 inches from heel to top of shaft and has small dings and surface wear commensurate with use and it's 110+ years of age.

The 2nd club is marked "SD & G" on back, and it, too, has signs of honorable use and wear. There is a "sheen" present in the sweet spot on the face that is of unknown origin. The club has a straight shaft, an appealing patina and measures 37 inches from the top of the shaft to the heel.

Two sweet early 1900s clubs!

Offered is a rare, circa 1910-1921, Macgregor DEEP GROOVE Golf Club that was designed to significantly enhance the backspin of a golf ball. As history would have it, the clubs actually worked and gave an unfair advantage to those professionals who were adept at using them.

The back of the club is stamped as follows: WONT-RUST 9-R ACCURATE - BAKSPIN (with arrow) MASHIE-NIBLICK and an oval stamp with MACGREGOR, DAYTON OH.

In 1921, RIBBED GOLF CLUBS were banned by the R&A and USGA just after the OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP.

Measures 35.5 inches from heel to top of shaft. The leather grip appears to be original and is in good condition. The hickory shaft is straight, sturdy, and has the following stamping near the grip: THE CRAWFORD MACGREGOR & CAMBY CO. DAYTON, OHIO. The head of the club shows moderate and honorable wear, worn grooves with a good surface.

A nice example of an early club with a controversial history.

For more details search DEEP GROOVE GOLF CLUB - JOCK HUTCHISON - RIBBED GOLF CLUB

Offered is this circa 1910-1921, very scarce, Kroydon DEEP GROOVE Golf Club with atypically-designed grooves called BRICK FACE.

Deep grooved clubs were designed to significantly enhance the backspin of a golf ball. As history would have it, these clubs actually worked and gave an unfair advantage to those professionals who were adept at using them! In 1921, RIBBED GOLF CLUBS were banned just after the OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP by both the R&A and USGA.

The back of the club is stamped as follows: "Kroydon U5 ?....? J.F. MATHEWS", and measures 36.5 inches from heel to top of shaft. The leather grip appears to be original and is in good condition. The hickory shaft is straight and sturdy. The head of the club shows mild and honorable wear, good grooves with mild unobtrusive pitting to the lower surface.

A nice example of an early club with a controversial history!

For more details search DEEP GROOVE GOLF CLUB - JOCK HUTCHISON - RIBBED GOLF CLUB

Offered is this circa 1910-1921, very scarce, Macgregor DEEP GROOVE Golf Club that was designed to significantly enhance the backspin of a golf ball. As history would have it, the clubs actually worked and gave an unfair advantage to those professionals who were adept at using them.

The back of the club is stamped as follows: Guaranteed Hand Forged - BAKSPIN (with arrow - a Macgregor identifier) and MASHIE.

In 1921, RIBBED GOLF CLUBS were banned by the R&A and USGA just after the OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP.

Measures 36.5 inches from heel to top of shaft. The leather grip appears to be original and is in good condition. The hickory shaft has a slight bend and is sturdy. The head shows modest and honorable wear, good grooves with generalized, unobtrusive pitting to the surface.

A nice example of an early club with a controversial history!!!

For more details search DEEP GROOVE GOLF CLUB - JOCK HUTCHISON - RIBBED GOLF CLUB.

Offered is this rare, circa 1910-1921, BURKE STANDARD DEEP GROOVE Golf Club that was designed to significantly enhance the backspin of a golf ball. As history would have it, the clubs actually worked and gave an unfair advantage to those professionals who were adept at using them.

The back of the club is stamped as follows: Warranted Hand Forged - BURKE STANDARD - MASHIE NIBLICK

Measures 35.5 inches from heel to top of shaft. The leather grip appears original and in good condition. The hickory shaft is mildly bent but quite sturdy. The head of the club shows modest and honorable wear and good grooves with generalized pitting to the surface.

A nice example of an early club with a controversial history!

SOME INTERESTING HISTORY:
The BURKE GOLF COMPANY started in 1910 and had a reputation for quality and intriguing innovation as evidenced by the fact that Jock Hutchison used their clubs, and Harry Vardon later gave them his endorsement. It was the company's deeply grooved mashie niblick which Hutchison used to win the 1921 Open, the first "American" to win it (although he was born and brought up in St Andrews). When the ban on such clubs later came into effect in July of that year, Jock presented the club to the R&A.

For more details search DEEP GROOVE GOLF CLUB - JOCK HUTCHISON - RIBBED GOLF CLUB

Offered are two, circa 1920 - 1930 era, hickory shaft golf clubs.

The first club, dating to 1925, has "TED RAY SEVENTY-TWO" "LADIES - SPECIAL - HAND FORGED and PUTTER" stamped on the back of the face. This WILSON-made club measures 33" from the heel to the top of the shaft and appears minimally used. The sturdy hickory shaft has a mild bend from front to back on the lower shaft. The leather grip is in good condition.

The second club, a mid iron, circa 1920-1930, is stamped on the on the back of club "KRO-FORGED PROFESSIONAL" and measures 37.5 inches from the top of the shaft to the heel. This KROYDON made club sports a sturdy straight shaft and a good original grip. There is faint superficial pitting to the club head.

Both clubs enjoy original patina and have mild wear commensurate with the clubs' use and their nearly 100 years of age. A delightful duo, ready for play or display!

SOME HISTORY:

https://www.si.com/golf/news/ted-ray-was-golfs-original-long-driver-and-a-true-original

It is worth a visit to this SPORTS ILLUSTRATED link for some great info on this delightful man, MAJOR winner and unheralded pro golfer TED RAY who deserves to be in the GOLF HALL OF FAME!

Offered are two, very nice, circa 1910, Seymour Dunn, DEEP DOT Face, hickory shaft golf clubs.

These scarce clubs are stamped on the back "MAKER - SEYMOUR DUNN - LAKE PLACID NEW YORK U.S.A. - a CROWN (VIET ARTE)..". The leather grips are in good condition, and the shafts sport a nice aged patina.

The PITCHER measures 35.5 inches from heel to top of shaft. The MIDIRON measures 37.5 inches from the heel to top of club, and there is a slight bend in the shaft. Both clubs have various small dings to the metal surface and areas of wear commensurate with the club's use and 110+ years of age.

Seymour Dunn, of Scottish origin, was the nephew of Willie Dunn, an accomplished golf pro, course designer and club maker. Seymour worked with his uncle for two years until setting up his own shop in 1910. Seymour, just like his uncle, became an accomplished golf pro, course designer and club maker, and additionally, was a successful author of books on golf and a frequent contributor to golf magazines. Quite a talented family!

Offered are two, very nice, circa 1915, smooth face, hickory shaft, golf clubs. Smooth face golf clubs fell out of fashion and perhaps function by the very early 1900s, but they were still offered in catalogues for a number of years beyond this date.

The 1st club is marked "FORGAN & SO.." and sports signs of honorable use and wear with faint pitting and has an original grip. The club has a straight shaft, an appealing patina and measures 38.5 inches from the top of the shaft to the heel. The shaft is stamped "FORGAN & SON - ST ANDREWS.

The 2nd smooth face club is stamped on the back "WRIGHT-DITSON". It is a handsome right handed model with a replaced lambskin grip, straight hickory shaft, sporting a nice, aged patina. It measures 37 inches from heel to top of shaft and has minimal pitting, small dings and surface wear commensurate with use and its 110+ years of age.

Two hard to find examples of early 1900s clubs which includes the popular Scottish club maker FORGAN!

Offered together are two collectible golf clubs from different makers.

The first one is a handsome club stamped "THOS. E. WILSON & Co." HAND FORGED and SPADE MASHIE. It dates to the early 1930s shortly after hickory shafted clubs transitioned to metal shafts. The club head is artfully paired with a "BRISTOL" labeled painted steel shaft and completed with a handsome leather grip. The club measures 36.5 inches from the heel to the end of the grip. The condition is good with generalized paint loss on shaft, a full original leather grip and a lightly worn club head sporting a handsome patina.

The second club sports a hickory shaft, original leather grip and a club head stamped with the following: "Professional Golfers Association" - "STANDARD" - "SPECIAL" plus the letter "W". The club is stamped "5" on the sole and measures about 36 inches from the heel to the end of the shaft. The solid shaft is slightly bent and the club head sports a nice patina showing leading edge dings.

Two very nice entry level vintage clubs!

Offered are two, desirable, circa 1910 era, smooth face, hickory shaft golf clubs made in Scotland. Although smooth face golf clubs fell out of fashion and perhaps function by the very early 1900s, they were still offered in catalogues for a number of years beyond this date.

The first club is stamped "J. NICHOLLS - SPECIAL - MASHIE" and measures 34" from the heel to the top of the shaft. The second club is stamped "J. KENNEDY - SPECIAL - MASHIE" and measures 37.5 inches from the top of the club to the heel.

Both clubs have leather grips, straight hickory shafts and sport nice aged patina on the hickory shaft and the metal clubs.

There are various small leading edge dings and examples of wear on both of the clubs that are commensurate with their use and 110+ years of age. Both clubs are very likely of Scottish origin based upon the style and construction of very similar clubs found in reference sources.

Offered are three, circa 1900-1905 era, Spalding, smooth face, hickory shaft golf clubs. Although smooth face golf clubs fell out of fashion and perhaps function by the very early 1900s, they were still offered in catalogues for a number of years beyond this date.

The first club has "THE SPALDING" stamped on the back of the face as well as on the shaft and dates to pre 1900. It measures 36" from the heel to the top of the shaft and appears minimally used. The sturdy hickory shaft has a mild bend near the face and is probably a MASHIE.

The second club, a mid iron, circa 1910, is stamped on the upper shaft and on the back of club "SPALDING SPECIAL" and measures 39 inches from the top of the club to the heel. The replaced grip is new and the shaft is moderately bent but sturdy.

The third club is also a mid iron and sports a straight shaft and fair grip. It has "A.G.SPALDING & BROS" stamped on the shaft and on the back of the club. It measures just over 38 inches from the end of the club to the heel and dates to C1905.

All three clubs enjoy original patina and have mild wear commensurate with the clubs' use and their 110+ years of age. A delightful trio!

Offered is this desirable, circa 1900, smooth face hickory shaft golf club from the noted Scottish AUCHTERLONIE club maker shop. Smooth face golf clubs fell out of fashion, and perhaps function, by the very early 1900s, yet they were still offered in catalogues for a number of years beyond this date.

This early club is stamped on the back "AUCHTERLONIE - SPECIAL". The replaced lambskin grip is in fine condition, and the hickory shaft sports a nice aged patina. It measures 38 inches from heel to top of shaft and is likely a MASHIE although it is not marked as such. There are various small dings, modest pitting to the metal surface and examples of wear commensurate with this club's use and 110+ years of age.

A very desirable Scottish golf club!

Offered is an extremely scarce, C1860s, United Kingdom Maker, Long Nose, Long Spoon, Wood Golf Club with original finish! It measures a formidable 44 inches from the heel to the end of the shaft! What is most intriguing about this club is the modestly angled 6 inch club face which showcases the dramatic curve.

This club actually presents a number of qualities that indicate it may, in fact, be an example of pre-1860s craftsmanship: : LENGTH of the face is 6 inches. The DEPTH of the face is 1 1/8 inches max. The face is SMOOTH and CURVED, and the club head is shaped in the form of a TEARDROP. The club is UNMARKED. The neck is slightly thin at just over 3/4 inches--- all indicators of an early, pre-1860s club!

This amazing club sports most of its original varnish surface and is offered in "as found" condition. The darkening of the finish results in a wonderfully rich patina. The club displays an enchanting presence owing to the gently-sculpted angling of the face. The sole of the club is without the usual ram's horn which was the typical norm, making this particular club that much more intriguing and quite unusual!!! I have not been able to find reference to clubs that were made in this fashion. RARE!!!

The early golfer must have been quite robust and sturdy as this heavy club face is one that most folks today would have a difficult time keeping "square" at impact. Long spoon clubs were used off of grassy surfaces which accounts for the very nice condition of this beauty. Besides the unobtrusive, expected scuff marks on the sole, there is only one tiny, barely-noticeable chip on the leading edge of the club face at the sole, consistent with hitting something other than a grassy surface!

The lead on the back of the club has been partially removed to customize it for the golfer. The slightly warped hickory shaft is undamaged and sports a warm, honey-colored surface. The leather grip was expertly replaced many, many years ago and has signs of honorable wear.

The skills of the craftsman are most apparent when the club is viewed from the top. While unmarked, this club displays the form of the exceptional, highly-skilled, UK club makers of the 19th century. According to author and golf history expert, Jeffrey B. Ellis, unsigned, long-nosed golf clubs were the norm in the pre-1870 era.

This rare, antique, hand-wrought, golf club was recently acquired from the estate of a gentleman who had restored and collected golf clubs for 7 decades! His family, while settling his estate, remarked that he had "paid crazy prices for some of his collection!". This prized, rare club is certain to have been included in that category!

A phenomenal, rarely-found example of 19th century craftsmanship, and a tangible example of exemplary golfing history.

Offered are three nice, collectible, C1920 - 1930 era, hickory shaft golf clubs.

The first club is stamped on the back with the following: "Hillerich & Bradsby Co. - Louisville, KY - GRAND SLAM" with the "hand and cards" cleek mark". The "#7" is stamped on the sole. The face is DOT stamped with a fancy "GRAND SLAM" mark on the sweet spot. The straight shaft measures 35.5 inches to the heel and sports a replaced leather grip.

The second club is stamped on the back with the following: "LADY BURKE" in an oval - the "#11", the "SCALES" cleek mark and "NIBLICK". The straight shaft is 35 inches long to the heel and sports a nice patina and original grip with a small piece missing. The face has a straight line configuration.

The third club, which has "MASHIE" stamped on the sole, measures 36.5 inches and has an original leather grip and a shaft with a slight bend. The back has the following stamps: "Approved by GOLFERS ASSN. of AMERICA" and "CRAIG WOOD - LOUISVILLE G.C. - MASHIE and P-52".

SOME HISTORY:
The Burke Company was the offshoot of another Ohio golf manufacturer. Its founder, William Burke, had managed MacGregor's club-making for nearly 15 years before branching out on his own in 1910 and converting his new company into Burke Golf Company, beginning with a full production of complete golf clubs.
Truly one of the world’s best golfers during his era, Craig Wood, was the winner of 21 PGA Tournaments including both the Masters and U.S. Open in 1941. He spent many of his most competitive seasons as a head professional in New Jersey and was a member of three Ryder Cup teams (1931, 1933, 1935). He worked at Forest Hill Field Club in Bloomfield from 1928-31 and at Hollywood Golf Club in Deal from 1932-35.

Craig Wood was the first player to lose all four major championships in extra holes. His major wins came late in his career at age 39.