Francis Fairlie patented his anti-shank iron in the UK in April of 1891. Initially
the odd look of the iron kept it from being accepted, but after a few
years his club began to gain approval. Eventually it became well
accepted and could "be seen in the caddie-bags of many fine players, amateur and professional." (Golfing, 20 Aug 1903)
This niblick has a dot punch face and is marked "Warranted Hand Forged, Fairlies Patent”, with William Gibson's star cleekmark. The club is also stamped with the retailer's name "F.K. Weir Special, Dunham Massey."
Original shaft measures 35 3/4" long and bears its original sheepskin grip. Overall, this is a very nice example of Fairlie's fascinating design.
TCA2 Vol.1 p. 190