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

Offered is this circa 1910s, 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: "PREMIER", "HA", "J.JOLLY" (probably owner) - BAKSPIN (with arrow - a Macgregor identifier) and MASHIE.

In 1921, RIBBED GOLF CLUBS also known as Deadstop Irons were banned by the R&A and USGA just after the OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP won by Jock Hutchison who had used these clubs.

Measures 36 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 is sturdy. The head shows minimal wear, and is my best example being offered. A showcase collectible!

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

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 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 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 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 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!

Offered is this very scarce, circa 1910, Willie Dunn, Smooth Face Hickory Shaft Golf Club. 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 "WILLIE DUNN - NEW YORK". The leather grip is in good condition, and the slightly bent hickory shaft sports a nice aged patina.

Measures 39 inches from heel to top of shaft and is probably a MASHIE although it is not marked as such. There are various small dings, mild pitting to the metal surface and examples of wear commensurate with this club's 110+ years of age and use.

Of Scottish origin, Willie Dunn settled with his wife and son in New York and established his club manufacturing business there. Not only was he a very talented golf club maker, he was also an accomplished professional golfer, finishing 2nd in the inaugural US OPEN, but also had gained a fine reputation as an outstanding golf course designer.

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 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.

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 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 are two, circa 1930 era golf clubs, each sporting complete, original, leather grips and hickory shafts, all in good condition.

The first club has the following stamped on the back in an oval: "Wright & Ditson SPECIAL", plus "HAMMER FORGED" and the cleek mark image. A worn "MASHIE NIBLICK" stamp is noted on the sole. The face has a dot style stamping, and the shaft has "WRIGHT & DITSON" stamped near the grip. The shaft has an old repair and a bend. Overall, a nice club with mild wear to the metal appropriate for its age.

The second club is a handsome 3 iron Spalding Kro-Flite model sporting a lined face with a fancy circular design in the sweet spot. The #3 is stamped on the sole. The back has the following stamping: "Professional Golf Assoc. - Custom Made KRO-FLITE" and a crow cleek mark. The condition is very good noting a slight bend towards the handle and a wonderful patina.

In 1892, A. G. Spalding & Bros, acquired the Wright & Ditson Company to enhance their position in the club making industry. Wright & Ditson company was founded in 1871, and the name continued to be used by Spalding on both golf clubs & balls into the 1940's.

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 smooth face club is stamped on the back "M.S.J." owner with a faint maker's stamp "N.Y. and a tulip cleek stamp". It is a striking right handed model with original grip, straight hickory shaft, sporting a nice, aged patina. It measures 35.5 inches from heel to top of shaft and has small dings mainly to the leading edge and surface wear commensurate with use and it's 110+ years of age.

The 2nd club is unmarked, and it, too, has signs of mild honorable use and wear and has an original grip. The club has a straight shaft, sports an appealing patina and measures 35 inches from the top of the shaft to the heel. Probably a 3-4 iron.

Two desirable examples of early 1900s clubs!

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

The first club, the ladies' 7 iron, comes with considerable pedigree. It was offered by the golf professional Frank Belwood while employed as Club Pro at Garden City Golf Club in NY. This club is a handsome ladies' mid iron with a somewhat low profile construction measuring 38 inches to the heel. The hickory shaft has a nice original patina. Noted is a slight bend towards the club head with a faint split at the hosel. The leather grip appears original and is in good condition except for some loss as seen in the photo. The club head sports dot face styling and is in good condition with mild leading edge dings. The back of the club is stamped "F.BELWOOD - GARDEN CITY"- (within a double oval) plus "SPECIAL - HAND FORGED, and (L)" indicating a ladies club.

The second club, a Putting Cleek, is in very good overall condition sporting a solid hickory shaft with an original patina. The early grip is generally good except for a small missing piece. The head sports a dot-punched style on the front, and the shaft is straight. The back is stamped with the following: "GUARANTEED HAND FORGED - PUTTING CLEEK" - and H. WATE?? SPECIAL" in an oval.

SOME HISTORY ON FRANK H. BELWOOD:
Garden City Golf Club, founded in 1899, was one of the first golf courses established in the USA, and in 1902, hosted the US OPEN. Frank H. Belwood was a successful golfer for many years and was the club professional for Garden City Golf Club in NY until the early 50s. He was a charter member of the PGA, and during the early history of American golf, he participated in various major tournaments competing against the best players of his era.

ADDITIONAL INFO ON THE PUTTING CLEEK:
A putting cleek has more loft than a putter. The cleek putting style was popular in early golf and it was said to give the player more options. On smoother greens, the players hands would be placed forward in the stroke to de-loft the club and get the ball rolling smoothly. On bumpy/rough greens it would be held normally and the extra loft would "raise the ball above the roughness".

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 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, 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 a very desirable and early, circa 1890 - 1900, hickory shaft, golf club marked PETER EAGEN - PRINCETON, NJ. The leather grip is in good condition, and the straight hickory shaft sports a nice, aged patina.

This handsome club is known as a BRASSIE and measures 40 inches from heel to top of shaft. The checkering to the face, including the rams horn on the leading edge, show minimal signs of wear. The brass plate on the base notes mild wear commensurate with this club's use and 120+ years of age. The lead weight on the back is secure and protrudes slightly from its resting place.

A very fine example of an early, usable, finely-crafted golf club.