Produced during the 1890s, George Forrester's Slip Neck woods had a slot cut out of the back of the neck, all the way to the sole, and a corresponding shaft that would slide into the slot.  In appearance the neck joint is much like A.H. Scott's Fork Splice clubs, only the back of Forrester's shaft is visible all the way down to the sole.

The Forrester Slip Neck brassie offered here is an early example.  It has a full brass soleplate and a simple "G. Forrester" stamped atop the head.  Later slip neck models had Forrester's name in an oval atop the head.  For more on Forrester's Slip Neck woods see TCA2 v1 p160.

The club measures 42" in length and has it original leather grip.  The club has been used, and the brass plate shows its share of dents and dings.  Even so, this is a rare, unique club that still presents well. 

According to an article in the Dec 9, 1896 issue of The Golfer, George Forrester (1847-1930) began making clubs for his own use during the mid 1860s while working as an apprentice in the Scottish masonry business. After finishing his apprenticeship, he left for America to work as a stone-cutter.  Once he arrived he wanted to golf, but at that time the game was utterly unknown in North America and there was no place to play.  He eventually left the US and returned to Scotland.

In 1871, Forrester began to trade as a clubmaker for the public even though he was primarily self taught—which is a rarity. Many people predicted that his first year in the business would be his last. "Even in trade processes he was occasionally at fault. The mere matter of staining the heads was still a jealously guarded trade secret, and the same may be said of much else (ibid)."

George Forrester proved to be skilled craftsman who knew what he wanted.  He endured and, over time, clubs made by Forrester of Elie came to be highly regarded. His business grew and he worked as a clubmaker well into the 20th century.