Lot # 22: Left-Handed Brown Perforated Hero of the Hazard Mid-Iron

Starting Bid: $1,000.00

Bids: 5 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Fall 2021",
which ran from 11/4/2021 11:00 AM to
11/20/2021 8:00 PM



In 1904 James Winton, a well-respected clubmaker in Montrose, Scotland, offered an array of perforated-face water and rake irons designed and patented by James Brown, a blacksmith in Montrose. Deemed the "Heros of the Hazards", Brown designed his irons to help golfers hit shots from water, sand, and high grass.

The 37 1/2" left-handed Brown perforated iron offered here does not have any visible stamps, although the original patina is untouched. The shaft is pinned with a brass rivet that appears to be original. It has a perfect fit and camber on each end.  There are no file or grinding marks, buffing or polishing that is typically found on the hosel around the pin on a reshafted iron.  The old grip looks good, it could be original or a replacement. Tough to tell.  Once upon a time the shaft had a nice colored finish on it, but much of it has warn off across the past 115 or so years of its existence.

The auctioneer believes the head was originally sold to an golf professioanl who shafted it and did not bother to mark head or shaft with his name.

Despite being the most visual of clubs created during the early 20th century, Browns perforated face irons never really caught on.  Some golfers tried them but soon learned the clubs did not work very well.  It's in the failed attempts of the most creative clubmaking ideas that some of the greatest golf collectibles are born, which is why all of Brown's perforated face irons are outstanding collectibles.

Original 37" shaft, with original sheepskin grip. Nice original head and shaft.  Condition is as shown in photographs. Left-handed Brown irons are extremely rare.

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