ROBERT CONDIE "Taylors Pattern" HICKORY SHAFT Made in Scotland SLAZENGER c. 1895

This is a Robert Condie of St. Andrews, Scotland, "Taylors Pattern" mashie from circa 1895-1905.The astute collector will recognize the significance of this club: J.H. Taylor, part of the "Great Triumvirate" including Harry Vardon and James Braid who won 16 of 21 British Opens from 1894-1914 (with Taylor winning five Opens), was the designer of the original "mashie"---an incredibly significant design change from the old lofters of the earlier 19th Century.  This "mashie" club had a shorter blade length and a deeper face and is the predecessor of the modern iron designs that we play today.Taylor first designed this club in the middle 1880s, and by the early 1900s it had become the dominant clubhead shape used in clubs in the 40-degree loft range.And, of course, Robert Condie was considered on a par with the great Tom Stewart, both of St. Andrews, Scotland; and both of whom apprenticed with Robert White of St. Andrews.  This all original club is 37 1/2" with an excellent head and deep stamps; the shaft is a bit warped and the grip has a small piece of loose leather at the top; great display club.  This club could be reshafted for play as the head has a nice weight to it.Also stamped with "Slazenger Special New York" and Condie's rose cleekmark.