Bearing no identification marks of any kind, this smooth face lofter was entirely forged by hand. When inspecting the face by looking at surface level across the face, the viewer can easily see that the face is not perfectly flat nor is the blade perfectly straight. In fact, there is a slightly inconsistent dish to the face and to the curve/hook in the topline of the blade.  Such inconsistencies are the hallmark of a smithy heating and hammering the head into its final form.

The hosel and perimeter of the blade, front and back has been cleaned. The face still retains much of its original patina as does the back of the head.  It was normal for golfers and their caddies to clean old irons with emory cloth.  A club with a rusted head was not very inspiring for a golfer in need of a good shot.  Somebody likely started to clean this head in recent years and then set the club down and never finished it.  Or they just liked the look of the club as it is.  Its a nice old iron from the 1880s and can easily be cleaned all the way if somebody desired. If it was mine, I would leave it alone. With its 38" original shaft and sheepsking grip, this club looks good as is.