1,047 $
Description
This is an early small headed niblick / rut iron by Willie Park. The Park family from Musselburgh won seven Open Championships. They made clubs and balls for six decades beginning in the 1860s.
Jeff Ellis in his book The Club Maker's Art states on page 240 that "Park also produced a patent niblick", but no details are given.
This club has the oval Park name stamp. W PARK'S is the top line and PATENT is in the middle. The bottom line, MUSSELBURGH is not readable. Above the PARK are the larger block letters PETO. This MAY refer to W. E. Peto, a retailer in London, but I am not sure.
The original shaft appears to be Greenheart with a bold Wm PARK name stamp below the grip. Pete Georgiady in his book Compendium of British Club Makers states on page 247 "Park's premium grade clubs are distinguished by his use of greenheart, purpleheart, lemonheart or lancewood for the shafts."
The face has a very slight 'dish' curve. It measures 2 1/4" long by 1 3/4" deep. The very thick hosel is 3 3/4" long from the top of the right angled joint to the knicking. The club is 38 1/2" long from the tip of the shaft to the heel of the head. The grip looks to be original. Part of the leather wrap has come off making the beautiful linen under listing visible. The leading edge has some dings, signs of play. The swing weight is F5.
In 22 years of collecting I have never seen another like this one. If there is one out there I would love to see it and discuss it......757-870-0547.
This unique piece of early golf history will make a very impressive addition to your collection. Buy with confidence.
I ship ONLY within the USA. The ball in one photo is not included.
