Golfing
Golfing has long history, and its enduring popularity has produced a wide variety of eq
uipment and related items to collect. Although antique pieces are rare and expensive, there is plenty to suit even the most modest budget.
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| Golfing |
Many of us
have inherited a passion for golf from our parents or grandparents. Some may
even have been lucky enough to have been passed on something more tangible,
such as a well-worn set of clubs or a cherished memento of an early Open.
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| Golfing |
sold during the Victorian era.
Absolutely anything with a
golfing theme - including books, artworks, ceramics, and silverware - is of
interest. Antique equipment catalogues make a fascinating addition to any
collection, for example, with some dating from the late 19th century available
for £150-250; later examples usually cost less.
Established ceramic factories such as Royal Doulton, Spode,
and Clifton
started producing wares decorated with golfing images in the 1890s. Early
pieces in perfect condition can sell for £100-1,000 or more, whereas golfing
ceramics from the 1950s onwards can often be bought for around £10-50.
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| Golfing |
Older pieces, or those linked with significant competitions
and golfing landmarks, will attract higher price tags - a programme from the
1962 Open Championship might sell for £400-600, but one from the 1930s or
earlier will generally be worth about ,£800-1,200 or more.
Clubs, of which there are 14 distinct varieties, form a
central feature of many collections. Market prices are linked to age,rarity, quality, and
condition. Iron- headed clubs that predate the introduction of the steel shaft
in the 1920s are particularly prized, as are the early long-nosed woods that
were in use until the mid-19th century.
These can be worth from ,£2,000 up to £50,000. Later examples, such as 1930s steel- shafted clubs, can be found for less than £50, but they may rise in value as they become rarer.
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| Golfing |
These can be worth from ,£2,000 up to £50,000. Later examples, such as 1930s steel- shafted clubs, can be found for less than £50, but they may rise in value as they become rarer.
Modern clubs can also be collectable. Rare early Ping
putters from the 1960s can sell for more than £1,000, with some more recent
examples from the 1980s already reaching around £100-200.
The first golf balls, called 'featheries', were hand made
from stitched animal-skin casing stuffed with boiled feathers. Featheries with
no identified maker can be picked up for around £800-1,200, but the mark of a
recognised manufacturer such as Andrew Dickson or Henry Mills can often boost
this to £10,000 or more.
At the end of the 19th century, rubber-core balls made by Haskell arrived on the scene and these were used until the more controllable
dimple-patterned balls came into play some years later. Haskell balls are
scarce: a standard example in good condition may fetch more than £80-120.
Golfing has been a favourite celebrity pastime since the
mid-20th century when Hollywood stars such as Bing Crosby and Bob Hope helped to popularise the sport. Any
golfing items with a celebrity pedigree are attractive both to fans of the star
and the spoil. Equipment associated with professionals does have some worth,
but unless it's linked to a truly international name, such as Jack Nicklaus or
Tiger Woods, the effect on value will be minimal.
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| Golfing |
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