Lot 167
  • 167

AN ARTHUR HAM DESIGN-REGISTERED "HAMSOLE" RAKE IRON BY HENDRY & BISHOP OF EDINBURGH & LEITH, CIRCA 1916-21

bidding is closed

Description

Iron clubhead with marked face and designed with series of "teeth" running along leading edge of blade



Back of blade stamped "Arthur Ham / N.S.G.C. / Skegness" all within an oval



Additionally stamped "Warranted Hand forged / Special 'Cardinal' / Niblick / Reg" and with Hendry & Bishop mitre cleekmark



Back of each "tooth" stamped with a letter, together forming the word "Ham Sole"



Hickory shaft stamped with the letter "P"



Leather grip

Literature

TCA p. 223; TCA 2 Vol. 1 p. 261

Condition

Overall very good condition with minor wear, a little bit of pitting to the surface of the iron. 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.

Catalogue Note

Ham tried to remedy the problems encountered by Robert Higgs's "Deliverer" (see lot 155) by shortening the length and increasing the number of the club's downward pointing teeth. But the golfing world did not accept the "Hamsole." This is one of only three examples known. After working as a professional at Blackwell from 1910-1916, Ham went to North Shore Golf Club from  1916-1921 (hence the NSGC markings on the back of the head). He then ventured to New Zealand for several years, then crossed the water again, finally setteling at Plum Hollow in Michigan. (Jackson 1994, 39). For more Hendry & Bishop clubs, please see lots 117, 174, 175, 303 and 308. For another Ham club, please see lot 303.