THE FIRST PATENTED GOLF CLUB- A JOHNSTON LONG-NOSED LONG SPOON WITH VULCANITE HEAD, CIRCA 1876

Patent vulcanite long-nosed head



Stamped "Johnston's Patent / Edinburgh"



Lead backweight



Hickory shaft with sheepskin grip

TGC p. 57; TCA p. 82; TCA 2 Vol. 1 p. 93

Excellent overall condition, some original varnish stil on neck. 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.

On June 29, 1876 Thomas Johnston of Edinburgh received the world's first patent issued for a golf club. It was thirteen years ahead of the second patent, issued to Willie Park Jr. for his "Park's Patent Lofter" (see lot 347).This nearly unused example of a Johnston long spoon consists of a head made from a hardened rubber called vulcanite, created by adding sulphur to the rubber. Johnston believed that creating the clubhead out of such material might preclude the need for a piece of horn and lead.  This example does not contain a piece of horn, but does have a small lead backweight fixed in place with the aid of two brass dowels.  The patent Johnston received for this design extols the advantages of the club: "the superior elasticity of the vulcanite and its comparative immunity from all climate changes render these golf club heads much more effective...much more durable."  Vulcanite, which sounds like a material possibly used on the Starship Enterprise, also proved to be far, far ahead of its time. Therefore, it is not suprising that only approximately fifteen Johnston clubs are known, the majority of which are putters. For other vulcanite clubs, please see lots 420 and 421.