Late 1800's Robert Wilson Cleek
"R Wilson Maker St Andrews" stamp is found on the back of this late 1880's cleek head, legible on the left side and fading to the right. Robert Black "Buff" Wilson was born in 1869 and known as one of the first eight blacksmiths known to mark their clubs. Wilson started off on the right foot with an apprenticeship under Old Tom Morris beginning in the 1880's and onward. Love for the game was obvious. Robert Wilson was versatile, having a short stint as a professional player, Head Golf Professional at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (1896), greenskeeper at Minchinhampton in Gloucestershire and shop owner. He patented the Mashie-Cleek along with three other patents for putter designs. Wilson used nails to strengthen his irons. Notice both the depth and size of this iron, much larger than that of later examples. It was the design prior to the game improvement trend forcing improvement modifications. While not all of the stamp is legible, they usually aren't on clubs from this time period in the fourth quarter of the 1800's, the 'R.' on the top left of the oval stamp is along with a faint 'W' and strong 'Maker' through the center and 'St Andrews' start below. Please inspect the accompanying lot photos for a detailed condition report. 38 1/2"
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