One of the most significant antique golf club collections was auctioned on Sept. 27-28 at Sotheby's in New York. The Jeffery B. Ellis collection, with nearly 800 clubs, including some dating to the 1600s. The sale earned $2,166,210, the highest total ever for an auction of golf memorabilia, and two golf clubs breached the $150,000 mark.
In the photo above (left to right): A prize putter with carved decoration, circa 1800; an American patent rake iron by Alex Anderson of Anstruther, Scotland, circa 1914; a forked hosel putter, circa 1890s; a long-nosed play club, circa 1875; a hollowed brass metalwood (the first metalwood) with gutta percha filling, patented in 1891.In the photo above (left to right): A prize putter with carved decoration, circa 1800; an American patent rake iron by Alex Anderson of Anstruther, Scotland, circa 1914; a forked hosel putter, circa 1890s; a long-nosed play club, circa 1875; a hollowed brass metalwood (the first metalwood) with gutta percha filling, patented in 1891.
A Long Nose Putter made by Andrew Dickson, circa 1750 sold for $181,000.A Long Nose Putter made by Andrew Dickson, circa 1750 sold for $181,000.
A Square Toe Light Iron, circa 1600 sold for $151,000.A Square Toe Light Iron, circa 1600 sold for $151,000.
A Long-nosed scraper (long spoon) mid 18th century sold for $91,000.A Long-nosed scraper (long spoon) mid 18th century sold for $91,000.
A Palmer patent fork shaft wood by A.G. Spalding & Bros. of New York and Chicopee, circa 1901 sold for $49,000.A Palmer patent fork shaft wood by A.G. Spalding & Bros. of New York and Chicopee, circa 1901 sold for $49,000.
A Palmer patent fork shaft iron by A.G. Spalding & Bros. of New York and Chicopee circa 1901 sold for $49,000.A Palmer patent fork shaft iron by A.G. Spalding & Bros. of New York and Chicopee circa 1901 sold for $49,000.
The Bromley & Bickley sterling sliver trophy club, 1903 sold for $43,000.The Bromley & Bickley sterling sliver trophy club, 1903 sold for $43,000.
A Hugh Philip presentation putter with a carved celtic cross, circa 1840's sold for $37,000.A Hugh Philip presentation putter with a carved celtic cross, circa 1840's sold for $37,000.
Presentation putter made by McEwan, circa 1800 sold for $31,000.Presentation putter made by McEwan, circa 1800 sold for $31,000.
A Square Toe Heavy Iron, circa 1700.A Square Toe Heavy Iron, circa 1700.
Currie Metalwood, patented by William Currie Jr., 1891Currie Metalwood, patented by William Currie Jr., 1891
The John Radel Duplex Iron, patented 1928.The John Radel Duplex Iron, patented 1928.
The Oldest Known Duplex Club, Scotland, early 19th century.The Oldest Known Duplex Club, Scotland, early 19th century.
The Grant Mashie, patented in 1892 by George Grant.The Grant Mashie, patented in 1892 by George Grant.
A Patent Interchangeable Face Center-Shafted Metalwood, John L. Kelly and Patrick L. McArdle, circa 1920.A Patent Interchangeable Face Center-Shafted Metalwood, John L. Kelly and Patrick L. McArdle, circa 1920.
Long Nose Brassie Spoon made by Willie Park, Sr., circa 1860's.Long Nose Brassie Spoon made by Willie Park, Sr., circa 1860's.
The Roy Water Iron, circa 1880's.The Roy Water Iron, circa 1880's.
Edward Slade, The First American Metalwood: A Patent Spring-Face Metalwood, circa 1896.Edward Slade, The First American Metalwood: A Patent Spring-Face Metalwood, circa 1896.
Swan Neck Putter, circa 1890's.Swan Neck Putter, circa 1890's.
Thompson and Mitchell Metalwood, Aluminum head with gutta percha, circa 1906.Thompson and Mitchell Metalwood, Aluminum head with gutta percha, circa 1906.
Eben F. Thompson, A Patent Adjustable Iron, circa 1901.Eben F. Thompson, A Patent Adjustable Iron, circa 1901.
The Whistler Iron, made by Robert Cowdery, circa 1920's.The Whistler Iron, made by Robert Cowdery, circa 1920's.
The George Rees "Wizard Putter", patented 1916.The George Rees "Wizard Putter", patented 1916.
A Patent "Lamino" Putter with laminated head and shaft, circa 1923.
