in 1870, james Smith began making clubs in Monifeith, Scotland, probably as a sideline to his regular business. Monifeith was not a popular golf destination. Smith therefore worked in relative obscurity and served a small market.

This 43 1/2" long spoon was made early in Smith's clubmaking career.  It is stamped "J Smith" and not "J.C. Smith" as is found on later clubs. The head has an angled crack up the face that remains tight. There is a little chatter (small nicks) a few places along the topline of the face.  The club is in its original finish and has its original shaft and leather grip. The grip appears to be white kid leather that was given a coat of varnish that has worn off to a great extent. Grips back in the day were sometimes coated in an effort to make them more durable and weather resistant.

Five inches of whipping has been applied to the shaft directly above the original 4 1/2 inches of neck whipping. Judging from how thin the shaft is directly above the extra whipping, the extra was added to either stiffen the shaft or to repair a crack.

Even though this club has a few less than perfect elements, there is much that is good.  This club presents well. It is an honest example of a good club that was used to play the game almost 150 years ago. Examples of Smith's work are found in few collections. 

TCA2 Vol 1, P 95