This unique crescent iron was made by R. Anderson & Son of Edinburgh under Robert Anderson's May 28, 1892 British patent, the first patent to cover a center-shafted iron in the history of golf.
The head has a nice rich patina. The back of the head has been stamped behind the toe and heel, but the stamps are now worn, as shown in the images. The original shaft is pinned right through the center of the head. Showing a marvelous bit of craftsmanship, the tip of the shaft visible on the sole has been cut across its center both horizontally and vertically. Two thin pieces of wood are wedged into place in those cuts to ensure a tight fit to the shaft.
The shaft measures 38 1/4" in length and is stamped "Anderson & Sons, Princess Street, Edinburgh. The old sueded lwather grip appears original to this club. This is a fine example of this early historic, highly impractical iron. Back in the 1890s, a person never knew for sure if something would work unless he or she tried it. A great iron like no other!
The other three items in the accompanying group image are not part of this lot.