Lot 340: A GEORGE WALKER PATENT SPRING-FACE PUTTER, CIRCA 1895

Coventry, England, 19th century Rectangular iron clubhead fitted with a strip of steel fastened at each end with another material Back of head stamped "Patented" Material visible between iron and steel is possibly wood Hickory shaft with sheepskin grip Overall excellent condition.

TGC p. 76; TCA p. 337; TCA 2 Vol. 2 p. 414

In his 1895 British patent, George Walker, an instructor of horology from Coventry, proposed no fewer than five methods of incorporating a spring face in a metal head club. Only one method, however, is believed to have been produced. Walker's putters shown here used a strip of spring steel that leaves a gap when wrapping over itself and across the face! It is one of only two known surviving examples.