Among the most visual and storied antique golf clubs are Francis Brewster's Simplex clubs.   Brewster's first patent for his center-shafted creations was dated April 14, 1897.  He described his clubhead as boat-like, with a sole cambered both heel to toe and front to back, and made from wood.  In 1897 he produced a booklet that described how to golf with his clubs and how his clubs superseded irons. Brewster even played in the 1899 British Open using his Simplex clubs.  In 1904 he formed the Simplex Golf Association, hoping to incorporate new users to his clubs and method of play.  His 1906 patent called for making simplex clubs from aluminum, as it required great quantities of time and highly skilled craftsmanship to produced simplex clubheads from wood. Despite all of Brewster's efforts, Simplex clubs never caught on.  But they do strike a great pose!

This wooden Simplex putter is an outstanding example in all respects, showing very little wear. The top of the head is stamped “Simplex Patent No. 9514, 1897".  The shaft is original, and extends all the way through the head. The sheepskin grip is also original. The finish is original and shows little wear.

Looking for a club with great eye appeal? When hanging on a wall, the most collectible patent clubs can usually be spotted with ease from 10 feet away, with no need to squint eyes and look close or wait for a story.  With this center-shafted-like-a-hammer club, a person can see that it is unique from clear across a large room!

TCA2 Vol 1, p 240-242