Park's Patent Lofter holds a unique and prominent position in the history of golf. Covered under Willie Park Jr's 1889 British patent, Park's Patent Lofter the first iron to ever receive a patent. When one stops and thinks about the tens of thousands of patents that have been issued to cover and iron, being the first such iron merits a special place in history.

According to Park's patent, the concave face on his patent lofter would provide the golfer with added backspin.  The idea of a concave face was actually not a new one.  Large, heavy irons made prior to 1850 often had a concave face. Park was apparently trying to profit a little by giving concave face irons a new life.

This example bears a strong "Parks Patent Lofter" stamp on the back of the head and "W. Park" on the shaft. The shaft is made from a beautiful length of greenheart, which was rarely used as a shaft material. The grip is the original sheepskin. The head, showing no nicks or wear, has been cleaned and is ready for the next 100 years.  The face is nicely concave top to botton, and the hosel nicking is strong and attractive, in keeping with the rest of the club.

The auctioneer has seen a few Park Patent Lofters in his day, but this one is genuinely special.