This Ping Balnamic 68 putter was made in the early 1960s in Karsten Soheim's family garage and is marked with Ping's early Scottsdale address.  The 35 1/2" shaft is original ans still has its original square Golf Pride Line-Rite grip with original black grip color. 

This putter has a distinctive gold finish that is everywhere except on the sole.  The guideline is original and the finish applied to the head did not cover over or disturb the guide line.  The auction thinks that Karsten, who was all about trying new things and pushing the envelope, possibly applied the gold finish on the head. The scoring line certainly looks like it was installed after the finish was applied.

A most interesting early, garage made PING!

This putter is top right in the group image that accompanies this lot.