Antique hickory golf club; rut iron circa 1870's; vintage golf

Description

This is an early rut iron.  The shape and style of the head date this club to about the 1870's.  The hosel is quite thick with a slight oval shape, typical of the early rut or track irons.  The squared off hosel joint to the top of the blade is the result of early forging techniques.  Note also that the blade curves as it leaves the hosel.   This is not quite as old as the John Gray or the Carrick's early rut irons from the 1850's and 1860's.  This club appears to be the next generation of the rut iron style.
There are no markings on the head.  The hosel is 3 5/8" long to the top of the blade and nearly 5" to the flat of the sole.  The face is 2 3/8" across and 2 13/16" deep at the center.  The sole is 1/2" wide.
The club is 36 1/4" long to the heel of the head.  It has loft of about 50*.  Swing weight on these early irons is usually high.  This one comes in at E-4.  The head has been off and epoxied.  The underlisting (see photo of shaft tip) is period linen.  The grip is a period russet type grip.  The whipping (see photo) is thick period whipping.  The sole definitely shows evidence of play.
THE BALL IN THE PHOTO IS NOT PART OF THIS OFFERING.  IT IS FOR SIZE COMPARISON ONLY.
This club is a nice piece of early golf history.  Buy with confidence.
I ship ONLY to the USA.