Catalog: Antiques: Instruments and Implements: Sports (37)

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 is a handsome, circa 1905-1910 era Spalding hickory shaft golf club. Features of this club include the following: (1) a manufacturers stamp on the shaft - "A.G. SPALDING BROS.- GOLD MEDAL" and (2) a rams horn insert on the bottom of the leading edge that is secured with 3 wooden pegs - indicating that this is an example of an early club.

The condition of this club is very good with an original leather grip and a straight hickory shaft with a nice original patina. The club measures 41.5 inches long to the heel. The crown of the club is stamped "SPALDING 1".

SOME HISTORY:
"A.G. SPALDING BROS. began its golf club manufacturing in the mid 1890s, first in the USA and then in Britain shortly thereafter. In 1905, they introduced their popular "GOLD MEDAL" model and continued this successful line until 1919. They have been a major innovator / manufacturer in golf and other sports equipment for many years.

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 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 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!

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, these clubs actually worked and gave an unfair advantage to those professionals who were adept at using them!

The sole of the club is marked MASHIE NIBLICK. The back of the club is stamped as follows: Guaranteed Forged - R-Z ACCURATE - BAKSPIN (with arrow) MASHIE-NIBLICK and a faint oval stamp with MACGREGOR, DAYTON OH.

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

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 modest and honorable wear, good grooves with generalized tiny 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 a hard to find, circa 1900, Richard Leslie, Smooth Face Hickory Shaft Putter made in Scotland. Although smooth face golf clubs fell out of fashion by the very early 1900s, they were still offered in catalogues for a number of years beyond this date.

This smooth face club is stamped on the back "R. LESLIE - CHICAGO" - MADE IN SCOTLAND. The leather grip is in good condition, and the straight hickory shaft sports a nice aged patina.

Measures 35 inches from heel to top of shaft and is in very nice condition with only minimal wear commensurate with light use.

Leslie, who is of Scottish pedigree, was the designer of GLEN VIEW CLUB in Chicago in 1897, the site of the 1904 US OPEN and various US Amateur events. He was also was their first head professional, and by the looks and craftsmanship of this club, quite the club maker!

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.

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 C1905-1930, hickory shaft golf clubs from Edinburgh, Scotland.

The first club, a ladies' MASHIE iron, is stamped with the following: "HENDRY & BISHOP Ltd. - EDINBURGH - Made in Scotland - Warrented Hand Forged - SPECIAL (L) with the MITRE BRAND" cleek mark. This circa 1930 club has a handsome construction and measures 35 inches to the heel. The straight hickory shaft sports a nice patina, and its original leather grip is in good condition. The club head is in good condition with mild leading edge dings and sports dot face stamping.

The second club, a circa 1905 JIGGER, is in very good overall condition sporting a solid, straight hickory shaft with an original patina. The club head sports a random sized dot-punched style on the face. The back is stamped with the following: "HAND FORGED IN SCOTLAND and M.J. BRADY - SPECIAL" in an oval. T.S.St.A plus REGISTERED TRADEMARK and a PIPE" cleek mark. (T.S.St.A stands for TOM STEWART-ST ANDREWS.) A JIGGER is a short-shafted club with low loft which was used in the same way as the modern chipper. The club has minimal dings and wear to the head. A high quality, low profile specialty club! A very nice example indeed!

The third club is a fine example of a circa 1900 crafted, low profile and low lofted driving iron or mashie. The leather grip has been professionally replaced, and the straight hickory shaft sports an original patina. The club measures 37 inches to the heel. There is deep nicking to the hosel and a slight wiggle where the shaft joins. The face has a ding by the toe end, perhaps the result of an honorable blow that caught both ball and stone many years ago. The back is stamped with the following: "SCCMCoy LTD - ED......." (? Edinburgh).

A nice trio of Scottish clubs!

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.

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

Up for your consideration is a handsome Hillerich and Bradbsy 7 Iron, sporting a hickory shaft and a professionally replaced leather grip. Measures 35.5 inches from heel to end of the straight shaft. The stamping on the back includes the "HAND & CARDS" CLEEK mark, and "Hillerich & Bradbsy Co. Louisville, KY". The popular club model "GRAND SLAM" is proudly stamped on the front sweet spot. The condition is very good with the expected minor scratches and dings complete with a newly replaced leather grip. Overall, this club sports a nice patina and is worthy of any collection. I believe that this club dates to the 1920 - 1930 era.

SOME HISTORY:
H&B operated as a carpentry business starting in 1855 by J.F. Hillerich. In the mid 1880s, his son expanded the business into making bats for a local semi-pro baseball team which were an instant hit with the players. In 1894, they were labeled the "LOUISVILLE SLUGGER", and in 1905, HONUS WAGNER signed an endorsing contract attesting to their quality. Salesman, Frank Bradsby, became a partner in 1916, and the company was renamed "The Hillerich and Bradsby Co". This same year, the company started making golf clubs. By 1923, TY COBB, BABE RUTH and Lou GEHRIG all used their bats!

Offered is a very handsome circa 1920-1930 era, hickory shaft, BRASSIE golf club sporting a fancy 7 DOT face.

This delightful club is marked "MAJESTIC" on the crown and is likely a Macgregor made club based on its quality plus the configuration of the seven dot designed face, which is a Macgregor feature.

This attractive club appears all original and is in very good condition considering its nearly 100 year existence. It has a straight 42.5 inch hickory shaft, an original grip and appealing patina in addition to wear and scuffs common to vintage clubs. The brass sole plate shows mild wear and has the #5 stamped near the middle. The face plate is not quite flush with the front of the club but is otherwise very tight and secure in place.

A delightful example of the fusion of beauty and function in sports equipment!

Offered is this very scarce and quite early, circa 1890s, James and David Kinnell, Smooth Face Hickory Shaft Golf Club made in Scotland. Although smooth face golf clubs fell out of fashion by the very early 1900s, they were still offered in catalogues for a number of years beyond this date.

This smooth face club is stamped on the back "PRESTWICK KK CLUBS". The leather grip is in good condition, and the straight hickory shaft sports a nice aged patina.

Measures 35 inches from heel to top of shaft and is probably a MASHIE although it is not marked as such. There are various small leading edge dings and examples of wear commensurate with this club's 130+ years of age and use.

SOME HISTORY

The Kinnell brothers both served as golf professional and clubmaker at St Nicholas Golf Club . James was their pro from 1897 until 1901 and his brother David served between 1902 and 1936.

Offered are two desirable antique mallet head aluminum putters sporting good grips, nice patina and hickory shafts.

The first club is a nice circa 1900 example from the shop of Peter Hendrie. It measures 33.5 inches from the heel to end of shaft and sports a dot pattern on the face. The straight hickory shaft and leather grip are in good condition. The top of the club is stamped "P. HENDRIE" and H.B. "BYERGASON" (club owner). The head of the club has the expected dings, scuffs and wear of an early club.

Club number two is stamped "MACGREGOR 3 1/2" on the top and sports a deep checkered pattern on the face. The solid straight hickory shaft and leather grip are in very good condition on this 30.5 inch club. It sports an original patina and handsome styling- both desirable features of this nice playable club.

SOME HISTORY:
Peter Hendrie was born in North Berwick, Scotland, in 1872, where he caddied as a boy before obtaining his first professional position at the York club in 1897. He returned to North Berwick in 1900 and worked as a clubmaker for a few years. In 1902, he emigrated to Canada with his wife and took up the professional’s post at the Victoria Golf and Country Club in Montréal.

He moved south to the United States in 1911, becoming the professional at the Fort Mitchell Country Club in Kentucky. He assumed various professional positions in the US until 1924 when he was appointed the first professional at the new Ulen Country Club in Lebanon, Indiana, where he remained until his retirement in 1946.

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 three, desirable, circa 1910-1920 era, 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 is stamped on the back "SPALDING - GOLD MEDAL" and measures 39.5" from the heel to the top of the shaft. The Gold Medal line was first introduced in 1905 and offered till 1919. The complete grip shows mild separation and is in good condition. The shaft on this long club (likely a #2 iron) has a modest bend near the grip.

The second club, a putter, is stamped on the upper shaft "THE CRAWFORD MACGREGOR & CAMBY CO - DAYTON, OH" and measures 32.5 inches from the top of the club to the heel. The sheepskin grip is worn and the face of the club is heavy by design.

The third club is likely a MASHIE, has a straight shaft and good grip. The name of the maker is not discernible due to a partially worn stamped label. It measures almost 36 inches from the end of the club to the heel.

All three clubs show various, small, leading edge dings, original patina and mild wear commensurate with the clubs' use and 110+ years of age. A delightful trio!