2022 June Memorabilia Auction - Closing Date - 06/19/2022
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/19/2022
Brown's Patent The Major Montrose N.B. Rake/Water Iron in Excellent Condition
With praise for his work, we draw a large part of this description from Jeff Ellis' work "The Clubmaker's Art." Brown's rake irons, or water irons as they are sometimes called, are among the most famous of all golf collectibles. Mr. James Brown was a blacksmith in Montrose, North Britain. The design offered here is known as "The Major". The filigree on the face is, an original cosmetic touch. It is marked "Browns Patent" inside an oval while centrally located on the back of the head. The "Major," an iron with long slots cut into the head from the top of the blade, was well received...In extricating the ball from whins or long grass the "Major" is also a powerful implement. Hitherto the grass or whin matter, forming a sort of padding, prevented clean contact with the ball, reducing very considerably the effect of the stroke; but with the "Major" the grass or sand is forced between the teeth, thus ensuring a cleanly hit ball. Ellis had this to say on the club, "Because of their strong visual presence, Brown's rake irons command attention and attract collectors. They have become extremely collectible. The Major draws a premium price." Please see detailed photos for condition and bid accordingly on this masterpiece of club design. As a comparison piece, we sold an example in similar condition (pronounced filigree) to this one in our 2019 September Auction for $11,878. This example measures 38 3/4" from the top of the grip to the bottom of the heel.
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