In 1904, James Kinnell devised a putter that had a gap between the top of the blade and the side of the hosel.  According to Kinnell, separating the top of the blade from the side of the hosel would keep the shaft from coming into prominence, and the blade itself would be more prominent.

This 38 3/4" long smooth-face iron offered here, with a gap between the top of the blade and the side of the hosel, was sold by R. Brand of Carnoustie and bares Brand's stamp on the back of the blade.  The head has been reshafted once upon a time and the leather wrap grip is old.