Lot # 41: c. 1875 John Gray Cleek

Starting Bid: $250.00

Bids: 3 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Fall 2020",
which ran from 11/4/2020 12:00 PM to
11/21/2020 8:00 PM



Located in Prestwick, John Gray was one of the first blacksmiths to mark his name on the irons he made. Once he began to make golf clubs, Gray quickly became regarded as a cleekmaker of the highest caliber, and remains so today. 

This circa 1875 John Gray cleek is a wonderful example. The top and bottom of the shallow blade run almost parallel to each other. The hosel measures 4 5/8" in length.  The head is untouched and has a nice even dark patina like that found on older clubs made with wrought iron, not carbon steel. The name on the back of the head is clear, and that is always a bonus on a 19th century iron. The hosel pin is not perfectly flush with the hosel. Even so, the shaft and grip are old and likely original, as the patina on the pin and the hosel are the same. 

For more on John Gray, see The Clubmakers Art 2nd Edition Volume 1 pages 125 and 137. For more on cleeks, see TCA2 V1 p128.

 

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