Lot # 6: c. 1880 Thomas Manzie Middle Spoon

Starting Bid: $1,000.00

Bids: 3 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Spring 2021",
which ran from 3/3/2021 12:00 PM to
3/20/2021 8:00 PM



Thomas Manzie worked as the professional and clubmaker to the Royal Blackheath club between 1876 and 1885. Prior to working at Royal Blackheath, he worked at Crookham, Berkshire.  Little else is known about Manzie other than he made some nice clubs which, today, are scarely seen. Of course, it is understood that his working at Royal Blackheath is an endorsement of his character and skills.

This c. 1880 Manzie middle spoon is more of a weapon that a delicate instrument. The original 40 1/2" shaft is thicker than normal. The head is significantly larger than normal, measuring a full 6" in length 2" in depth, and 1 7/32" in face depth. It was likely a special order by a sizeable, strong customer who wanted a comparable club. 

The original sheepskin grip is still in nice shape.  The neck whipping is original.  The club is still in its original finish with a strong name stamp.  The grain on the face shows separation hairlines or checks that also extends onto the top of the head a short distance.  They are caused from the way the wood dried out, not from striking a ball. 

When rubbing your finger across the topline of the face, you do not feel anything amiss although the grain separation is visible.  A quick bit of info picked up off the internet on this topic opines, "The key thing to remember is that these checks do not affect the structural integrity of a timber. In fact, it usually makes it stronger, because it releases the tension built up internally."

This club still has its natural appearance and a strong presence. This club is third from the right in the group image that accompanies this lot.


 

 

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