TWO ROBERT ANDERSON & SONS PATENT SOCKET HEAD DRIVERS, CIRCA MID-1890s

Both drivers stamped on the crown "Anderson & Sons / Edinburgh / Patent"



One stamped "Anderson & Sons / Princes St. / Edinburgh"



One with golden blonde finish, other with rich brown stain



One with a full horn face and the other with a fiber face



Both with lead backweights



Both with hickory shaft and sheepskin grip

TCA p. 134; TCA 2 Vol. 1 p. 156

Overall very good condition, on one club a piece of the horn sole insert is now missing. Please note that most lots describe a basic overall condition status. Please note that it is the nature of this type of memorabilia to be in excellent or very good condition and still have some age wear. To request individual detailed condition reports, please contact Lisa Ladish or Kevin Schwartz in Sotheby's Collectibles Department.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In 1891 Anderson patented and commercially produced the first socket neck wood. In traditional scared or spliced neck woods, the neck was always the weakest point of the club. Several makers followed after Anderson and tried fiber faces, believed to protect the head while supposedly making the ball travel farther. The club with the full horn face is the only such club known. To see Robert Anderson's Crescent Head Irons and Putter, please go to lot 378.