Park's Patent Lofter holds a unique and prominent position in the history of golf. Covered under Willie Park Jr's 1889 British patent, Park's Patent Lofter was the first iron to ever receive a patent. When one stops and thinks about the tens of thousands of patents that have been issued to cover an iron, being the first such iron merits a special place in history.

According to Park's patent, the concave face on his patent lofter would provide the golfer with added backspin.  The idea of a concave face was actually not a new one.  Large, heavy irons made prior to 1850 often had a concave face. Park was apparently trying to profit a little by giving concave face irons a new life.

This example is stamped "Parks Patent Lofter, No. 5042" on the back of the head and "L" on the shaft. The  38" shaft is an old replacement, and the grip is a newer replacement sueded leather grip that matches up well to the period. The head, shows mild signs of use.  The face is nicely concave top to bottom. 

This iron is easily recognized in the accompany group image.