Robert Forgan made his circa 1890 transitional driver.  It is stamped with his name and the Prince of Wales plum that acknowledged Forgan as being the official clubmaker to HRH the Prince of Wales, an honor bestowed in 1863. The shaft and grip are original, as is the neck whipping. The face has been fit with a leather insert held in by seven wood dowels. This insert was installed when the club was in use, to repair damage to the face and help the club last longer. Crafting and installing such inserts were part of the clubmakers trade during the wood shaft era.

Robert Forgan was a giant in the world of 19th century clubmaking. Forgan apprenticed to Hugh Philp and took over Philp's business in 1856, after Philp died.

This club, with its thick brass soleplate and transitional blond head set against the dark brown leather face, is handsome in many ways.  Overall, the club looks quite good with a high degree of originality.  The shaft and head, however, are loose and only half of the original whipping remains.  It is a simple step to reglue the neck joint and return it to its former solid self. 

For more on Robert Forgan see The Clubmakers Art 2, volume 1, pages 70-74.