c.1870 Rut Iron Hand Forged by Blacksmith
With hands close to the body allowing the player to strike the ball on a downward blow, this c.1870 rut iron features a cast metal head and a tapered dark wood shaft with upright lie for digging balls out of the ground. Its hosel with the length of 5 3/8", the pipe of hosel is oblong and missing hosel nicking which is common on these early clubs. The constant blows of the hard ash shaft applying pressure on those hosel tines takes its toll and eventually the tines break off. The entire iron head has great patina caused by natural oxidation and the slag content of the wrought iron actually keeps the iron head from corroding. Slag is a brittle mixture of oxidized iron and impurities like silica or sulfur. It rises to the surface as the blacksmith heats and hammers the wrought iron. The head of this iron is constructed with a rounded profile and it appears the pin was installed at an angle . No manufacturer marks, brand names, or model numbers are visible on the head or shaft. The metal clubhead shows heavy surface oxidation and extensive pitting across all surfaces. The wooden shaft displays a dark patina. The head is heavy and has a distinct curve. It contains a desirable ash shaft which is typical for the period, as ash shafts for the most part went out of fashion around 1830. Grip is in nice condition and possibly the original grip. 34" length
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