VERY Rare C1897 BGI Brass Blade WOOD SHAFT Golf PUTTER

This antique golf club is a very rare BGI (Bridgeport Gun and Implement of Bridgeport, Connecticut) upright straight hosel heavy brass blade putter with the earliest BGI mark and illustrated by Jim Cooper in his book, Early United States Golf Clubs. Cooper notes that the marking on the head of this putter was a mark used mainly on woods, and was used on irons at the beginning of the first year of BGI production. That means that this club is 112 year old. In Mr. Cooper’s estimation, this club is a 7 on his rarity scale which means that there were between 2 and 100 of these clubs in existence. His listing and description of this club is on top of page 155. However, his respect for the club is indicated by his having put this club on the cover of his book. His rarest category is “unique” and indicates that there is only one club. The shaft on this putter is remarkably attractive, smooth and apparently quite sound. It is blond in appearance rather than dark as on many clubs. It is not warped, chipped or cracked. It is a perfect tight fit to the head. Although one can see the hosel pin location it cannot be felt. Rather than indicating a replacement shaft, the darkened color on the pin may have more to do with the character of the brass used. On the other hand, there is no mark on the shaft. If the shaft is a replacement it is a very old one and a very well done one.  The grip is a replacement and has multiple whippings at different points, presumably to aid grip placement. This putter measures 35¾ inches long. It is a beautiful club, and still putts as well as you do.  This outstanding antique club is offered with NO RESERVE and with the opportunity to Buy It Now. We are offering FREE SHIPPING within the U.S. on this rare golf club.    We will combine shipping for multiple purchases.  Paypal is welcome and preferred.  Happy shopping!! In keeping with eBay's new policy, we add this note for our valued international customers. We make our international shipments in a timely and professional manner through the U. S. Postal Service. All appropriate documentation is attached when parcels are consigned to the Postal Service. We are not responsible for any delays experienced due to Customs in the destination country.