Antique W. Park's Patent Lofter with Patent Concave Face, (First patented iron)

The condition of the head is that it has been rusted but now fairly clean. The face shows the mark where the caddy used to clean the club with a bit of emery cloth.The club features a smooth face, concave in shape, with a thick sole and stout hosel.The club dates from 1889 when Park designed a club with a dished face to impart more backspin to shots played. This club has the dished face , the playing surface of the club is not flat.The dimensions of the club are , hosel length 110 mm, face length 75 mm.The hosel has a good heavy diameter where it meets the shaft. Hand hammered by a blacksmith.This iron was the first iron to be patented and only the second golf club in history to be patented.The patent was approved on March 23rd 1889.The club does not have its original shaft. The replacement  shaft dates from circa o1910 onwards most probably.The total length of the club is 90 cms These clubs are very rare now, there is an entry for one sold at Sotheby's in 2007 with its original shaft and it sold for 800 dollars. Sold in USA as part of a private collection.If any one would like to view the club it can be arranged if you message me.Overseas buyers please message me for a quote for postage.