Robert Simpson & Son Shop Used Type of Hand Awl
When clubmaking at the Robert Simpson & Son shop numerous tools and resources went into crafting the finest clubs in not only Carnoustie, but 'the land.' Presented here appears to be a unique hand awl, which may have been used for a few scenarios. It may have been used to get the metal pins out that retain the head to the wooden shaft. Another option is to use it as a burnisher to smooth out the whipping along the neck and grip. Lastly, it could be a burnisher that helped create a burr on a piece of metal called a card spacer that ws used for smoothing out wood. Thank you you our collectors from around the globe that reached out regarding this unique tool. There is a wood handle for the tool that ends in a metal point. Please inspect the accompanying lot photos for a detailed condition report.
Robert Simpson Collection
Robert Simpson (1862-1923) was one of the greatest clubmakers of all time, a well-practiced creative genius from a period of golf's formative years in Scotland. One of six brothers, Robert landed an apprenticeship with clubmaker George Forrester at the young age of 16 in 1868. From one legendary clubmaker to another, Simpson would work under Robert Forgan next - his final position prior to changing scenery. The well-liked, kind man with a revered work ethic had built his personal brand in the golfing community, with word traveling as quickly as it could in that day and age, not just in Scotland but around the World. Robert Simpson moved to Carnoustie in 1883 where he was the easy choice as head professional at Dalhousie Golf Club - a course Old Tom Morris himself updated in 1872. The golf club knew about his club making pedigree and abilities and encouraged him to keep up with his craft while in his new role. Simpson would be joined by brothers Jack and Archie in Carnoustie, both more than formidable golfers in their own right. Robert's older brother Jack Stewart Simpson would become The Open Champion in 1884, with Archibald (Archie) a two-time runner-up at The Open the following year in 1885 and again in 1890. Robert Simpson, an excellent player in his own right, moved from Head Pro at Dalhousie to Carnoustie Golf Links in 1891, where he was until 1898. The Robert Simpson Golf Club and Ball Maker shop had already opened its doors in 1884, where Robert employed his trade garnered from Forrester and Forgan. Simpson himself would personally inspect each club that left his shop with his name and maker's stamp on the head, ensuring only the finest clubs of his were used for play. Robert Simpson's clubs would notably be used by Freddie G. Tail to win the 1896 and 1898 Amateur Championships, with Tait giving his testimonial to Simpson's work in the early catalogs.
Using the lay of the land and his vast experience of the game, Robert Simpson's final endeavor would be that of golf course design. Partnering with friend “Old” Tom Morris around 1890, the team re-designed Carnoustie Golf links. In addition, Simpson successfully completed solo projects as a course architect including: Royal Aberdeen, Ferntowner (Crief), Edzell, Moffat, Oban, Linlithgow, Alyth and Blair Atholll. Simpson built a legacy that will live on as long as the rich history of golf does.
The Simpson family's golf impact casted a large net, clubmakers, teachers, and course designers in addition to champion professional golfers. Many of Simpson’s interns left Scotland for America, Australia and other parts of the world. Notably of that group was Allan Maiden who went to Australia and brother Stewart Maiden who went to America and became professional at East Lake Golf Club. He in turn mentored the great Bobby Jones.
The Golf Auction is proud to offer The Robert Simpson Collection in our October Exclusive Auction from preeminent expert on Robert Simpson and the author of leading title “Robert Simpson: Carnoustie,” Jack L. Mishler. The carefully curated collection includes clubs, Patents, business documents, and an incredible circa 1872 Old and Young Tom Morris cabinet card portrait along with many more exciting artifacts from Robert Simpson's life. This collection was preserved and kept intact by the club making family for nearly a century prior to Mishler's acquisition, some directly from the family and some from vendors, over a period of time and much of it by way of Robert Simpson's grandson, Trevor Williamson. Please enjoy this rare opportunity, a time capsule of Robert Simpson's life and work.
The Golf Auction proudly presents this unique opportunity to acquire golfing antiquities from the influential clubmaker and his family. Please utilize the categories column to help navigate you towards your preferred collectibles
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