This c. 1894 Lowe putter is marked "Wm Lowe / Buxton" low on the back of the blade and  "Patent / Warranted Hand Forged" across its raised back.  What makes this club so unusual is its distinctive hosel/blade relationship. Before reaching the ground, the hosel turns parallel with the ground and then extends out to the blade, which is positioned well away from the neck. Furthermore, the hosel does not end when it reaches the blade. Rather, a continuation of the hosel extends across the back of the blade.

While this putter is marked "Patent" on the back of the blade, a British patent was never actually issued to Wm Lowe for a golf club. On September 8, 1894, Lowe did apply for a patent for an "improvement in golf putters and cleeks" that was never issued. The auctioneer believes this putter is that design.

The 34 1/2" shaft in this club is original, as is its leather wrapped grip.

To read more about William Lowe and this putter, see TCA2 V1 p 210.