Lot # 218: Hilditch's Patent Double Fork Splice

Starting Bid: $75.00

Bids: 14 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Spring 2023",
which ran from 4/5/2023 12:00 PM to
4/22/2023 8:00 PM



Having not just a fork splice, but a double fork splice makes this circa 1900 brassie extremely rare!  The neck is left unwhipped so a person can view the double fork splice.  It consists of a "V" slot cut into the top of the neck and a separate "V"=shaped piece of wood set inside the neck slot, and the shaft is attached therein.  This intermediate piece of wood insulates the shaft from the neck. 

The auctioneer has never seen a double fork splice before and was unable to find any patent history on this club stamped "Hilditch's Patent" It was not unheard of for a clubmaker to apply for a patent but never finalize the process, while still marking their clubs as if they were patented.

The club was originally shafted by Robert Forgan and Sons (as the shaft stamp indicates).  It's such a unique splice that the shaft is most likely original.  The 43 1/8" shaft is also stamped "Selected Mitchell Manchester," which matches the "Mitchell Manchester" stamp on the head as the retailer. It also retains its original leather grip.

It would appear that the lead insert on the back of the club has been replaced and filled, or else covered over.

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