Stamped WP Smith, Pat Apld For, London on the top of the head, this club was covered under William Percy Smith's British Patent dated March 12, 1920.  Smith called his club "The Evolution," and they do not have a neck.  Instead, the head connects to the shaft with a rectangular joint where the shaft forms the entire back of the heel and a wooden dowel goes through the heel of the club and the shaft to help secure the head to the shaft.

According to his patent, eliminating the neck and using his unusual joint wasted less wood when making a head and strengthened the connection between the head and shaft. It also allowed the shaft to have more spring, hence provide greater distance and accuracy, of course!

Smith's patent specifies a rectangular recess in the heel and a corresponding shaft tip, the clubs produced after his patent was granted were made with a round recess and matching shaft tip. The round recess, which was still open on the back only not as wide, provided more support to the shaft and helped prevent it from coming loose.  The patent applied for model is much more rare, and visual.  This one is one of two such known to the auctioineer and the best by far.

This is a great club in outstanding original condition.  A picture of its sole can also be seen in Olman's Encyclopedia of Golf Collectibles on page 88. Original 41 1/2" shaft and leather wrapped grip. 

For more information on Smith's The Evolution clubs, see TCA2 V1 p167.