Offered here is a left-handed 41-inch driving iron that is the only one of its kind known to the auctioneer. First off, a driving iron 41-inches long is highly unusual, but the club has other qualities that go well beyond its oversize length.
The hosel on this iron goes all the way to the ground before it turns out toward the blade which is set well away from the side of the hosel. This design is also seen in the Kinnell patent putters made by Tom Stewart in the early 1900s, but no such irons made by Stewart are known.
The back of the forged blade has a split back design, which would not become popular until the 1940s. Judging from the consistency of the patina on the entire head, including the back of the blade, this club looks like it was originally made with a split back, likely as one of a kind.
One final point, the blade also thins down slightly as it moves from the heel to the toe. This is visible on both the top line and the sole. Overall, this club has a number of features that set it apart from all other hickory-shafted irons in a number of ways. A highly visual and fascinating unique iron.
This lot is in the accompanying group image.