Lot # 58: Charlie Hunter Sabbath Club/Walking Stick

Starting Bid: $100.00

Bids: 17 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Summer 2020",
which ran from 7/8/2020 12:00 PM to
7/25/2020 8:00 PM



Walking sticks formed as golf clubs in miniature began to find a market in the second half of the 1800s.  The more they are made like a golf club, the more desirable they are.  This example is well made in all respects. It has a finely scored face, lead in the back of the head, the clubmaker's name ("C. Hunter") stamped on the top of the head, and a horn on the sole that is held in place by three wood pegs, just like on an actual club. Instead of whipping, there is a band of metal around the neck which adds a bit of sparkle and style.

Charlie Hunter was revered and respected during his day. He served as the professional at Prestwick for over 50 years. He worked there from Sept of 1864 (when he took over after Tom Morris left Prestwick for St Andrews) to the middle of 1865, and then again from 1868 until his death in 1921.

Sometimes walking sticks are referred to as Sabbath clubs.  To the good, god-fearing Scottish golfers of old, golf on Sunday was not an option. Today the Old Course continues with that centuries old edict.  But to go for a walk and drop a ball on the green and stroke it with a walking stick flipped around ... well, that was not really golf ;)

TCA2 V2 p 691.

 

 

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