2023 March Golf Memorabilia Auction - Closing Date 3/06/2023
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/6/2023
F.O./R.T.J. Tom Stewart Maker St. Andrews Special Hand Forged 2 Iron w/Jack Hagen Shaft Stamp
This Tom Stewart club is not like the rest, as the special stamps in addition to his stovepipe are that of "F.O." and "R.T.J." These are significant as the initials belong to the finest amateur golfers of the time in Francis Ouimet and Robert (Bobby) Tyre Jones Jr. For reference purposes and a nod to the robust market of this club, the last example we offered in 2022 April was a putter in lesser condition that commanded $1,568.
For this description we lean heavily on the fine work of Jeffrey Ellis as found on page 122 of "The Clubmaker's Art" In 1929 Bobby Jones's personal set of clubs was stolen from the trunk of his car, but returned to him shortly afterwards. Following this experience and using his personal specifications, Jones ordered a "backup" set of irons from Tom Stewart. Jones the consummate amateur, authorized Stewart to produce only a single set of irons. However, Stewart, the opportunistic businessman, did not stop production after fulfilling Jones's request. Clearly aware that Jones was at the top of the golf world, Stewart began to reproduce the clubs he made for Jones. These clubs were marked with Jones's intials "RTJ" in block letters on the toe or with "FO/RTJ" (as seen in this lot) in script on the toe. The initials "FO" identify another famous amateur; Francis Ouimet. These "personal" models were made in 1930, and possibly briefly during 1931. Please see numerous photos with this lot for description of condition on this offered club.
The Golf Auction is proud to present our 2023 March Auction. This eclectic group of memorabilia represents all areas of the golf collecting world, so please utilize the categories column to help navigate you towards your preferred collectibles. Bids must be placed before 10pm ET, Sunday, March 5th in order to participate in extended bidding
AUCTION CLOSING RULES:
Place your bids NOW. The auction will close beginning at 10:00pm EDT Sunday, March 5th. When placing your INITIAL bid in the auction, you must agree to the terms BEFORE confirming your bid. Each lot has its own 30 minute countdown clock during extended bidding. The clock will extend 30-minutes from the time of the most recently placed bid for that lot. If no bids are placed on that lot during a 30-minute period, the lot will close. Place your bids now!
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3. Lots with only ONE or NO BIDS will close at 10pm ET
Extended bidding starts at 10pm ET, and each lot will begin closing with its own 30-minute countdown timer. Lots without a bid placed during extended bidding will close at 10:30pm ET. We recommend you place your maximum bid(s) prior to that time. Thank you
Please Note: TGA will charge the Bidder/Buyer of the Item(s) a commission (Buyer’s Premium) of nineteen and one-half percent (19.5%) on the successful and final bid price of each of the Item(s) or lot(s) won. No discounts apply. No returns. TGA is not responsible for customs, duties, brokerage and/or similar charges on items shipped internationally. Placement of a bid in this auction constitutes acceptance of all of the terms and conditions in this auction. ALL SALES ARE FINAL.
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