Decades and decades before any golfer ever heard the acronym "COR," a few spring faces clubs were produced. This spring face iron uses six rivets to hold a corrugated steel face in place over a hollow head.  Spalding’s 1903 catalog states that spring face on these clubs was capable of delivering incredible distance AND that the ball will land “dead” when “approaching the green from a distance. “  That’s quite a combination, especially if it were true! 

Introduced in 1902, Spalding spring face irons were offered in Spalding’s American catalog between 1903 and 1919.  This example has its original shaft and grip.  There are two inches of whipping low on the shaft to repair a crack, which can still be felt when the shaft is put under a little stress (there is slight movement).  One could easily remove the whipping, apply a little glue and then rewhip to make rock solid.  But as is, the club presents well.  Just don’t hit any golf balls with it!  The head is in nice original condition, and its back is stamped “A.G. Spalding & Bros. Model C., Patented June 6, 97," etc.

TCA2 Vol 2 p 415