This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/5/2023
1832 'Ancient Customs, Sports, & Pastimes of the English' Book by J. Aspin, Esq. - Mentions Goff
This scarce book was printed in 1832, it describes Goff, the equipment, methods of play, and more. Three are twelve engravings, each visual support for the 'ancient' games and sports such as the aforementioned Goff. The London print details the game as mentioned in the following excerpt on pages 217 and 218.
"Of the numerous games with the ball, which require the assistance of a club, a bat, the most ancient seems to be that which is now distinguished by the name of Goff. In the northern parts of the kingdom, it is much practised. In the reign of Edward III. the Latin name cambuca, "a crooked club, or staff," was applied to this pastime, because it was plated with such an instrument, The bat was also styled a bandy, from its being bent; hence the game itself is frequently written in English bandy-ball." It goes on to state "Goff, according to the present modification of the game, is performed with a bat, not much unlike the bandy. The handle of this instrument is straight, about four feet and a half in length, with a curvature at the bottom faced with horn, and lined with lead. The ball which is small, but extremely hard, is made of leather, and stuffed with feathers, or sometimes, through rarely, with cotton. The game consists of driving the ball into certain holes, made in the ground; and he who achieves his task the soonest, or with the fewest strokes, is the victor. The goff-lengths, or spaces between the first and last holes, are sometimes extended the distance of two or three miles. The number of intervening holes appears to be optimal; but the ball must be struck into the holes, and not beyond them."
Cover is not original to the book, shown in the accompanying lot photos. This early depiction of the game 'Goff' and its rules is quickly approaching 200 years old - an advantageous golf library addition indeed.
The Golf Auction is proud to present this, our first auction of 2023. This eclectic group of memorabilia represents all areas of the golf collecting world, so please utilize the categories column to help navigate you towards your preferred collectibles. Bids must be placed before 10pm ET, Sunday, February 5th in order to participate in extended bidding
AUCTION CLOSING RULES:
Place your bids NOW as this auction will close beginning at 10:00pm EDT Sunday, February 5th. When placing your INITIAL bid in the auction, you must agree to the terms BEFORE confirming your bid. Each lot will have its own 30 minute countdown clock during extended bidding. The clock will extend 30-minutes from the time of the most recently placed bid for that lot. If no bids are placed on that lot during a 30-minute period, the lot will close. Place your bids now!
1. Place your initial bids BEFORE 10pm ET to bid on the item in extended bidding
2. During extended bidding, you may bid only on items you PREVIOUSLY placed a bid on.
3. Lots with only ONE or NO BIDS will close at 10pm ET
Extended bidding starts at 10pm ET, and each lot will begin closing with its own 30-minute countdown timer. Lots without a bid during extended bidding will close at 10:30pm ET. We recommend you place your maximum bid(s) prior to that time. Thank you
Please Note: A 19.5% Buyer's Premium will be applied to each item won in auction. If you pay in full with cash, check, or money order the buyer’s premium is discounted by 2.5% to 17%. All sales are final