A JACK WHITE DRILLED-FACE "THE DEADUN" BACKSPIN/WATER IRON, CIRCA 1914

Conventionally shaped iron head drilled with five columns of four holes



Back of blade stamped "Warranted Hand Forged / The 'Deadun' / Jack White / Made in Scotland" and with Gibson star cleekmark



Sole stamped "180"



Hickory shaft with leather grip

TGC p. 112; TCA p. 233; TCA 2 Vol. 1 p. 271

Overall very good condition, with a short hairline crack to hosel between pin and hosel top and a few nicks to the leading edge. 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.

At the suggestion of his uncles, Jack White learned the game when he was eleven years old. He caddied for Tom Dunn, Jack Simpson, Bob Ferguson, and J.E. Laidlay. The champions' skills must have rubbed off--White won the British Open Championship in 1904. He also learned the art of clubmaking from Dunn; Golfing magazine reported that "White's skill is on a par with his ability as a player."  He was the professional at York, Worlington, Mitcham, and Seaford before settling at Sunningdale in 1901 and staying there until his retirement in 1926. The principle of the drilled-face iron is that it would deaden impact, theoretically reducing the distance the ball would roll. It was also made to impart a dose of backspin and be used in water. White's "Deadun" iron is much harder to find than his "Civic" putter (see lot 266). This example is one of just a few known. To see White's "Civic" putter, please go to lot 266.