199 $
Description
| Condition: | Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition | Club Type: | Putter |
| Club Size: | 35 inch | Brand: | Vienna Beef |
| Model: | Special Production | Dexterity: | Right-Handed |
| MPN: | Please read the research in description | Shaft Material: | Steel |
Extremely rare vintage club, probably c.1968. THIS IS A HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT PUTTER...read on, please. There are modern versions being made (with Oscar Meyer or Nathan's logos) but this was an original with a true fork stuck into the natural skin-stuffed dog. This putter was made by the company that made the Dog a hot commodity (hot dog!). The original Paddle Putter Grip remains on the straight 35" shaft. This baby shows a lot of use, would be great in a collector's display, and it's still solid for continued show-off opportunities. The grip is missing its plug. Research 1: Vienna Beef. Here's where it gets interesting. The "V" cast/forged into the putter face is the logo used by Vienna Beef, founded in 1893 by Austrian-Hungarian immigrants Emil Reichel and Sam Ladany. Vienna Beef basically invented the hot dog and made it famous at the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, and they're still making Chicago Style all beef frankfurter wurstl and hotdogs today, servicing most of the 1800+ dog stands in Chicagoland and the Cubs and White Sox. I doubt they were the original equipment manufacturer of this unique golf club but they were likely the sponsor to commission a special edition club and/or for a local golfing event. 1968 would also have been their 75th anniversary and coincided with their new Vienna Beef logo (up until then the company was known as Vienna Sausage). Research 2. The Fetters. This putter's story is further made interesting by the shaft sticker "Allen Fetters Lincolnshire C.C. Crete, Ill" (the Lincolnshire Country Club in Crete is one of the historic Chicago suburb clubs, opened in 1927). Allen was the younger brother of the late 1960s Lincolnshire club pro and US Open qualifier Jimmy Fetters (1940-2016). Allen had Down Syndrome (1945-2001). Being the brother of the club pro at Lincolnshire would also explain the uncommon use of a personal shaft sticker. A series of charity tournaments in the Houston/Beaumont TX area has been held in Allen's honor since 2006. No doubt this putter was well loved and well used by Allen, probably in his hometown of Cuero, Texas. A memorial contribution from the sale will be made to the Estelle and Allen Fetters Center, 4601 Main Avenue, Groves, Texas 77619.