In March of 1912, Chalres Seely received a US Patent that covered the long forked hosel on this mid-iron.  The purpose of Seely’s iron, as compared to a typical iron during his day, was to take weight away from the hosel and position it across the back of the blade.  Hence the hosel consist of two forks that are riveted to each other through the shaft.  Spalding produced these clubs between 1912 and 1919.  The back of this head is stamped "WD Leith, Maker" in an oval, and “Tacoma, Seely Pat'd, May 14, 1912" across the back.  "Mid-Iron" is stamped on the sole.  Owner's initials "LJWJ" are stamped on the toe.

The 36" shaft and leather grip are original.to this club. The 4 3/4" forks going up each side of the hosel are of the ribbed variety, and the whipping installed towards the top of the forks matches the period of these irons, but is a recent install that can be removed depending on the desires of the next owner.  Keeping the whipping in place simply calls a little more attention to the great creativity of such an unusual hosel/shaft connection.  A wonderful club!

TCA2 Vol. 21 p. 183