In 1904 James Winton, a well-respected clubmaker in Montrose, Scotland, offered an array of perforated-face water and rake irons designed and patented by James Brown, a blacksmith in Montrose. Deemed the "Heros of the Hazards", Brown designed his irons to help golfers hit shots from water, sand, and high grass. Despite being the most visual of clubs created during the early 20th century, they never really caught on.  Some golfers tried them but soon learned the clubs did not work very well.  It's in the failed attempts of the most creative clubmaking ideas that some of the greatest golf collectibles are born, which is why all of Brown's perforated face irons are outstanding collectibles. 

The James Brown perforated face swan-neck putter offered here is among the rarest clubs from Brown's family of water/rake irons.  The face on this example has lines in a circle pattern. Unlike the two Brown perforated putters shown in the accompanying ad, this one has a swan neck, which makes this club rare to the extreme! 

The shaft and sheepskin grip are original. There are no other marks or stamps on the head or the shaft. Overall this is a great club in outstanding condition!

This club is to the far left in the group image.