Lot # 181: Tyke Driver - Entire Head Made From Horn

Starting Bid: $200.00

Bids: 11 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Summer 2020",
which ran from 7/8/2020 12:00 PM to
7/25/2020 8:00 PM



Thomas Tyke received a British Patent dated May 18, 1897 that covered this Tyke driver, with it head made entirely from horn.  The patent states that "specially prepared horn such as buffalo horn, the solid portion of which has a specific gravity [weight] about equal to [a regular clubhead]" was used to create the heads. Tyke clubs were reviewed in the July 1, 1898, issue of Golf as follows:

" 'The Tyke' is the name of a solid horn golf club head which we have lately examined.  Like vulcanite and gutta percha heads, it is not only practically indestructible but it is particularly useful in wet weather, though, of course, it is equally suitable for play in fine weather. [Alex] Herd, who has tried the club in play, says that it drives splendidly, giving him long shots off the tee.  The club is sent out by the Tyke Golf Club Company, of Sheffield.."

This example has its original shaft and grip.  You can really see the grain of the horn in the sole and also on the top of the head.  The club is not stamped "Tyke" but it clearly is a Tyke driver.  A nearly identical example and the story of Tyke clubs is located in TCA2 V1 p 368. These clubs are exceedingly scarce. 

Views: 429