Introduced in 1962, shortly after Karsten moved to what is now
Paradise Valley, Arizona, this PING 69W still retains its original shaft, Golf Pride Informer grip, and Tuned Balnamic shaft band. The shaft has its
original angled bend near the head. At this early point in the history
of Ping golf equipment, Karsten and John were making putters in
Karsten's garage, working evenings and weekends as Karsten was still
working his day job with General Electric.
When this putter was introduced, it was part of Karsten's 69 series,
the "W" indicating that this model had a "wide" flange, wider than the
others in the series. This particular Model 69W is a brilliant example that shows very little to no use, with no nicks or dings. The back cavity is stamped with Karsten's
Scottsdale address.
For more info on the model 69W, the 69 series of putters, see And the Putter Went Ping chapter 3, page 56 and 63