Lot # 53: Tuning Driver

Category: Golf Clubs

Starting Bid: $300.00

Bids: 1 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Inaugural Auction",
which ran from 3/6/2019 12:00 PM to
3/23/2019 8:00 PM



The Tuning Driver is a circa 1940s practice club designed so the golfer could swing it and the club would simulate hitting a ball without hitting a ball. A weight on the shaft is held in place up near the grip when the golfer addresses the ball.  The weight does not move during the backswing, but as the golfer releases the club just prior to striking the ball on the downswing, the weight is released and rapidly slides down the shaft, arriving at the head at the same time that impact would occur.  This mechanism allowed the golfer to develop their swing with the resistence provided by the weight, especially when it comes to the release of the club into the ball on the downswing.  In addition, the golfer could adjust where the weight is held in place to any point, high or low, on the shaft. thereby increasing or decreasing the effect on the golfer's release.

This driver is marked “Tuning Driver, Pat Pend” on the top of the head along with AOO? which might be owner's initials.  Most of the original varnish has flaked off, but the club is attractive.  There is some chrome loss/pitting across the length of the shaft, which is commonly found on early chrome shafts.   The shaft is solid and still looks good as the vast bulk of the chrome remains.  The hole in the soleplate is actually part of the plate.  It extends up into the head, to accomodate the shafting and durability of the club as the weight pounds down on the neck when in use. The grip is a replacement. This driver still looks attractive and is in perfect working order. 

 

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