Francis Fairlie patented his anti-shank iron in the UK in April of 1891.  Initially the odd look of the iron kept it from being accepted, but after a few years his club started to gain approval. Eventually it became well accepted.

The smaller Fairlie niblick with the smooth face is stamped “Frank A. Johnson, London, E.C. , F. Fairlies Patent Niblick.” 

The larger niblick with the dot punched face is marked “George Nicoll, Leven, Fife, Scotland, L& H, N.Y., Warranted Hand Forged, Fairlies Niblick”

Both clubs have their original grips and are in great condition showing relatively little wear. Together these clubs make a great pair—one with a compact smooth face and the other with a much larger dot punched face.

TCA2 Vol.1  p. 190