Lot # 117: Fred X. Fry - Walter Travis Oversize Putter

Starting Bid: $200.00

Bids: 12 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Fall 2020",
which ran from 11/4/2020 12:00 PM to
11/21/2020 8:00 PM



This oversize block-head mallet putter was produced by Spalding c. 1920s or possibly before. They are easily recognizable with their 5-inch-long brass face and brass sole. They were normally marked "Travis Putter" n the lead in the back of the head and AG Spalding on the crown.  A nice example is presented and discussed in The Clubmakers Art 2, vol 1 page 609-610.

This Travis putter was collected by Fred X. Fry in 1933 from "William Pittman's Spalding Store"  According to Fry's notes, Pittman told Fry that the club had been in the store for over 20 years. Once it was his, Fry stamped his name on the crown and stamped "Willie J Travis" on the back of the head and "1897" in the lead.  In his notes Fry wrote, "Should be Walter J Travis (my error thru Pittman.)"  Of course, the year 1897 was incorrect as well. 

There is a very fine crack that runs completely around the perimiter of the neck at its base, but everything appears to be solid and the crack has run its distance with nowhere left to spread.  Overall this is a eminently collectible example of this rare and highly visual club, as it bears Fred X. Fry's stamp prominently on the top of the head. For more on Fry Click Here

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