Lot # 125: W.E. Reid. Schenectady Putter Pat. Date 1903

Starting Bid: $50.00

Bids: 16 (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



Made famous by Walter Travis when he won the British Amateur in 1904, the Schenectady putter was patented by Arthur Knight of Schenectady, New York, in 1903.  The R&A banned the club in 1910, but the USGA did not. The R&A's ban lasted over 40 years before it was reversed. Read about the great uproar around this club during the early 1900s in The Clubmakers Art Vol 1: 225-228.

Crown of head is stamped "W. E. Reid", believed to be the English professional and golf course designer Wilfred E Reid.  Reid had three top 10 finished in major championship tournaments.  The initials "TRH" on the sole are believed to be those of the second owner. The patent date of Mar 24, 1903 is also stamped on the back. The original shaft measures 32 3/4". The grip appears original but with whipping repair to the top.

The head has been repaired, and professionally at that!  The hosel is a separate piece that appears to be brazed to the head.  A large set screw in the back of the hosel helps hold the shaft in place. The workmanship here is beautiful, exceptionally well done.  Somebody a long time ago really wanted this head to live on.

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