SOLD
The club on the left is stamped with the owner's initials "T.H" and "AC SPAULDING & BROS MAKERS", plus "MODEL D HAND FORGED". The shaft is secure and is modestly split above the hosel. The iron has a tarnished patina and smooth surface. The grip is constructed of brushed leather and is complete. The club measures 40.5 inches from the tip of the toe to the end of the handle.
The club on the right is stamped "ST. ANDREWS" and "MAKERS" with the letter "L" denoting that it is a lady's club. The club face exhibits minor, honorable wear as well as an age-appropriate patina with some rust and pitting on the hosel. The shaft shows appropriate wear, is almost straight, and is secure. The original, smooth leather grip has what appears to be an ancient piece of tape (which can be removed) on each end. The club measures 34.25 inches from the tip of toe to the end of the handle.
SOME HISTORY
Prior to 1900, the vast majority of irons were smooth-faced. During this period, it was common for caddies to use emery cloth to lightly clean off rust from the club heads. Prior to the use of grooves or hand-punched dots being applied to the club face (to enhance backspin), caddies would use the emery cloth to roughen the "sweet spot" on the club face to promote backspin.
Beginning in the 1890's, hand-punched dots on the club face appeared and by 1905; patterns such as scored lines, dots and lines, criss-cross lines with or without dots became the norm.
The end of the smooth-face era for irons occurred around 1910, though some were still offered in catalogues after that date for those who resisted change.
SOLD
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!
This amazing club sports its original varnish surface and is offered in "as found" condition. The darkening of the finish results a wonderful patina. The club displays an enchanting elegance owing to the gently-sculpted angling of the face. The sole of the club shows signs of mild use with linear scuff marks beginning at the front portion of the inlaid horn. It measures a formidable 42 inches from the heel.
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, Scottish club makers of the 19th century. The lead has been expertly applied to the back of the club, and the original twine adds to the club's character. The 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 gentle use.
A phenomenal, rarely-found example of 19th century craftsmanship! A tangible example of exemplary golfing history!
$1,850.00
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 bottom, 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, and the original twine adds to the club's character. 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.