by Lorraine Syratt
Golf collectibles of all kinds are especially prized by those who take a swing at a ball on the fairway. Golfers love the feel and look of old wooden-shaft golf clubs, and the feather-filled or “gutty” (guttie), golf balls from the mid 19th century.
These are primary collectibles for golf memorabilia collectors.
Antique and vintage golf clubs most sought after by collectors are those with the wooden shaft, known as “early irons.”
They can date from the 19th century and were used well into the 1930’s. Prices can reach into the thousands of dollars for particularly rare clubs.
Golf clubs with steel shafts dating back to the 40’s are generally those that have staying power or have a classic traditional appearance to them. And for some golfers, these mid-century clubs are better quality than those made today and are often seen on the fairways.
The old feather-filled golf balls, popular in the mid-19th century had actually been the ball of choice since the early days of golf in the late 15th century.
The balls were not “light as a feather,” however. The feathers were packed tightly into the ball, making it hard enough to fly a good distance.
Collectors should look for a maker’s mark on old feather golf balls, and expect to pay hundreds of dollars or a thousand or more for just one.
The famous “gutty” followed the feather ball. It was made of gutta percha, the latex-like rubbery sap of Palaquium gutta, a tree grown primarily in Southeast Asia. |
