This William Mills RL2 Model Duplex has a 40 1/2" shaftt and an old leather wrapped replacement grip. The shaft is also most likely a replacement, as there are small file marks on the sole around the tip of the shaft. Even so, the shaft fits the club well and looks good. The British design registration number 413,454 on the sole dates to 1904.  The soft aluminum head is far above average as it shows a minimal amount of dings or wear. This club presents quite well. Gotta love the large duplex head, and how it will allow the golfer to play from either side of the ball.

Described as an "innovative genius," William Mills attracted attention once again with the double face on his Duplex serving as a dual-purpose club--allowing itself to be played for both right-handed and left-handed shots depending on how the ball was lying, something that previously would require owning two separate clubs.

In October 1903, Golf Illustrated gave the Duplex metalwood a glowing review, featuring so much more than just the dual nature of its hitting ability. It raved about the head being perfectly balanced--feeling so comfortable in the player's hand as to grow his confidence. It marveled that the hitting surface providing such a loft, as a cleek would, but hit straighter shots than a normal iron or a mashie. The lengthy review concluded with "We have not seen any which is so well adapted for its purpose or which gives such uniform and satisfactory results." Imagine a review like that on a new club coming out today! It would be a must-buy, just like the Mill's Duplex was back then!  A very nice club, especially when considering the rarity of a fairway-wood-length duplex club, not just the Mills models.

More information can be found TCA2 V2 p519.

This lot is in the accompanying group image.