Lot # 27: Robert Forgan Grand Piano (Gassiat) Putter

Starting Bid: $200.00

Bids: 7 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Fall 2020",
which ran from 11/4/2020 12:00 PM to
11/21/2020 8:00 PM



When this putter was first produced, it was referred to as the "Chantilly Putter," after Chantilly, France, the home of its inventor, the Marquis de Chasseloup-Loubat.  Jean Gassiat was the French golf professional who worked at Golf de Chantilly, in Chantilly, France. He was a champion golfer in his own right, defeating Harry Vardon in 1912 to win the French Open. Gassiat used the Chantilly putter as did others and the club took on Gassiat's name.

Chantilly-style putters were eventually produced by a few other makers.  They were sometimes called "Grand Piano" putters as a more generic term. This example was made by Robert Forgan and stamped "Forgan" on the top of the head.

The club has its original shaft and pistol grip, which is described in an October 31, 1913 Golf Illustrated review as an "extra thickness at the top for the use of the left hand." The head itself measures 2 7/8" in width and 4 1/2" in length.

The finish on this putter is original, and still presents exceptionally well.  The ball shown in one of the images is not part of this lot.  Shown here for perspective, this "National" ball is offered as its own lot elsewhere in this auction.

TCA1 v2 p537

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