This novel adjustable grip putter was patented by Sterling Dawson in
1927 and is constructed with with three basic parts: a wood shaft, an
aluminum tube covering the grip end of the 37" shaft, and a hard rubber
or celluloid sleeve covering most of the aluminum tube. The design was
such that the sleeve could move up or down on the shaft to various flat
"finger grip" areas, (depending on the length of putt), and the grip
could be held in a way (by fitting the notches between the index and middle finger of the LH) that allowed the back of the left hand to stay aligned to the
hole while giving the right hand control of the stroke.
Dawson, believing in his grip method, notes in his patent: "I have
found that when the shaft of a putter is gripped by a player in the
manner just mentioned, excellent results can be secured, as is attested
by the fact that some of the leading professional and amateur golfers
have adopted this manner of gripping in their putting."
The adjustable nature of the grip on this particular lot can't be
tested, as whipping along the bottom of the celluloid sleeve is
currently holding it securely into its top position. It's possible that
an owner long ago did not want to adjust the length of the sleeve so
he or she whipped the base of it to secure it in place.
The brass head has a beautiful "sun-like" design on the face, and is stamped "Dawson Golf Co / Chicago" on the sole.
Very few of these remain.
TCA2 V2 P506