Lot # 66: c. 1890 Bussey 2-Piece Socket Lofter w/Sewn Grip

Starting Bid: $250.00

Bids: 2 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Summer 2022",
which ran from 7/7/2022 12:00 PM to
7/23/2022 8:00 PM



William Bussey and Joseph Pinder, both from London, received a British patent (No., 16,593) dated Oct. 23, 1890, that covered this lofter made with a two piece head, the blade and hosel being formed separately. This same patent, the seventh ever granted for a golf club, also covers the unique sewn grip on this club.

According to Bussey and Pinder's patent, the hosel is made as a hollow tube. An approximately 3/8" high extension (boss) atop a very short "neck portion" of the blade fits inside the lower end of the hosel.  Once joined, the head and hosel are brazed toether. The shaft is then placed into the regular hollow portion of the hosel where it is "secured therein by means of cement, glue, or other otherwise."

One interesting point is that the hosel is actually made of steel, not iron. The back of the head also tells us this as it is stamped "Patent Steel Socket" along with "Bussey & Co. / London / Thistle".

The sewn sheepskin grip, as shown in the image, consists of a rectangular piece of leather sewn lengthwise into position on the shaft. This took some engineering or sorts to accomplish, but it made for a long lasting grip that would not come loose and unwind as could happen with a wound grip. Original shaft measures 40" long.

This lofter was produced under the 7th golf club patent ever issued—which makes this club one of the first clubs ever produced under a patent in the history of the game. It is not only great history, but is also in outstanding condition. A beautiful display of great creativity and industry!


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