A JOHN GRAY CONCAVE FACE TRACK IRON, CIRCA 1860

Typical concave and tiny clubhead with thick head and hosel



Stamped "J. Gray"



Hickory shaft with sheepskin grip

TGC p. 40; TCA p. 118; TCA 2 Vol. 1 p. 137

Overall excellent condition. 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.

Prestwick-based blacksmith John Gray was the only blacksmith making iron clubheads in the west of Scotland in the mid 1800's and one of the first to ever mark his work. In 1851, Gray and Tom Morris were founding members of Prestwick Golf Club, home of the first British Open in 1860. Good friends, Gray forged clubheads for Morris during their time together at Prestwick.  "Along with 'Old Tom', another founder of the new club was a local blacksmith, then apprenticed to his father at a horseshoe forge in Prestwick...no self-respecting golfer would assemble a set without a cleek or iron 'hand forged by John Gray of Prestwick'. (Johnston 1993, 586).  For more Gray clubs, please also see lots 13 and149.