F.H. Ayres was once one of the largest retail outlets for sporting goods in the UK.  The began selling golf clubs by the 1880s.  Initially, at least, these clubs were made for Ayres by independent clubmakers who marked the clubs with the Ayres name.

This 43 3/4" long nose driver dates to the late 1880s.  The auctioneer believes the club has been reshafted, but nicely so.  The club presents well and the head is solid.  The horn, pegs, and lead backweight are original. The whipping and leather-wrapped grip are of modern origin, but they look good and match up well to the age of this club.