2022 January Memorabilia Auction - Closing Date 02/06/2022
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/6/2022
Rare Oval Bunker Iron with Knurled Ring Maker Hosel Mark - Woking GC Collection #24
After communication with numerous well-respected pre-1900's club experts, the clear consensus and commonality is that this "ringmaker" iron, as many know it as, is an extremely rare and sought after early heavy iron golf club. Due to its unique archaic manufacturing process, and matching clubmaker/blacksmith, the origin date for this club lies in the range of 1780 to 1810. There are fewer than a dozen of these clubs accounted for, remaining one of the most difficult to obtain and still standing atop vintage club collectors' 'want lists.' Key element is decorative ring around top of hosel. From the Woking Golf Club Collection in Woking, England. Concave face on the oval bunker iron. Transition from hosel to head is crude, as shown in fourth photo. Imperfect head shape indicative of time-period blacksmith or armorer craftsmanship. The card attached dates this club at c. 1780. This club is featured on page 77 in 'Great Golf Collections of the World' by Dick McDonough and Peter Georgiady. 39"
If you would like any additional pictures of the club we would be happy to to supply them, please inquire prior to February 3rd for sufficient time to guarantee a thorough response. Please use the attached card as merely a reference tool, as we have done additional research to best determine age of these vintage clubs and present them as such.
Click above for larger image.