A SMITH PATENT DUPLEX "SMITHIRON" 11 1/2" CLUB BY BURKE GOLF CO. OF NEWARK, OHIO, CIRCA 1928

Short shaft and duplex clubhead allow golfer to use club with one hand while crouching low to ground in restricted areas



Suitable for right- or left-handed use



Sole stamped "Burke / Smith Iron / Pat'nd. 77191"



Metal butt cap stamped "Burke / Newark / Ohio"



Hickory shaft with leather grip

TCA p. 485; TCA 2 Vol. 2 p. 613

Overall very good condition with one large nick to the leading edge of sole, some pitting around the top of the hosel and slight damage to leather grip. 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.

How low can you go?

This Smithiron duplex, patented in 1928,  featured an elfsized shaft and duplex head which allowed the golfer to use this club with one hand while crouching low to the ground, usually when the ball was in a very restricted area such as under the shadow of a tree or bush or maybe in a bird's nest or by the concession stand...

Per its ad in a May 1932 issue of Golf Illustrated it  "reduces hacking to a minimum, saves your disposition, saves precious strokes."

Certainly easier to throw, too...For more Burke clubs, please see lots 278A, 410, 461, 544, 601 and 605.